CHARGE

To conflate the precedent of "expectation" with the obligations received from external sources is to establish a false equivalency between disparate concepts.

A sense of duty is intrinsic, a moral imperative owed to oneself, obligating one to fulfill responsibilities consciously assumed. 

Such a moral compass necessitates long periods of unwavering endeavor or a readiness for ultimate sacrifice, with the ensuing gratification manifesting as a preservation of one's self-integrity.

Contrarily, adhering to external expectations is bereft of commensurate rewards or acknowledgment. Such compliance is not only formidable but fundamentally unattainable. 

It is far easier to confront a palpable adversary than to withstand the relentless intrusions of a persistent petitioner seeking "just a moment of your time, if you please – it shall not unduly prolong." 

Time, being an individual's most finite asset, holds immeasurable worth, with each passing moment of existence fleeting. Submission to these ceaseless demands fosters their accumulation until they voraciously consume one's time, clamoring for perpetuity.

Hence, it becomes imperative to cultivate a resolute stance to master the art of refusal - and to push back when necessary. 

Failing to assert oneself in these scenarios could culminate in a dearth of time devoted to honoring personal moral duties, pursuing individual pursuits, or fostering meaningful connections and joyful instants. 

Unchecked, these pernicious forces will erode the very essence of one's being, leaving naught but a husk in their wake.

Embracing this ethos in no way precludes acts of compassion towards companions or even strangers. Should one carry out such gestures, let them stem from personal volition; not a compulsion driven by external forces.

August 15, 2024 | UN