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About this quote

What does it mean?
Duty can motivate work but becomes oppressive in personal relationships, where people prefer being liked over being tolerated.
In plain terms
Work duty is fine, but in friendships people want to be liked, not just endured.
What can you take from it?
Balance duty with genuine affection in relationships.

Where it applies

  • team projects
  • family gatherings

Putting it to work

  • express appreciation
  • share responsibilities

Questions to consider

  • When does duty become a burden?
  • How can I show care without feeling forced?

Another view

Too much duty can create resentment if not balanced with warmth.

More from Bertrand Russell

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  2. If all our happiness is bound up entirely in our personal circumstances it is difficult not to demand of life more than it has to give.

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  3. One should respect public opinion in so far as is necessary to avoid starvation and to keep out of prison, but anything that goes beyond this is voluntary subm…

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