Seung Chan Lim

Boundary of Responsibility

May we ask ourselves
where
our responsibility
ends.

Where
the limits
of our ability to respond
lies.

Because our responsibility ends,
where our ability ends.

To assume otherwise,
can be an easy way
to set us up
for frustration
and resentment.

We don’t just
know.

We trust
that we
know.

When trust gets shaken
so
does our knowledge,
and with it
the illusion
of certainty.

We tend to associate
progress
with forward movement.

But forward movement
is not necessarily
progress
if in the wrong direction

In fact,
it may be
the opposite
of progress.

May we check
our direction
before assuming
progress.

When someone says
the same thing
over
and over
and over again.

There lies an opportunity
to explore the depth
and nuance
of the supposed
“same thing”
with the realization
of empathy.

“That’s not
something I can do…”
may simply be
an incomplete sentence,
implying the ending
“…without support.”

“This
will be
your second exit.”
I remarked.

“What will you do
next?” I asked.

“Now
I want to live
my own life.” answered
the founder.

“Whose life
have you been living?”
I asked.

“The investors’.”
he answered
without hesitation.