21/09/2026
Dia 21 Setembro 2026 - Dia Internacional da Gratidão
The Depth of "Obrigado". Often, the haste of daily life empties words of their true meaning. We say "thank you" mechanically, as a mere gesture of courtesy. However, if we dive into the roots of our word — as Professor António Sampaio da Nóvoa reminds us, drawing from Thomas Aquinas's Treatise on Gratitude —, we discover that the Portuguese language offers us a unique privilege in how we choose to express our thanks. While many languages are guided by rational recognition (such as the English thank you) or the act of giving thanks (such as the Spanish gracias or the French merci), Portuguese goes further. Our gratitude is not exhausted in the brain or in social praise. It resides in commitment.To say "obrigado" is to embrace a bond. It is saying to the other person: "What you did for me touched me in such a way that, from this day forward, I am bound to you. I am tied to your journey, connected to your story, and committed to your future." This is the deepest level of gratitude.In a world that so often values the fleeting and the individualistic, reclaiming the meaning of "obrigado" is an act of resistance. It is recognizing that we do not make ourselves alone, and that our lives are built through our connection with others. May we, therefore, honor our language and our bonds, giving "obrigados" that are not just words, but sincere promises of presence and commitment.
O meu Obrigado à todos vocês ! 🙏