Many legal agreements have clauses that state that its adherence is based on ‘best efforts’ rather than a (legal) commitment. The vaccine supply contract between AstraZeneca and the EU is an example: the EU claims there’s a (legal) commitment to supply, while AstraZeneca claims that supply is on ‘best efforts’. In my view, the differences in actual and contractual supply are too high for claiming ‘best efforts’ (eg, Politico).
I think, feel and believe that it’s fair to say that contemporary relationships are based on ‘best efforts’ rather than on commitment. Many types of relationships represent a ‘best efforts’ approach, like cohabitation, Living Apart Together, Friends with Benefits, and dating. Only marriage represents (legal) commitment.
Why has commitment lost from ‘best efforts’?
First and foremost, society now allows – or, at least, condones – a ‘best efforts’ approach. Previously, it was either forbidden, or a sin / vice. When a non-binding option becomes available then people will obviously use it. This is basic risk management. So what triggered this change?
I think, feel and believe that the above is a consequence of the slow-moving usual suspects:
(1) urbanisation: from (personal and visible) tribal life to (impersonal and invisible) urban life;
(2) the three collective development stages of societies, being Needs-Wants-Beliefs;
(3) individualism: from collectivism to individualism (eg, the 7 stages of Liberalism).
Urbanisation is the most important driver and is even the driving force behind the other two drivers. I’m even wondering whether individualism would have happened without urbanisation. I doubt it.
There’s a new development, though. Technology allows for commitment to return (eg, surveillance). China’s Social Credit System may be viewed as a national blacklist for people not committing to China’s goals.
Two interesting quotes:
(i) “We have to recognise that there cannot be relationships unless there is commitment, unless there is loyalty, unless there is love, patience, persistence.” A quote by Cornel West (b. 1953), an American philosopher;
(ii) “We cannot be sure of having something to live for unless we are willing to die for it.” A quote by Che Guevara (1928-1967), “an Argentine Marxist revolutionary, physician, author, guerrilla leader (..)”.
Commitment (2019) by Monica
artist, lyrics, video, Wiki-1, Wiki-2
Note: all markings (bold, italic, underlining) by LO unless stated otherwise.
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