I read something the other day that I’m still thinking about.

I read that one of the world’s wealthiest men and his partner were disposing of some of his wealth through philanthropy.

Which, in itself, doesn’t surprise me.

It seems there is some innate part of a man that feels a need to justify his position in life, however the means.

But I wondered, as I read what I did, if I wasn’t picking up on something else.

Something that is universal to us all.

At first, when I read what I did, I was disgusted.

One of the donations from the above referenced couple landed in the 100 million dollar range, and was given to one who is purported to be one of the richest female country music stars.

“Come on,” I thought.

“Could you make it a little more visible next time?” (sarcastically)

And, incidentally, said country music star had just donated 100 million some months ago to humanity and the cure for their various diseases.

But, after I had simmered down a bit, I picked up again on that little noise underneath all the hubbub and the distraction of the big numbers that were being tossed around like so much confetti.

I saw in the billionaire, the same longing I see in myself.

He wished to be appreciated. 

And, perhaps being blindsided by his immense wealth, it seemed he thought he could buy it, or, make bargain of sorts.

But I don’t think appreciation can ever be traded for or purchased.

Nor do I think the value of it has ever changed, since, say, when two brothers got in a fight about whose offering was the soonest to be accepted, or appreciated, by the one to whom they were offering it to.

It gave me pause, then, to think of all the different kinds of currency men have tried to exchange for a bit of appreciation through the years.

I wonder how many jails, youth detention centers, or drug rehabilitation programs are populated by folks driven to desperation because this deep inner need was never satiated.

Because the need for appreciation seems to be at the crux of our makeup.

Like my friend Justin said, “I don’t care so much what kind of business deal I’m made; I just want to know they cared about me.”

And, like our billionaire brother of humanity, we reach beyond ourselves over and over in an attempt to prove to ourselves that we are appreciated.

I believe we owe it, as a prerogative duty to our fellowman, to take time to show our appreciation for the quality we see shining out of their lives.

It takes very little effort on our part, and it is guaranteed to make a lifetime of difference.