Why gratitude is intelligence

By Eric Wamanji

Did you know gratitude requires intelligence?
Let’s face it — every day, people extend favours to us, just as we do for others. The most time-honoured response is simple: say thank you. Be grateful.

It seems like common sense — until you realise it’s not.

How often have we been called “ungrateful”? That word cuts deep, and for good reason. It reminds us that gratitude isn’t just about manners. It’s about awareness, humility, and empathy. In truth, it’s a form of intelligence — It’s what I call Gratitude Intelligence (GI), or Gratitude Quotient (GQ). Basically the emotional and cognitive capacity of an individual to recorgnize, understand, and give feedback (verbal or non-verbal) in relation to a kind gesture from another person or people.

The reality is, not everyone is wired with this kind of intelligence. That’s why some people overlook or fail to acknowledge the small gestures of kindness shown to them. It’s not always malice — sometimes it’s just a blind spot.  Though it’s prudent to note that others use people for personal gain in the Machiavellian design.

Think about it: even lower animals, creatures without a conscience or language, respond to consistent kindness. They grow friendlier, more trusting. But human beings? We often struggle to do the same.

Why is it that something so valued in polite societies — simple gratitude — seems to escape many of us?
Maybe it’s because we treat gratitude like a social formality, rather than an emotional skill that must be developed. But the truth is, being thankful requires awareness. It takes effort. It takes intelligence.

So yes, gratitude may seem small, but it’s no small thing. It’s a reflection of how tuned in we are to others, to life, and to the quiet goodness that surrounds us. So even as I sip and enjoy my hot latte, one thing is clear: There is something called Gratitude Intelligence. The Question then is: How do we build our Gratitude Quotient/ Intelligence?