Statue of Responsibility

pexels-photo-290386

Freedom, however, is not the last word. Freedom is only part of the story and half of the truth. Freedom is but the negative aspect of the whole phenomenon whose positive aspect is responsibleness. In fact, freedom is in danger of degenerating into mere arbitrariness unless it is lived in terms of responsibleness. That is why I recommend that the Statue of Liberty on the East Coast be supplemented by a Statue of Responsibility on the West Coast. Dr. Viktor E. Frankl, a Holocaust survivor who went on to publish the best-seller Man’s Search for Meaning, which today is considered to be among the top 10 most influential books in the U.S.

Frankl was prescient; he wrote that in 1946–over 70 years ago. Let me say this is in a shorter, less memorable way: “For every freedom or right, there is an equal or greater responsibility.”

We need a Statue of Responsibility to make us constantly aware of the need to be conscious of the importance of balancing freedoms with responsibility. But let’s go a step further and create a bit of an imbalance; we need to shoulder more in the way of responsibilities than we ask for in the way of freedoms and rights. It is a little bit like a bank account; in order to succeed over time, we need to put in more than we take out. And, yes, it really is that simple.

Caution: We live at a time when freedoms and rights are increasingly being touted everywhere, with little or no mention of responsibility. In fact, if one has the nerve to bring up personal responsibility, many of those pushing more freedoms and rights go immediately for the kill by shouting “racist!” Huh? Q. How on earth did bringing up responsibility become racist? A. It didn’t. Sadly, we also live at a time when an accusation–true or false–can be seen as both evidence and a conviction.

The diagram below shows in an easy-to-remember way what the flow of responsibility must be. Responsibility begins with and relies on the Individual. If a person cannot (emphasis on cannot) do what is needed, the next step is to turn to Family and Friends. If they cannot add what is necessary, the needs are elevated to Community and Charity. If the Community and Charity level is not capable of meeting any remaining needs, those requirements are then given to Government; Local, State and Federal–in that order. Responsibility for everything must start with the individual. This is not just because being responsible and teaching responsibility are the foundation of dignity and success for any person or group, but because all of the other layers are comprised of individual people–and nothing but. And by definition, if the people in those different layers are not responsible, then nothing will work–chart or no.

This chart is foundational to the creation of a roadmap of success for an individual or a society. If you invert this chart, making government where the initial responsibility lies, then everything will and must collapse under its own weight. Individuals fund the government; individuals form the government; individuals must constrain the government. Said similarly–and better–much earlier, “that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” Words famously uttered by Abraham Lincoln, “Four score and seven years…” after the Revolution in 1776. Today, seven score and fourteen years after he gave this speech, we again need a “new birth of freedom.” Revolution 2.0™

Qui Bono? Who Benefits?

I like the Responsibility Flow chart (thanks to Bob Crum for taking my scribble and make it look worthy). Any ideas about what the statue of Responsibility should look like? Or where is should be? Of how to fund it? Eager to read your comments in the blog.

 

Will Luden, writing from my home office at 7,200’ in Colorado Springs.

Will Luden
Join Me
Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on linkedin
LinkedIn
Share on pinterest
Pinterest

71 Responses

  1. Christopher Phillips Reply

    Love this Will!! Well stated!! Perfect quotation from Dr. Frankl!

    One of my favorite quotes of all time is:
    “We who lived in concentration camps can remember the people who walked
    through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread.
    They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that
    everything can be taken from a person but one thing: the last of the human
    freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to
    choose one’s own way.”
    –Viktor Frankl (1905-1997)

  2. Tim Larson Reply

    Read Man’s Search for Meaning a few months ago. Fascinating detailed account of the camps, then the presentation on logotherapy. Some of his patient stories reminded me of stories E Stanley Jones described in Unshakeable Kingdom, Unchanging Person. When we find our calling, our purpose, we move in to more of God’s plan for us, which involves moving up your Responsibility Flow diagram.

