I'm a programmer, so in my daily work I depend on the work of others. Others who have put in the time and created the tools that my work depends on. Their work is indirectly putting bread on my table, so I think a small act of gratitude goes a long way.
That's why I have sent a lot of emails with subject "Thank you", in which I explain to the receiver why I love their work and how it helped with my work.
Everyone likes hearing how their tools get used and getting praise about their work. That's why I love sending those emails, it makes people who have helped me a little bit happier. Sending that email is the least I can do to express gratitude for their work.
People tend to forget about all this when working and I don't think people send emails often enough. This post is a call to action, an invite for you to think about all the people and the time they've put in so you can do your day to day job.
Are you depending on a framework when searching for a new job? Is there a library you can't live without? Find that author's email and write a couple of words of gratitude. It takes about two minutes.