George W. Bush’s “Out of Many, One”: A Message of Gratitude

“And at a time when so many, on both the Left and Right, seem intent on tearing everything down, President Bush reminds us how much we have.”

In my personal life, I find that my darkest moments are ones that are marked by ingratitude. When I fail to appreciate all that I have been given—by way of opportunity, gifts, and the love and guidance of family and friends—I am my worst self. I am most prone to feeling resentment towards others; I grow sour and irritable; I turn inwards.

I suspect I am not alone here. Ingratitude offers a stage upon which our vices act out and flourish. Gratitude, on the other hand, opens the door to our very best selves. When we are grateful for all that we have been given—spiritually, materially, physically, emotionally, mentally—we are best positioned to use it for good, to flourish, to be the sort of people we are called to be.

Joseph Kim, for example, went from being a homeless beggar in North Korea to an American citizen, college graduate, and aspiring orphanage founder.

Since reading former President George W. Bush’s new book, Out of Many, One: Portraits of America’s Immigrants, I have been thinking that the lessons of gratitude on the individual level hold true for nations, too. In the book, President Bush pairs his wonderfully painted portraits of 43 American immigrants with each of their incredibly inspiring stories. Almost without exception, each and every one harbors deep and genuine gratitude for America and all it has to offer—particularly its political freedoms, religious liberties, physical safety, and opportunities for socioeconomic mobility. As President Bush writes in the preface:

“As I researched the stories of these unique men and women from thirty-five different countries, consistent themes emerged: their resilience and perseverance, their patriotism, their generosity, and perhaps most of all, their gratitude. To a person, they expressed profound thanks for being here and determination to make the most of every opportunity. That’s what I hope readers come away with—a renewed sense of gratitude for the freedoms we sometimes take for granted, and for these remarkable people who choose to live among us.”