Article March 1, 1930 ISSUE

True Appreciation

ERNEST C. MOSES

A MODERN dictionary defines the word "appreciation" in its most comman usage as "true or adequate apprehension or estimation, as of qualities, merit, or value; sympathetic recognition of excellence." The import of the definitions of the correlative words relates especially to the proper valuation of thoughts, character, and actions; and the same dictionary illustrates the true sense of appreciation by the following citation: "The exquisite beauty of even the humblest blossom can only be appreciated by the eyes which gaze on it with tenderness and affection." How true indeed this is!

We can, therefore, conclude that true appreciation is a proper valuation of character, conditions, and actions through eyes enlightened with desire to discover and prize the beautiful, the good, and whatever is true, both in substance and in symbol. Christ Jesus always had and utilized a true appreciation of those around him, for he saw their true spiritual selfhood as the reflection of God, always perfect; and thus valued them. He once said "to an innumerable multitude of people," after warning them to be awake to the supposititious processes and intentions of evil, "Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows."

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