11/21/2025 – PragerU – Episode 214 – “Gratitude is Everything” presented by Dennis Prager / Have a joy filled Thanksgiving with loved ones!
https://www.prageru.com/videos/ep-214-gratitude-is-everything
I posted this back on 12/03/2021 . I think it is appropriate to repeat the post again during Thanksgiving season, four years later. Dennis has been paralyzed for about a year now, after he slipped on his bathroom floor coming out of the shower. He is a quadriplegic. I read an article just recently from an interview by his son. Dennis commented he doesn’t know why, but he has not yet suffered from depression. I think the answer lies in God’s grace and his living through this message.
I also remember an interview question years ago: What is the difference between the christian faith and the jewish faith. His answer surprised me in more ways than one!: He replied: “Christians believe you can give glory to God through suffering. Jews believe that suffering sucks.” For I repeat my prayer request back in 2021: I pray that Dennis will repent and accept Jesus Christ, all in, as His Lord and Savior. This presentation is a great 30 minute investment.
I have listed Dennis Prager at the top of the list: “If you could invite a public figure to join you in Thanksgiving dinner, knowing they would accept, who would you invite?” If if invest 30 minutes here, you might not change your list, but I think you will know where I am coming from. Sorry for being late on this one as it focuses on the “Gratitude” virtue and thanksgiving.
Pray for Dennis, a future brother in Christ! I am grateful for Dennis and “PragerU.com”, what a life-long learner site! I have been asked by brothers: “Jimmy, why are you recommending a lecture from an Orthodox Jewish scholar? I think you will understand, at least somewhat from Dennis’ up front explanation of his on-going partnership with Dallas Baptist University. I would describe Dennis as one of the most prominent public Christian apologists that I know. (“apologist” does not mean “apologizing” for but “defender of the faith”.)
Summary bullets:
- I would take issue with Dennis’ position that an ungrateful person cannot be either happy nor a “good” person. Jesus said: “only God is good”. But, I would agree that it would follow an ungrateful person is not of high moral character and not a “fun” person to be around. Question: Have you ever met a “happy” leftist?
- Dennis starts taking questions at about 16 minutes in. As to the viewer question of what would he recommend for first PragerU videos to watch: Those of the many selections that cover happiness ; forgiveness; or, gratitude. Note: I am not looking at the website now, but most are only five minutes or so in length. (great investments of time, in my opinion)
- Thanksgiving is not for current christians only. I agree: “if you can’t celebrate thanksgiving, something is wrong with you.”
- This was short fascinating answer to the question: “What five countries in the world are the friendliest, of the 130 or so that Dennis has visited.” As Dennis notes, in nor particular order: 1) The Holland (The “Dutch”) ; 2) Phillipines (Filipinos); 3) Ethiopia (Ethiopians); 4) Italy (Italians) and 5) Americans (Jimmy insert: “Texians” haha)
- Actually, I think this from Fireside chat #162, or so, entitled: “Live Life to the Fullest”, a humorous note: It is apparently true, both Dennis and his dog Otto who lays down beside him during his chats, are of an extreme calm nature. I have commented before, but it boggles my mind how both Dennis and Ben Shapiro can keep calm at all times during their visits and discussions on college campuses. (shall we say hostile and vitrile environments)
Soli Deo Gloria!