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(disclaimer: these are the ramblings of an over-active, over-taxed, under-rested, under-fed mind and body, and being such may not be initially coherent)
o⋅be⋅di⋅ence [oh-bee-dee-uhns]
–noun
1. the state or quality of being obedient.
2. the act or practice of obeying; dutiful or submissive compliance.
3. the trait of being willing to obey.
force [fawrs, fohrs]
–verb (used with object)
1. to compel, constrain, or oblige (oneself or someone) to do something.
2. to drive or propel against resistance.
3. to put or impose (something or someone) forcibly on or upon a person.
Can obedience be forced?
The question is simple enough, and the answer may seem to be the same as well. Some would immediately assert, "Yes, it can be!" Others would state the contrary. Both sides have valid points to make.
Conflict
Obedience can be forced.
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If you define obedience as complying with the will of another, then by all means, obedience can be forced. For example, I tell you to sit down. You refuse. I then force you to take a seat. Obedience was forced.
Obedience cannot be forced.
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If you define obedience as complying with the will of another, then by all means, obedience cannot be forced. For example, I tell you to pay attention. You refuse. I cannot force you to do so. Obedience could not be forced.
Thus in these cases, operating with the same definition, two contrary conclusions arise.
Resolution:
In order for both examples to work under the same definition, we must modify the definition of obedience and the force of it to account for limitations. Obedience may be forced as the mandate of the commanding power is attachable to physical, manipulateable response. I can make you follow me, but I cannot make you believe I know where I'm going.
Expansion and Application:
While on some levels--namely physical--obedience may be forced, on others--eg. mental, rational, or psychological--it cannot be. However, perhaps the simple fact is that forced obedience is more destructive than listless negligence. To force against the will destroys the future likelihood of the subservient party willfully submitting.
From the example of God, we see a better solution. God never forces obedience. Rather, He leaves humanity free to do as it pleases, merely explaining the results of obedience and disobedience.
Just a thought: next time, instead of forcing obedience, explain expectations and consequences, and let a person choose to obey or disobey for himself or herself.
Humans--they fail.
The Middleton--he's human.
Conclusion--he fails too.
Sitting back knowing all I need to do, my thoughts are pervaded by this thought. Not merely of the ability of humans to fail but also their aptness. Failure is a part of our lives, however miniscule or epic the scale may be. People fail us. We fail them. We fail ourselves. This brings a measure of discomfort, and perhaps rightfully so, yet, it being such a part of our existence, if not our species' definition, should we not accept it? May we actually accept it without being comfortable with it?
Is there a difference between innocent failure and blatant failure? Does intention define failure? For example, if you did something you intended to do, or knew better than to do, is that a failure of success? Or, if you you did something you didn't mean to do, is it a failure or an accomplishment?
It's all in your eyes.
You're human. You fail. I'm human. I fail. You may fail me. I may fail you. Accept that much. In light of that, let's all just be realistic and accept our humanity, with all it entails, and stop pretending like failure is such a big deal or such a small deal. It's just a deal. When dealing with humans, failure comes entailed. Be mindful of that next time you interact with a human.
"He who seeks to transform humanity must himself understand humanity. Only through sympathy, faith, and love can men be reached and uplifted. Here Christ stands revealed as the master teacher; of all that ever dwelt on the earth, He alone has perfect understanding of the human soul."
Education, page 78