Recognizing Nature’s Gifts: Air, Water, and Trees

From Machiavelli to Hobbes, human nature has often been described as ungrateful—a perspective with which I completely agree. This raises an important question: to whom should one be grateful, and why do we often fail in doing so? We can divide this into two parts: gratitude towards nature and gratitude towards people. Let us first talk about nature.

Gratitude Towards Nature

1. Air

We all aim to achieve great goals in life, but we forget that all achievements depend on our survival. The most critical element for survival is neither money, nor a house, nor a high position. We can live without these, but not without air—even for a moment.

The first thing we do when we enter this world is breathe, and the last thing we do when we leave is stop breathing. Our entire life depends on air. It is the pillar of our existence. Yet, are we grateful for this gift from nature? Do we do anything daily to preserve or improve it? The answer is often a resounding no. Instead of showing gratitude, we engage in its destruction—cutting trees and polluting the air in the name of development.

Let me suggest a simple experiment: close your nose for just one minute. You’ll realize how utterly dependent you are on air. Air gives us life and demands nothing in return, yet we neither acknowledge its importance nor take steps to protect it.

No development can be greater than human life. What good are money and luxury if polluted air makes us sick and unable to enjoy them? The increasing pollution in countries like India is a warning. The day is not far when people might have to carry oxygen cylinders everywhere

Solution: We must recognize that nothing is more valuable than life, and fresh air is essential for life. We should oppose all developments that pollute the air and seek refuge in nature, where we can nurture rather than exploit it.

2. Trees

Imagine the pain of a small wound on your finger. Now think of the pain trees endure as they are cut down for our selfish needs. Science has proven that trees and plants have life, as even Mahavira taught us—they too possess a soul and deserve respect.

Yet, we destroy them despite their immense contributions to our survival. Trees provide oxygen, fruits, and shade, but instead of being grateful, we continue cutting down forests. This not only harms us but also displaces countless animals who lose their homes.

If someone asked me whether I would bow before God or a tree, I would choose the tree. First, if there is a God, He is present in the form of a tree—the basis of our life. Second, I have never seen God, but I see the benefits of a tree every day.

Solution: Every person should plant as many trees as possible, with greater responsibility placed on the wealthy. The richer one is, the more they owe to the environment.

3. Water

Once Alexander met a hermit. Alexander said to the hermit, “How lucky you are that the world conqueror Alexander is standing in front of you.”

The hermit paused for a moment, observing Alexander’s pride. Then, to shatter his arrogance, he asked, “Suppose you are in a desert and you do not have a drop of water to drink, and I have a glass of water. What will you give me in exchange for it?”

Alexander confidently replied, “I will give you lots of gold and silver.”

The hermit nodded thoughtfully and asked, “And if I still refuse to give you water, what will you offer then?”

Alexander, slightly unsettled, said, “I will give you half of my kingdom.”

The hermit looked directly into Alexander’s eyes and asked again, “And if I still do not give you the water, then what will you do?”

Alexander, now desperate, said, “I will give you my entire empire.”

The hermit laughed and said, “Oh fool, the value of your entire empire is this one glass of water. Then why do you shed so much blood to conquer lands and amass wealth, forgetting the simplest, most essential gifts of life?”

This illustrates the priceless nature of water—a gift we often waste without a second thought.

Millions of people die every year due to a lack of clean water. In parts of Africa, people understand its value deeply. Yet, those of us who have water take it for granted.

Solution: Let us pledge never to waste water or food and to share these precious resources with those in need.

Gratitude Towards Humans

1.Parents

This world is full of contradictions. On one hand, we place parents on a pedestal higher than God, and on the other, we abandon them in old age homes. India has the highest number of old age homes—a testament to the declining respect for elders.

The hypocrisy is glaring. We worship God and observe fasts, yet abuse and neglect our living parents. Parents are respected only as long as they are “useful.” Once their role in our lives is fulfilled, they are discarded like old furniture.

We owe everything to our parents—our life, our education, and the roof over our heads. They sacrifice so much for us, yet we fail to show gratitude. Personally, I am most grateful to my parents for giving me the freedom to pursue my education and read the books I love.

We owe everything to our parents—our life, our education, and the roof over our heads. They sacrifice so much for us, yet we fail to show gratitude. Personally, I am most grateful to my parents for giving me the freedom to pursue my education and read the books I love.

Solution: Put yourself in your parents’ shoes. Treat them the way you would want your children to treat you, especially in old age.

I once read a story, and I am sharing it here. A young man was asking his father to leave the house, and his father pleaded, “Where will I go in this cold? Have mercy on me.” The young man replied, “I can’t do anything about it now.” The father then said, “At least give me a blanket. It’s so cold.”

The young man turned to his child and said, “Bring a blanket for your grandfather.” The child brought two blankets. Surprised, the young man asked, “Why did you bring two blankets?” The child innocently replied, “One is for grandfather now, and when you grow old, I’ll give you the other one and send you away from home.”

2. Teachers

To me, a teacher holds a status equal to that of parents and even surpasses that of God. Teachers are the true architects of humanity, shaping individuals into better versions of themselves and transforming ordinary humans into enlightened beings.

When I speak of teachers, I don’t limit the term to formal school or college educators. Teachers can also be authors, philosophers, and spiritual leaders like Buddha, Mahavira, and Socrates. For me, books have been my greatest teachers, and I am profoundly grateful for the wisdom they hold. My mentors include the timeless teachings of Ambedkar, Buddha, Kabir, and Napoleon Hill, whose insights continue to inspire and guide me.

The teaching profession deserves the highest respect because it is the foundation upon which every other profession is built. Unfortunately, in today’s world, teachers are often undervalued, largely due to a lack of appreciation for the transformative power of education. Once we truly understand the significance of education in shaping lives, we will instinctively hold teachers in the esteem they so rightly deser

Final Thoughts

Ungratefulness, whether towards nature or people, stems from ignorance and selfishness. Gratitude is not just a virtue; it is a responsibility. Let us recognize the immense blessings we have received—from the air we breathe, the trees that sustain us, the water that quenches our thirst, to the parents and teachers who shape our lives. Only then can we begin to nurture a more meaningful and sustainable existence.