    Other thing the diagram reminded me of was a sermon many years ago about integrity. We “integrate outward”, or on your chart, upward. If our individual lives are in order, we can integrate with family (spouse, kids…), and so on. If we don’t have personal integrity, we don’t have anything to offer any group “up”. As our family has integrity, we can integrate out/up further. As our families are in order, we can serve (community, ministry…). The punch line was to get right with God, live with integrity, then expand that to family, others, community, ministry…

    • Will Luden Reply

      Tim, wonderfully well said. In my life, I find that the more constantly connected I am with God, the more integrity that I have–especially in difficult circumstances. Will

  3. Billie Cullipher Reply

    Finally getting around to reading your BLOG. Great stuff. I totally agree. No one seems to want to take responsibility for anything and everyone seems to be a victim. I have not had things easy the past several years, but I choose to not be a victim, but to be a victOR with Christ’s help. We have so many freedoms in this country and even more when we are responsible for our own actions. Look forward to reading more.
    Bilie

  4. Thad Onus Reply

    Hello revolution2-0.org owner, Keep the good content coming!

  5. best investment books Reply

    Dear revolution2-0.org administrator, Thanks for the informative and well-written post!

  6. Video Marketing Reply

    Dear revolution2-0.org webmaster, Your posts are always well-delivered and engaging.

  7. Agnes Simas Reply

    Hi revolution2-0.org owner, Your posts are always well presented.

  8. Clement Ellison Reply

    Dear revolution2-0.org admin, Your posts are always well organized and easy to understand.

  9. YouTube Ranking Reply

    Hi revolution2-0.org webmaster, Good to see your posts!

  10. undress vip Reply

    Very neat article post.Really thank you!

  11. CharlesStome Reply

    mexican mail order pharmacies [url=https://foruspharma.com/#]medicine in mexico pharmacies[/url] п»їbest mexican online pharmacies

  12. CharlesStome Reply

    mexican pharmaceuticals online [url=http://foruspharma.com/#]mexican pharmacy[/url] purple pharmacy mexico price list

  13. CharlesStome Reply

    medication from mexico pharmacy [url=https://foruspharma.com/#]reputable mexican pharmacies online[/url] medication from mexico pharmacy

  14. Arnoldsuers Reply

    mexico pharmacy [url=https://mexicandeliverypharma.com/#]mexican rx online[/url] mexican drugstore online

  15. Arnoldsuers Reply

    pharmacies in mexico that ship to usa [url=https://mexicandeliverypharma.online/#]best online pharmacies in mexico[/url] п»їbest mexican online pharmacies

  16. Arnoldsuers Reply

    mexico drug stores pharmacies [url=https://mexicandeliverypharma.online/#]mexican pharmacy[/url] medication from mexico pharmacy

  17. Arnoldsuers Reply

    medicine in mexico pharmacies [url=https://mexicandeliverypharma.com/#]mexican mail order pharmacies[/url] mexico drug stores pharmacies

  18. Arnoldsuers Reply

    pharmacies in mexico that ship to usa [url=http://mexicandeliverypharma.com/#]mexican drugstore online[/url] reputable mexican pharmacies online

  19. Arnoldsuers Reply

    mexican pharmaceuticals online [url=https://mexicandeliverypharma.online/#]mexico pharmacy[/url] mexican rx online

  20. Arnoldsuers Reply

    mexican mail order pharmacies [url=https://mexicandeliverypharma.com/#]mexican mail order pharmacies[/url] mexican rx online

  21. Arnoldsuers Reply

    mexico pharmacy [url=https://mexicandeliverypharma.online/#]mexican online pharmacies prescription drugs[/url] pharmacies in mexico that ship to usa

  22. Arnoldsuers Reply

    mexican pharmaceuticals online [url=http://mexicandeliverypharma.com/#]mexican rx online[/url] mexico pharmacies prescription drugs

