I don't deserve this award, but I have arthritis and I don't

In the ever-changing tides of human experience, there are moments when we find ourselves unexpectedly bestowed with honors and awards that seem beyond our deserving. Jack Benny, a beloved comedian, spoke to this paradox with the words, “I don’t deserve this award, but I have arthritis and I don’t deserve that either.” In these words, there lies not just humor, but a profound truth about the nature of life, suffering, and gratitude. Benny’s quip reflects the very essence of the human condition—that we are often given both gifts and burdens, neither of which we can fully explain or control, but both of which shape the paths we walk.

In ancient times, the philosophers spoke often of fate and destiny, and of how we must endure whatever is placed upon us with grace. The Stoics, in particular, believed that it is not the circumstances of our lives that determine our peace, but our response to them. They taught that one must accept both the joys and the sufferings of life with a sense of equanimity, understanding that suffering is a natural part of existence, just as much as pleasure and success. Benny’s quote encapsulates this wisdom—the recognition that, while we may not always deserve the suffering we endure, we must accept it as part of the human experience, just as we must accept the blessings.

Consider the ancient Greek hero Hercules, who, despite his great strength and valor, was burdened by labors that were forced upon him as part of his destiny. Hercules did not choose his path, nor did he deserve the trials he faced, yet he met each challenge with perseverance and courage, demonstrating that what we deserve is not always aligned with what we must endure. This reflects Benny’s wry acknowledgment of his suffering from arthritis—a condition he did not choose, but one he must confront with resilience. In this way, Benny’s humor becomes a shield, transforming suffering into a moment of shared humanity.

Moreover, Benny's acceptance of both his undeserved award and his arthritis teaches us a key lesson about gratitude. We live in an age where many focus on what they lack or what they feel they are owed. We are taught to strive for success, to claim our rewards, and to believe we deserve what we receive. Yet, Benny's words call us to a higher truth—that sometimes, it is not the things we deserve or fail to deserve that matter, but how we respond to the unexpected gifts and burdens of life. Gratitude, rather than entitlement, is the true key to peace. For in accepting what comes our way, whether it is a reward or a hardship, we find the strength to move forward with dignity and grace.

Think of the story of Nelson Mandela, whose life was marked by both injustice and honor. Imprisoned for years in a harsh and unforgiving land, Mandela did not deserve the suffering he endured. Yet, he rose above it with a strength of spirit that ultimately led him to leadership, peace, and an international legacy. Like Benny, Mandela was burdened by things he did not deserve, but his ability to transform those challenges into moments of great humanity and leadership was what truly defined him. It was not the rewards or the recognition he sought, but the ability to accept and transform his life’s circumstances that made him a hero.

The wisdom of Benny’s quote also speaks to our own daily struggles and triumphs. We all have moments in which we feel we do not deserve the challenges we face—be they health issues, personal losses, or unforeseen obstacles. Yet, as Benny humorously reminds us, life does not always work according to our sense of justice or deserving. The real question is not whether we deserve our burdens, but how we choose to carry them. Do we resist and resent, or do we meet them with the fortitude of those who came before us, like Hercules, Mandela, or even the wise Stoics?

The practical lesson here is one of acceptance and gratitude. Life is not about getting what we deserve, but rather about learning how to respond to what we are given—whether that is joy or suffering. Let us accept the unexpected rewards that come our way without entitlement and face the challenges, like arthritis or adversity, with grace. In doing so, we not only find peace but also discover the true strength of the human spirit—the ability to endure, to grow, and to thrive in the face of all that life offers, both the good and the bad. Just as Jack Benny could laugh in the face of his arthritis and his award, so too must we laugh, learn, and move forward with the understanding that life’s greatest gifts are often those we do not deserve, but which shape us nonetheless.