It’s that time of year again when people eat prodigious quantities of food, engage in sometimes contentious conversations with relatives they haven’t seen all that often and perhaps watch football or parades. Yes, it’s Thanksgiving. Tongue-in-cheek comments as the above are not my real feelings. Probably they are not yours or those of the stereotypical American. Just in case they are, on the eve of this annual American version of this holiday let’s consider these words from Daisaku Ikeda.

 None of us can exist in isolation. Our lives and existence are supported by others in seen and unseen ways, be it by parents, mentors or society at large. To be aware of these connections, to feel appreciation for them, and to strive to give something back to society in a spirit of gratitude is the proper way for human beings to live.