“Few things help an individual more than to place responsibility on him, and to let him know that you trust him”- Booker T. Washington

Responsibility is complemented by acceptance

Washington promotes the developmental effect that both responsibility and trust can have on an individual. What must be examined closely is the notion of ‘help’. To help an individual would indicate personal growth but would also implicate their sense of well-being and self-worth. Responsibility is any task or expectation that is place upon people that is generated out of trust and paves the way for such trust to grow. Certainly responsibility leads to personal growth, but there are cases in which too much responsibility can be an excessive burden. Moreover, at the other end of the spectrum, some things such as love, forgiveness and acceptance might even be more beneficial than responsibilities in interpersonal situations. Finally, and more broadly, the general public is challenged by the notion of collective responsibility which coexists with their rights.

Responsibility allows an individual to show their personal quality and creates situations in which one’s personal judgement and ability to de decisive is tested. The process of identifying the problem, directing others to meet that need will inevitably cause one to reflect on their experience. This self-evaluation process is certainly a useful aspect of the personal growth that takes place. In this sense, the individual is more likely to be grateful for the experience and the opportunity to show their quality. On the other hand, excessive or unreasonable expectations can lead to fear within an individual and often the failure to succeed in this case can lead to a break down in individual relationships and a perennial fear of [subsequent] failure. Hence, not only is the reputation of the person implicated potentially vulnerable, the individual’s self-image is also involved. It is clear that this is no help to anyone who cannot handle a particular responsibility. The crucial issue here is therefore a managerial one that must be executed efficiently and thoughtfully.

In early childhood and adolescence, often the most helpful thing is the knowledge that they are love and accepted. Moreover, there is a need to feel forgiven when a mistake is made such that there is room for experience and personal reflection. Although what is often treasured are those times when a parent gives a responsibility such as the decision as to when to go to bed, this is not the sole thing which helps a child. Hence, responsibilities and their remedial qualities would be better seen as part of a continuum of things that lead to personal growth.

A reflection on the collective responsibility of society indicates that freedom to pursue happiness is a good thing. The authorities for example, issue licenses and the like which permits us to seek out our dream. Also, in democratic elections, the responsibility is placed on people to elect a competent leader. However, collective rights are no help to society when certain individuals abuse them, and there are many cases in which it is more helpful to leave the decisions to more informed authorities. The majority can also exert a type of social tyranny when its acts on its own interests.

It is clear therefore that responsibility exists as one aspect of a continuum of need and tools in which both the society and individual can grow and prosper.