Universal theme overview
Obligation is a child in the Universal themes series and a member of the Justice theme family.
An obligation is a requirement that binds you to someone or something. It impacts your behavior and choices. Whatever you choose, you get the consequences.
Big ideas
- You are only obligated to the consequences of your own actions and you do not need anyone’s approval to live your life.
- Creative work should not harm anyone, it should build up ideas, culture and individuals.
- Full independence does not exist as we all need one another to survive, literally and figuratively.
- Promise only what you know for certain you can deliver.
- You cannot escape the requirements of being human.
Obligation key concepts
- When you give approval, you are supporting and praising something.
- An asset is a useful or valuable item including physical things, qualities, traits that have practical value.
- Avocation means putting to the side and represents a minor employment or hobby as opposed to one’s main vocation.
- A burden is something that is carried, either a physical load or an emotional trouble that is difficult to bear.
- Dependence is being subject to the power, control or influence of something outside oneself.
- A duty is any action required by one’s position, sense of morality, conscience or by membership in a group or society.
- Homage is paying respect to another person or his/her accomplishments by referring to traits or styles that identify the honored person.
- An honor is deserved appreciation shown to another who has cultivated a reputation for great worth and contributions to the group.
- A promise is a statement saying that you will or will not do something. You are setting an expectation which others can hold you accountable for.
- When you are given a responsibility, you are accountable for the outcome of that thing. You are able to ensure that the task is completed, and the outcome is favorable.
Archetypes
animals: gorilla, muskrat
birds: albatross, blackbird
flowers: anemone, foxglove
foods: rhubarb
mythical: mermaid
roles: apprentice, dependent
settings: bank
situations: contract, nobility
symbols: debt, tax, vow