Brené Brown, a researcher on vulnerability and shame, offers a powerful distinction: “What separates privilege from entitlement is gratitude.”
Acknowledging Advantages
Privilege refers to unearned benefits or opportunities. Gratitude encourages recognizing these advantages, fostering humility.
Appreciation Breeds Responsibility
When we appreciate our privilege, we feel a sense of responsibility to use it for good, not just personal gain.
Breaking the Cycle
Gratitude counteracts entitlement’s sense of deservingness, promoting empathy and understanding of those without the same advantages.