Have you noticed that "obligation" is a term that a lot of people use as an adjective to describe as "something that they HAVE TO DO" but when using the term "responsibility" That they feel that they have some level of control over their actions, and are completely at choice in all that they do in life.

Two simple words, yet such a big difference in perceived meaning!

Well, During the course of World War II it was considered the patriotic responsibility of every able bodied young American man to step forward and serve in the armed forces, all in the name of God and the American Dream.

This internal sense of personal duty and responsibility was often embraced during that time as a profound honor and a privilege, however frightening the prospect of going to war may have been.

In sharp contrast to many of those who served in World War II, look at many of those who were called upon to serve in the Vietnam War. Many of those soldiers often felt that the war was unjust and that their legal obligation to serve was immoral, and they felt perfectly justified in using any means at their disposal to avoid serving in Vietnam as a warrior.

Do you notice the difference in the two situations?

These two examples and mere generalizations and are not meant as an indictment against any of these people who have served in these conflicts or their circumstances, but are instead used to illustrate the sharp differences of how all of us can view a certain situation with many of the same aspects, but can either feel compelled to feel obligated or to simply step up and DO.

By drawing distinctions between the differences of Responsibility and Obligation, we personally empower ourselves to remain clearly at choice in all situations.... when we choose to look at life