Cats and Dogs: Gratitude and Entitlement

Seth Godin wrote:

A dog gets fed and thinks his person is an omniscient, benevolent being.

A cat gets fed and thinks it is.

How we see ourselves in this analogy is actually up to each of us, every day. It also tells us a bit about how we think about customers, vendors, and partners.”

I loved the simple contrast between the nonchalant cat and the ever-loving, grateful dog—even if your own pet may not fit the stereotype.

It made me think about gratitude and perspective.

As a teenager, when my parents put food on the table, I’m pretty sure I was acting more like the cat.
As a guest in someone's house, I think I naturally become more like the dog.
An internet influencer may become more cat-like as their follower counts rise.
Politicians need their voters, but can drift into entitlement.
A trendy nightclub with a line outside the door needs the clubbers, even if it doesn’t always act like it.

At a party for a good friend of mine, one of his other friends described him as “like a dog.” My friend was always delighted to see me, grateful for everything I gave him, singing my praises, encouraging me to think big, and cheering me on. Perhaps the world needs a few cats, but I can tell you it felt good having him around.

Thank you for the time and attention you give me.

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