What Do You Owe The World?

I lost a ‘friend’ because I disagreed with his idea of duty. So let’s look at the word. To set it up for you, we were talking about sending troops to Syria…

J: “you know all I’ve heard is excuses to not help them, but not a single one is a real reason as to why we do not have the DUTY to help”

Ronin: “Why do I have a duty to help someone I didn’t bring into the world”

That was the last straw for him. Oh well. So, what is our duty?

Duty (from Dictionary.com)

1. something that one is expected or required to do by moral or legal obligation.

2. the binding or obligatory force of something that is morally or legally right; moral or legal obligation.
3. an action or task required by a person’s position or occupation; function: the duties of a clergyman.
4. the respectful and obedient conduct due a parent, superior, elder, etc.
5. an act or expression of respect.
6. a task or chore that a person is expected to perform: It’s your duty to do the dishes.
7. (Military)
1. an assigned task, occupation, or place of service: He was on radar duty for two years.
2. the military service required of a citizen by a country: After graduation, he began his duty.

I agree with the first and second ones…to a point. However who determines what is moral? And legality isn’t always moral. Hitler ordered the death of what he considered ‘impure’ races as the moral duty to the Fatherland and Aryan Race. Karl Marx, Lenin, Stalin, Mao Zedong, and Castro said you had a duty to the State.

“From each according to his ability, to each according to their need.”

That ring a bell? The only duty you have is one that you personally take on, using your own ability, strength, and property. You get married, you have a duty to your spouse. You have kids, you have a duty to your kids. You apply for and get a job, you have a duty to do the job you applied for.

No one else signed up to take care of you, your kids or your job. It’s not our duty nor obligation. Duty is a word used to guilt people into doing what you want.

“You have a duty to join the military, or help others.”

Actually I don’t. First, I didn’t ask for this fight, nor did I bring others into this world. My only duty to society is this…to not be another person’s or society’s burden. If you choose to help others, that’s all well and good. Just don’t coerce other people who didn’t ask or want to be involved with your efforts.

Altruism ceases to be pure when you step on one to help the other. Ronin

What Motivates You? What is the internal urge that drives you?

Ok, I am pretty introspective and enjoy learning more about myself. This was in Thorin’s book Shrapnel. It’s the Cone of Motivation, it explains an idea to the why of our actions. What makes you wake up and pushes you to your goals. Let’s begin.
1. Creator-driven by a desire to create.

This is one of my drivers, I like to draw and write down my thoughts, as you often read here

2. Thrill Seeker-driven to maximize pleasure

3. Goal Setter-driven by sense of accomplishment

Definitely me. I have plans from A to ZZ. Not grandiose, but I look ahead and they are staggered so I am steadily moving forward

4. Prestige Seeker: driven by a sense of importance

5. Maven: driven by a desire to learn and/or educate

This is my primary driver, the silliest things catch my eye and I research it. This trait fits in very well with the goal setter trait, it helps me make sure I know what the hell I am doing and that it ends successfully. If it interests me you will find me nose deep in a book about the subject.
6. Altruist: driven by a sense of duty and/or guilt.
I also enjoyed the Soul Diamond in TWIWC 2nd Ed. Nolan Chart, etc.  So which ones are you, or are you driven by a motive that wasn’t mentioned?