Not Responsible to Anybody?

To repeat a self-evident sentence: “There is no such thing in human existence as being so high you’re not responsible to anybody.”¹ This applies to all people in all positions. It applies to the attitude (if we should ever be tempted to have it), that we don’t need others, that we are self-made, self-sufficient, secure. But no man⎯no matter what his situation or circumstances⎯no man knows when he will need another⎯or when he will need Higher Help.

There but for the Grace of God and I,” is an oft cited sentence. Any of us could find ourselves in urgent need. Any of us could find ourselves in greatly altered circumstances. Furthermore, no one ever reaches the point where he doesn’t owe much to many, or where he is accountable only to himself.

The employer and the employed are responsible to each other. Both are responsible to the people who buy or use the product. People in the highest of lowest places are difficult if others are not working with them. Even in the least free countries and conditions, public opinion, the attitude of people, is important. Even the most absolute in authority cannot stand alone. Whoever he is, he is accountable both to other people and to a Higher Power⎯as all of us are.

We are indebted to those who work for us and with us; to those who risk their earnings to develop useful products; to those who make employment possible; to those who help make things go successfully, and help to keep society solvent. We are indebted to those who serve us, those who associate with us. We are indebted to those who risk their lives for the enforcement of law.

No matter what sense of self-sufficiency we may feel, we all have need of others, and we all have reason to give gratitude and recognition, with a sincerely humble sense of responsibility to each other, and to the Father of us all. “There is no such thing in human existence as being so high you’re not responsible to anybody.” This applies to all people.