Born Into Debt

Born Into Debt(det)

By Steve Pavlina

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You could say that we’re are all born into debt. We depend on others for our survival(sərˈvīvəl), especially in our early years. We also benefit from all the knowledge and skills that were taught to us by others. When we come into this world, we receive value from others. Do we have an obligation(ˌäbliˈgāSHən) to repay(rēˈpā) that value in some fashion, perhaps later in life when we’re capable(ˈkāpəbəl) of doing so?

How much did it cost your parents(par-,ˈpe(ə)rənt) to raise(rāz) you? Is that a debt you must repay, either to them or to society as a whole?

Look around you at all the things you’re able to use today that someone else created. Do you owe(ō) anyone anything for these gifts?

Do you owe the world anything at all for your existence(igˈzistəns)? If you live strictly(ˈstrik(t)lē) for yourself and choose not to contribute to others in any meaningful way, are you shirking(SHərk) your responsibilities?

These are interesting questions for you to explore(ikˈsplôr) on your path of growth. I encourage you to seek your own answers to them. I’ll share some thoughts about how I’ve explored them thus far.

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https://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2014/09/do-you-owe-the-world-anything/