  23. Arnoldsuers Reply

    best online pharmacies in mexico [url=https://mexicandeliverypharma.online/#]mexican pharmacy[/url] mexican mail order pharmacies

  24. Arnoldsuers Reply

    best online pharmacies in mexico [url=https://mexicandeliverypharma.online/#]mexico pharmacies prescription drugs[/url] mexico pharmacies prescription drugs

  25. RobertHix Reply

    tamoxifen 20 mg tablet [url=https://nolvadexbestprice.pro/#]nolvadex pct[/url] nolvadex 10mg

  26. RobertHix Reply

    cheap propecia without a prescription [url=https://propeciabestprice.pro/#]order propecia without rx[/url] propecia cheap

  27. RobertHix Reply

    zithromax online australia [url=http://zithromaxbestprice.pro/#]zithromax capsules[/url] zithromax 250 mg pill

  28. RobertHix Reply

    tamoxifen effectiveness [url=http://nolvadexbestprice.pro/#]tamoxifen cyp2d6[/url] tamoxifen therapy

  29. StanleyWen Reply

    lisinopril 12.5 tablet [url=https://lisinopril.guru/#]Lisinopril online prescription[/url] zestril 20 mg tablet

  30. StanleyWen Reply

    tamoxifen endometrium [url=http://tamoxifen.bid/#]Purchase Nolvadex Online[/url] tamoxifen citrate

  31. Anthonypek Reply

    best canadian online pharmacy reviews [url=https://easyrxcanada.com/#]adderall canadian pharmacy[/url] canadian neighbor pharmacy

  32. Anthonypek Reply

    medication from mexico pharmacy [url=https://mexstarpharma.com/#]mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa[/url] п»їbest mexican online pharmacies

  33. JosephRom Reply

    Abilify [url=https://pharmbig24.online/#]mexico pharmacy advair[/url] prescriptions online pharmacy

  34. JosephRom Reply

    reputable mexican pharmacies online [url=https://mexicopharmacy.cheap/#]medicine in mexico pharmacies[/url] п»їbest mexican online pharmacies

  35. JosephRom Reply

    top 10 online pharmacy in india [url=https://indianpharmacy.company/#]Online medicine order[/url] world pharmacy india

  36. JosephRom Reply

    reputable indian pharmacies [url=http://indianpharmacy.company/#]best india pharmacy[/url] best online pharmacy india

  37. JosephRom Reply

    dollar store drug test [url=https://pharmbig24.online/#]clozapine polypharmacy[/url] generic cialis online pharmacy reviews

  38. JosephRom Reply

    lexapro pharmacy coupon [url=https://pharmbig24.com/#]boots pharmacy kamagra[/url] people’s pharmacy wellbutrin xl

  39. JamesTox Reply

    gates of olympus oyna [url=https://gatesofolympusoyna.online/#]Gates of Olympus[/url] gate of olympus oyna

  40. JamesTox Reply

    gates of olympus demo oyna [url=https://gatesofolympusoyna.online/#]gates of olympus demo turkce oyna[/url] gates of olympus slot

  41. JamesTox Reply

    casibom guncel giris [url=http://casibom.auction/#]casibom giris[/url] casibom giris

  42. JamesTox Reply

    gates of olympus oyna [url=http://gatesofolympusoyna.online/#]gates of olympus demo oyna[/url] gates of olympus demo oyna

  43. JamesTox Reply

    casibom giris [url=http://casibom.auction/#]casibom guncel[/url] casibom guncel giris

  44. Ronaldsnify Reply

    п»їfarmacia online espaГ±a [url=http://tadalafilo.bid/#]comprar cialis online seguro opiniones[/url] farmacias online seguras

  45. Ronaldsnify Reply

    farmacia online madrid [url=http://tadalafilo.bid/#]comprar tadalafilo[/url] farmacias online seguras en espaГ±a

  46. CharlesAbram Reply

    dove acquistare viagra in modo sicuro [url=https://sildenafilit.pro/#]acquisto viagra[/url] viagra naturale

