Gratitude - Harvard University

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A season of gratitude

Last updated: November 2022

The grateful life

Harvard experts say gratitude is not only beneficial for individual health, but also for the wellbeing of society.

Could gratitude make your life better?

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Saying thank you

Members of the Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine Class of 2023 took a moment to thank those who helped them most.

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To my father, whose left leg was afflicted with polio: Thank you for teaching me what it means to be a man and to walk with dignity.”

William Mbongo

I want to thank my mom and my grandmothers, who have taught me that women are powerful."

Logan Beyer

Mommy, I want you to know I have the privilege of putting on this white coat and feeling like a superhero because of you."

LaShyra “Lash” Nolen

Living gratefully during a pandemic

Finding gratitude in challenging times

On the “Harvard EdCast” podcast, Kristi Nelson says we should determine what things are essential and stay connected to those, while figuring out how to let the rest go.

Learn more from Kristi

An attitude of gratitude

A mom looks on as her daughter holds a toy

Teaching kids about gratitude

Gratitude is about more than just saying “thank you.”

Teaching kids about gratitude

Graduate School of Education

Talking about thanks and giving

A family holds hands while sitting around the Thanksgiving table

Talking about thanks and giving

Harvard Divinity School

Practicing praise and gratitude

Practicing praise and gratitude

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Writing notes of thanks

A Harvard staff member writes puts a thank-you card in an envelope

Writing notes of thanks

Harvard Chan School

An optimistic outlook may be a healthier one

An optimistic outlook may be a healthier one