obligatory
Obligation is an interesting emotion to note. In particular, why do we feel it toward others, toward other things? What leads one to feel it toward external aspects before feeling it toward oneself?
Can we control obligation? What does it take to become aware of our actions in its context?
Intriguing questions for to-be-pondered answers…
Comments
Obligation: To do good, or not to do harm? That is the question. We feel it because normally, we all want to contribute in some way. However, that desire to contribute may be altered depending on prior interaction with the subject person or group. We wish to do good because, usually, it makes onesself feel good to have helped another.
On the other hand, there is no legal requirement (obligation) for an anonymous person to render any assistance to another person (winter-time hitch hiking laws in North Dakota are stipulated). You can go through life offering nothing to your fellow man. It is suspected that this would leave one feeeling hollow however.
So perhaps obligation isn’t the right term. It is the desire to do good unto your fellow human. It satisfies ourself. By doing good unto someone else, we do good unto ourself.
In this light, our we really so separate?
Posted by: Tim | November 22, 2007 12:02 PM