Everybody’s business is nobody’s business

Thursday, February 17, 2011

There are certain issues in life where everybody has some interest, nobody any particular responsibility. For example, if street lights are on during midday, everyone seeing that will grumble at the waste and pass on the blame to the electricity office. Hardly anyone will bother to inform the officer concerned so that lights could be switched off. Not only on social issues, but even in family or office matters, taking personal responsibility to find a solution to a particular issue is rare though a general concern may be expressed by all. The lesson is very simple: Doing or achieving something specific requires focused attention and work by some individuals. Expression of mere concern passes on the buck to other health persons. If we examine closely, we will find that many of our social health and behavioral ills remain unsolved because of this lack of individual commitment.