| As I said, it is pointless to try to cover hundreds of posts over the past week yet again. However, I will go this far: the obligation exists as an internalized standard that it is presumed any member of this society would have learned, baring a highly deprived upbringing, or mental illness. It is ignorable, but not without some guilt. However, persistently ignoring it will, eventually, reduce the pang. It is justifiable, acknowledging a debt to society, as part of a minimum standard of behavior that maintains social peace and allows for smooth social transactions. It is also justifiable, assuming one acknowledges a debt to others, as a means of avoiding giving unnecessary offense. Finally, it is justifiable, assuming one acknowledges a debt to oneself, as the ordinary means of ensuring receptivity and cooperation from others when engaged in a social transaction...... |
