Gratitude is one of the greatest virtues. It is the foundation of many others. To say thank-you is a profound act and one that expresses humility. The proud person doesn't think he owes gratitude to anyone; they owe gratitude to him. But to send an unexpected thanks, a gratuitous thanks like Justice Scalia did with the letter below is an especially gracious act. After I post this I'm going to write a long overdue thank-you note to a priest friend.
Hat tip to Rod Dreher
Supreme Court of the United States
Washington, D. C. 20543