To Appreciate

According to wiktionary it has the following definitions:

1) To set a price or value on; to estimate justly; to value.
To appreciate the motives of their enemies. --Gibbon.
2 ) (U.S.) To raise the value of; to increase the market price of
Lest a sudden peace should appreciate the money. --Ramsay.
3) To be sensible of; to distinguish.
To test the power of bees to appreciate color. --Lubbock.
4) To view as valuable.
I appreciate your help

I think #2 is interesting. When we appreciate something, when we show appreciation for something, do we through our appreciation increase its value and worth?

I think the act of appreciation is more than simply a good feeling, it is an action (after all this is a verb) that increases the value and worth of what we are appreciating.

When I appreciate someone, I increase their worth. When I appreciate what I have, I increase its value to me.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Appreciate this post! It was a good one! (kaymac)
RennyBA said…
Interesting point of view - I think I'll stick to your definition!

Wishing you a Marry Christmas:-)
B said…
I've been thinking so much about appreciation lately and this post really struck me. I too embrace your interpretation. Appreciation often does seem to be conceived of as simply a good feeling. However, it truly is an action and as such, it becomes more meaningful.
Barbara said…
I was APPRECIATED today. I got a free lunch because I had worked in a volunteer capacity.
I agree, and the operative words are, "to you". Like at the auction sales, you pay what it's worth to you for whatever reason you want the item. Any price is good then.

Same with Self-worth really. You can appreciate yourself for several reasons and hence increase your feeling of self-worth which in turn allows you to appreciate yourself even more ....and so on..to infinity! Your whole value appreciates with age too!
vina said…
well then, i appreciate myself! :)
I think that last sentence is pretty true, depending on how you show your appreciation.
Richard said…
kaymac: glad you enjoyed it.

rennyba: thanks. Merry Christmas to you too. Sometimes we have to look at things from a different perspective.

breal: food for thought. That is why I like interacting with people - you never know what new ideas and perspectives I will come back with.

MOI: while it would be nice if we could all share and enjoy collectively, the truth is that it is rather personal. And yeah, it has to be something you appreciate, not someone else.

vina: we all need to learn to appreciate ourselves better. To increase our value.

run around paris: yes.
Just me said…
It would make sense that when you appreciate something his/her/it's value goes up. The opposite would be not appreciating someone/thing and taking him/her/it for granted.


I'm bummed I haven't had a chance to come by and visit lately. I miss your posts. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.. I know I won't have time to come by again until after the new year.. Cheers!!!
Ancilla said…
appreciation can the way we feel who we are in other's eyes.
tin-tin said…
when i appreciate someone, his/her value increases for me. and when somebody appreciates me, i feel that my value increases :)

it's really a nice feeling to be appreciated :)
R -
I hope you have a safe, happy and blessed holiday - you deserve it! And, best wishes for a very happy new year!
Your friend,
Erin
Matt said…
Absolutely. A stupid comparison maybe, but just look at the film industry. The more appreciated a film is, the more publicity it gets and even more people go see it. Then we get the box-office figures that list films according to their worth, if you wish. At least, that's how the studios see it.

Anyway, enjoy your Christmas. I'm waiting for pictures showing you in a santa costume! :)
Anonymous said…
Happy Holidays,Richard!
RennyBA said…
May I invite you to a mile stone season celebration in Norway?

From all of me to all of you: Marry Christmas:-)
Richard said…
freckled-one: work is now blocking blogger, so I cannot surreptitiously read and update now-a-days.

ancilla: the point I am trying to make is that it is more than a feeling, more than just a word, it is an action that causes us to "improve" the other person.

tin-tin: genuine appreciation is great!

runaroundparis: thank you Erin.

matt: thanks, I will try to enjoy Christmas.

ghee: thank you.

rennyba: thank you.

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