You cannot have 'rights' without corresponding responsibilities

Instant Inspiration / Timeless Wisdom

4th June 2007

"You cannot have 'rights'without corresponding responsibilities"

There is a tremendous focus on people's "rights" these days. The focus is also mostly on the 'rights' of the "have-nots" and the "responsibilities" of the "haves" to support the "have-nots". The greatest risk of this attitude is that we are expected to reward poor performance and bad behaviour. We create the impression that you are poor because you have been deprived.

Think on this, virtually every "have" was at one stage a "have-not". We all had to start somewhere. The greatest difference between "haves" and "have-nots" is their attitude. "Haves" tend to have a "get up and do" attitude whereas "have-nots" tend to have a "lie around and complain" attitude. "Haves" understand that their rewards in life are in direct proportion to the value of their contributions to life. "Have-nots" tend to have an attitude that life owes them. They are then greatly disappointed and angry when they find that life disagrees.

You can not have "rights" without corresponding "responsibilities". What would happen if there were no responsible people, if everyone insisted that their rights be met.

I have a right to an education therefore you must teach me. Oh No, I also have a right to an education therefore you must teach me. A responsible attitude would be I have a desire to be educated therefore I have a responsibility to learn what I can.

I have a right to work therefore you must give me a job. Oh No, I also have a right to work therefore you must give me a job. A responsible attitude would be I have a desire to earn a living therefore I have a responsibility to provide a service that justifies reward.

Focussing on your rights leads to conflict and confrontation while focussing on your responsibilities leads to co-operation.

Focussing on your "rights" puts you into "victim mode", you are at the mercy of other people and their sense of responsibility.

Focussing on your rights leads to frustration with those people who you feel are not fulfilling their obligations to you.

Focussing on your responsibilities is empowering and puts you in charge of your life.

About the most irresponsible thing you can do is to focus on your rights. You should in all instances identify and fulfil your responsibilities before you insist on others fulfilling theirs.

While it is important to hold people accountable for their responsibilities always check your own behaviour first. Are you accountable for your responsibilities? Have you fulfilled your responsibilities? Realise that "You cannot have 'rights' without corresponding responsibilities"