146. Obligations.
When you are obliged to do something, do you do it because you have to do it or because you want to? or is it really, a little of both?
To those that are obliged to do something you love, you are one sure damn lucky soul~
To those that are obliged to do something because of something you love, welcome to the club~
In general, when one is obliged to do something, one most probably don’t like that very job; because one is forced, because one has no option, because one has no say…because one cannot run away.
Your job, your career is an obligation. You are forced to stay because it is what keeps the money coming in and you have no option to neglect whoever and whatever that occupy your breathing space ( you do that, and you’ll lose your job) and of course you have no say when your boss gives you the last word of the day – whether or not it is good. Thus, obligations “kill” you.
Then again, who has the right to tell you what you are obliged to? A mother is obliged to her son (because she feels it is) – because she wants to in the first place. A worker is obliged to the boss (because it is in the papers to which he signed) – because he wants to in the first place. Whatever it is, it sums up to this – there is No freedom (in general term). And people are often obliged to do something in order to get something else. Like say, you work not because of the job itself but to get the money instead.
But what if I say that I have the obligation to live. Would that obligation cancels out all other obligations that may hinder it?
Now you ask me…
what has this got to do with anything?
It does – it does affect everything and anything in life. But surely, one has to understand what “to live” really means and to what definition does one draws in this.
If everyone is seeking happiness, and if happiness=life then you are obliged to seek happiness and to experience total happiness. Since everything in this world is pretty fucked messed up, next thing you know, you find yourself asking “what is happiness?”. This may very well be the reason why there are killings in this world, why there are wars and really… well, sadness itself. Because through THAT, you get to know what happiness really is, no?
As much as I am obliged to do a lot of things (where most, I abhor doing), it tells me that… at the end of the day, I get what I want.
After all, when you don’t want something, you wouldn’t be obliged to it in the first place.
Season's Greetings!
I would have to agree with what you have mentioned. Also also. PROF Lin Ji. I think we all suffer from obligations or am I the only one suffering it? Haha. Anyhow. That is so true but we often least expected it. Well, most of time I complain bout this and that because of doing something which I might not like that leads to achieve what I really want. Hahaha sound confusing. Just like the person himself.
Lin Ji,One is not obliged to do anything! If one feels that way, don’t do it. Obligation is a terrible feeling and it is not a fruitful thought. let me tell you how I view this problem.. yes it is a problem because obligation can become an obsession for some and it may lead to misery. When i do something, it is because I want to and I enjoy doing it because I expect NOTHING in return. if I want to help someone and expect something in my heart of hearts, then I don’t do it. i enjoy helping and giving but I don’t expect anything in return. this gives me joy and happiness and thats all i seek. So there is no question of obligation. Don’t look for happiness .. it comes when you get your perspective right. it’s in the soul..
.Dr C: Oh it’s so very true, obligation is indeed a terrible feeling but do you suppose there is a way to escape in being obliged to do something? I was taught that one is obliged to do something because one has no choice. Like say, a poor person would be obliged to work just to get income. He wouldn’t have the option to CHOOSE what he wants to work as. It’s a very sad thought and surely there is a way working around it. I’ve known people who got stuck in their jobs for years (most of which don’t like their jobs) and they tell me that they are “obliged” (or it’ll lead to more problems to which they are trying to avoid). I, would not want to end up like that. haha. But I guess everything comes down to like what you have said, one’s perspectives… sigh*
well i was stuck in a job i didn’t really care for for 7 years. But what i did was instead of feeling miserable, i turned the experience into something rewarding. i involved myself into a lot of the going-ons in that job, and the result was fruitful as i have turned to be a more experience person because of that job i am obliged to take and keep for 7 years. I only quit because i am doing a higher degree now.. so it might be a good idea to turn obligations into positive happy thoughts. Then the experience will be worthwhile..