Theodore Dalrymple Quotes

When gifts are replaced by rights, so is gratitude replaced by claims. And claims breed resentment

People who have given us their complete confidence believe that they have a right to ours. The inference is false, a gift confers no rights.

Entitlement is the opposite of enchantment.

The conservative vision regards politics more as a matter of gratitude than entitlement - duty over rights. We have inherited so much: a wonderful country, a culture of freedom and abundance, even our life itself, earned through no effort of our own but bequeathed as a gift from our forefathers.

When you are handed something instead of having to work for it, you don't respect it as much.

Only a stomach that rarely feels hungry scorns common things.

People who are given whatever they want soon develop a sense of entitlement and rapidly lose their sense of proportion.

I look upon it as a Point of Morality, to be obliged by those who endeavour to oblige me.

I love getting stuff, and if I give a present to someone and don't get one back, you can bet your life they won't be getting one next year.

It is right to give every man his due.

I have been very fortunate, so much is expected of me.

I think it's most important for children to understand the concept of respect and manners and also work ethic. I have a responsibility to those who came before me.

Even if you feel someone has wronged you or owes you something, no one is going to give you anything for free.

Most people regard getting their way as a matter of simple justice.

When people get things for free, they tend to not take them as seriously.

Never claim as a right what you can ask as a favor.

There is so much that people take for granted.

It is not polite to receive a favor without returning it.

Favors granted always become defined as rights.

Gratitude is merely the secret hope of further favors.

Everybody thinks they deserve something.

I firmly believe that to whom much is given, much is expected.

We can take these things for granted, when we have everything on a plate.

An attitude of entitlement is inversely related to one of gratitude.

One recipe for happiness is to have to sense of entitlement.' To this she added a star and noted at the bottom of the page: 'This is not a lesson I have ever been in a position to learn.