Never underestimate the proclivity of a person to avoid responsibility. It’s easier to blame and much harder to engage.
“People whose lives are barren and insecure seem to show a greater willingness to obey than people who are self-sufficient and self-confident.” wrote philosopher Eric Hoffer. “To the frustrated, freedom from responsibility is more attractive than freedom from restraint. They are eager to barter their independence for relief of the burdens of willing, deciding and being responsible… They willingly abdicate the directing of their lives to those who want to plan, command and shoulder all responsibility.”
Owning your life requires thought, work and decisions. Those who undertake these three tasks open themselves up to criticism. They also make things happen and are more likely to move ideas forward and grow as persons.
Eventually, someone will own it. If that person is not you, they may or may not include your point of view in their vision. The ultimate irony is how we all own our situation anyway. Only those who actively participate will admit it.
