David Steindl-Rast — Anatomy of Gratitude @onbeing

Uploaded September 2019 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago

Mysticism is the birthright of every human being, says Br. David Steindl-Rast. He speaks of the anatomy and practice of gratitude as full-blooded, reality-based, and redeeming. Now in his 90s, he has lived through a world war, the end of an empire, and the fascist takeover of his country. He was an early pioneer, together with Thomas Merton, of dialogue between Christian and Buddhist monastics. He’s also given a TED talk, viewed over six million times, on the subject of gratitude — a practice increasingly interrogated by scientists and physicians as a key to human well-being. (Original Air Date: January 21, 2016)

About the Guest:
David Steindl-Rast is the founder and senior advisor for A Network for Grateful Living. His books include “Gratefulness,” “A Listening Heart,” and most recently, a new autobiographical work, “i am through you so i.”

Visit our website to read the transcript, download the episode, or listen to the unedited interview: onbeing.org/programs/david-steindl-rast-anatomy-of-gratitude-dec2017

Visit our On Being Classics Library, where this episode is featured: onbeing.org/libraries/classics

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