  47. Edwardphemo Reply

    п»їFarmacia online migliore [url=https://farmaciait.men/#]Farmacia online piГ№ conveniente[/url] migliori farmacie online 2024

  48. CharlesAbram Reply

    viagra online consegna rapida [url=http://sildenafilit.pro/#]viagra[/url] miglior sito per comprare viagra online

  49. CharlesAbram Reply

    Farmacie online sicure [url=https://tadalafilit.com/#]Farmacie che vendono Cialis senza ricetta[/url] Farmacia online miglior prezzo

  50. Richarddor Reply

    miglior sito dove acquistare viagra [url=http://sildenafilit.pro/#]viagra[/url] miglior sito per comprare viagra online

  51. Michaeldaumb Reply

    Farmacia online piГ№ conveniente [url=https://brufen.pro/#]Brufen 600 senza ricetta[/url] п»їFarmacia online migliore

  52. Michaeldaumb Reply

    farmacia online senza ricetta [url=https://tadalafilit.com/#]Cialis generico farmacia[/url] comprare farmaci online con ricetta

  53. Richarddor Reply

    farmacie online autorizzate elenco [url=https://brufen.pro/#]Ibuprofene 600 prezzo senza ricetta[/url] farmacie online affidabili

  54. Michaeldaumb Reply

    farmacie online sicure [url=https://tadalafilit.com/#]Tadalafil generico migliore[/url] Farmacia online miglior prezzo

  55. Michaeldaumb Reply

    Farmacia online miglior prezzo [url=https://farmaciait.men/#]Farmacie online sicure[/url] top farmacia online

  56. Alfredbleaf Reply

    lasix medication [url=https://furosemide.men/#]lasix side effects[/url] furosemide

  57. RobertOript Reply

    cheapest online pharmacy india [url=https://indiadrugs.pro/#]Online medication home delivery[/url] Online medicine order

  58. RobertOript Reply

    mexico drug stores pharmacies [url=http://mexicanpharma.icu/#]medication from mexico[/url] mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa

  59. RobertOript Reply

    canadian pharmacy antibiotics [url=https://canadapharma.shop/#]Canadian Pharmacy[/url] legit canadian online pharmacy

  60. RobertOript Reply

    canadian pharmacy phone number [url=https://canadapharma.shop/#]Online medication home delivery[/url] cheapest pharmacy canada

  61. RobertOript Reply

    canadian online pharmacy [url=http://canadapharma.shop/#]Pharmacies in Canada that ship to the US[/url] canadian pharmacy online

  62. CharlesJug Reply

    Le gГ©nГ©rique de Viagra [url=https://vgrsansordonnance.com/#]Viagra sans ordonnance 24h[/url] Viagra sans ordonnance 24h suisse

  63. CharlesJug Reply

    Viagra gГ©nГ©rique sans ordonnance en pharmacie [url=http://vgrsansordonnance.com/#]Viagra generique en pharmacie[/url] Viagra en france livraison rapide

  64. Jeremyvaf Reply

    rybelsus cost [url=http://rybelsus.shop/#]rybelsus price[/url] rybelsus cost

  65. Jeremyvaf Reply

    Ozempic without insurance [url=https://ozempic.art/#]ozempic generic[/url] ozempic online

  66. Robertamoks Reply

    пин ап официальный сайт [url=http://pinupru.site/#]pin up зеркало[/url] pin up

  67. Robertamoks Reply

    pin-up kazino [url=https://pinupaz.bid/#]pinup az[/url] pin up

  68. Robertamoks Reply

    pin up casino [url=https://pinupturkey.pro/#]pin up bet[/url] pin up bet

Leave a Reply

Recent Episodes

Subscribe to Revolution 2.0

* indicates required

Follow me On Social

Subscribe to Podcast

SUPPORT THE REVOLUTION

Scroll to top
X
Skip to content