Duty Bound

You have a moral imperative

The Night Watch by Rembrandt, 1642 (public domain - Wikipedia)

“When duty whispers low, Thou must,
The youth replies, I can.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1867

Duty. The term would seem to be associated with some kind of requirement or imperative—one associated with rules and regulations. A responsibility.

Make no mistake, duty is very much about responsibility. When an individual has duties, these are typically considered tasks, such as official duties.

Such duties are external to us, assigned by a taskmaster with a specific set of requirements and outcomes.

But various forms of duty are intrinsic, associated with ethics, behavior, and moral judgment.

These are:

• Filial duty

• Moral duty

• Civic duty

• Professional duty

• Altruistic duty

• Universal duty

These forms of duty are often deeply personal and ethically motivated, extending beyond mere adherence to societal rules or laws.

Let’s explore some of them in more detail. I’ve provided links in each example, plus some additional reading from our archives for your benefit.

As you mull these over, consider how they might apply to you, your team, or your personal life, and how that affects the choices you make.

The Forms of Duty

Filial Duty

This duty refers to the obligations one has toward family, particularly parents and elders. Rooted in cultures around the world, especially in Confucianism, filial duty emphasizes respect, care, and responsibility for family members.

It is often viewed as a moral duty because it’s grounded in gratitude and respect for those who raised and supported us, rather than legal or formal requirements.

Moral Duty

Moral duty encompasses the responsibilities we feel toward others and ourselves based on ethical principles rather than what we are legally required to do.

It may involve honesty, kindness, justice, and compassion, shaped by our personal values and conscience. Unlike legal duties, moral duties are voluntary and often subjective, yet they play a crucial role in promoting social harmony and personal integrity.