--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Responsibility does not only lie with the…" description: "\"Responsibility does not only lie with the leaders of our countries or with those who have been appointed or elected to do a particular job. It lies wit..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c8a/dalai-lama-89_country_responsibility-does-not-only-lie-with-th_1922018.jpg" --- # Responsibility does not only lie with the leaders of our… ![“Responsibility does not only lie with the leaders of our countries or with those who have been appointed or elected to do a particular job. It lies with each of us individually.” quote by Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c8a/dalai-lama-89_country_responsibility-does-not-only-lie-with-th_1922018.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c8a/dalai-lama-89_country_responsibility-does-not-only-lie-with-th_1922018.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c8a/dalai-lama-89_country_responsibility-does-not-only-lie-with-th_1922018.jpg) > “Responsibility does not only lie with the leaders of our countries or with those who have been appointed or elected to do a particular job. It lies with each of us individually.” [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Responsibility is shared by everyone, not just leaders or officials. **In simple terms:** Everyone bears responsibility. Key Takeaway Act responsibly in daily life. Themes responsibility individual agency leadership Mood inspirational calm Type ethical motivational When to use this quote - community projects - workplace decisions - family life Key Concepts Ethics civic duty Questions to Reflect On - What responsibilities can you take today? - How does shared duty affect society? A Different Perspective May ignore systemic constraints on individuals. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Country](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/country/) [Individual responsibility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/individual-responsibility/) [Jobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/jobs/) [Leader](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/leader/) [Leadership](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/leadership/) [Lying](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lying/) [Responsibility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/responsibility/) ## Related quotes > [It's the American leadership that has not played the role it should be playing and that leaders in other countries have been playing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeffrey-sachs/it-s-the-american-leadership-that-has-not-played-the-role-it-should/) [Jeffrey Sachs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeffrey-sachs/) > [I have been with President Trump as he has spoken with leaders from countries on six continents, including Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, France, India, Indonesia,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-c-o-brien/i-have-been-with-president-trump-as-he-has-spoken-with-leaders-from/) [Robert C. O'Brien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-c-o-brien/) > [Throughout history the leaders of the countries have been very particular about what songs should be sung. We know the power of songs.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pete-seeger/throughout-history-the-leaders-of-the-countries-have-been-very/) [Pete Seeger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pete-seeger/) > [We deal, unfortunately, every single day with leaders of countries who are responsible for actions we find either objectionable or abhorrent, whether it's Vladimir…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/antony-blinken/we-deal-unfortunately-every-single-day-with-leaders-of-countries-who/) [Antony Blinken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/antony-blinken/) > [In the present circumstances, no one can afford to assume that someone else will solve their problems. Every individual has a responsibility to help…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/in-the-present-circumstances-no-one-can-afford-to-assume-that-someone/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [In today's highly interdependent world, individuals and nations can no longer resolve many of their problems by themselves. We need one another. It is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/in-today-s-highly-interdependent-world-individuals-and-nations-can-no/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [The question of real, lasting world peace concerns human beings, so basic human feelings are also at its roots. Through inner peace, genuine world…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/the-question-of-real-lasting-world-peace-concerns-human-beings-so/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [It is our collective and individual responsibility to preserve and tend to the environment in which we all live.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/it-is-our-collective-and-individual-responsibility-to-preserve-and/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [I'm black, I don't feel burdened by it and I don't think it's a huge responsibility. It's part of who I am. It does…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oprah-winfrey/i-m-black-i-don-t-feel-burdened-by-it-and-i-don-t-think-it-s-a-huge/) [Oprah Winfrey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oprah-winfrey/) > [A weakened sense of responsibility does not weaken the fact of responsibility.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-bennett/a-weakened-sense-of-responsibility-does-not-weaken-the-fact-of/) [William Bennett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-bennett/) > [“When a man decides to do something he must go all the way,” he said, “but he must take responsibility for what he does.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-square-press/when-a-man-decides-to-do-something-he-must-go-all-the-way-he-said-but/) Washington Square Press > [I am inclined to believe that a man may be free to do anything he pleases if only he will accept responsibility for whatever…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ellen-glasgow/i-am-inclined-to-believe-that-a-man-may-be-free-to-do-anything-he/) [Ellen Glasgow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ellen-glasgow/) > [“The quality of taking responsibility does not come naturally. It has to be taught -- more by example than by anything else.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-whyte-iii/the-quality-of-taking-responsibility-does-not-come-naturally-it-has/) [Daniel Whyte III](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-whyte-iii/) > [Being more aware creates responsibility. What does responsibility mean? It means the ability to respond. The more conscious you are in your ability to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/deepak-chopra/being-more-aware-creates-responsibility-what-does-responsibility-mean/) [Deepak Chopra](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/deepak-chopra/) > [I do think responsibility does come with a lot of power, and more than that, it comes with the fact that you can actually…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ekta-kapoor/i-do-think-responsibility-does-come-with-a-lot-of-power-and-more-than/) [Ekta Kapoor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ekta-kapoor/) ## More by Dalai Lama > [Although under particular circumstances, the violence method - any method - can be justified, nevertheless once you commit violence, then counterviolence will be returned.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/although-under-particular-circumstances-the-violence-method-any/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [There are a number of qualities which are important for mental peace, but from the little experience I have, I believe that one of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/there-are-a-number-of-qualities-which-are-important-for-mental-peace/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [In the interests of everyone the artist had a responsibility to use his medium well. In the Tibetan culture, most of the paintings are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/in-the-interests-of-everyone-the-artist-had-a-responsibility-to-use/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [If the mind is dominated by hatred, the best part of the brain, which is used to judge right and wrong, does not function…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/if-the-mind-is-dominated-by-hatred-the-best-part-of-the-brain-which/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [More compassionate mind, more sense of concern for other's well-being, is source of happiness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/more-compassionate-mind-more-sense-of-concern-for-other-s-well-being/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [Everybody loves to talk about calmness and peace, whether in a family, national, or international context, but without inner peace how can we make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/everybody-loves-to-talk-about-calmness-and-peace-whether-in-a-family/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [The only "definitive truth" for Buddhism is the absolute negation of any one truth as the Definitive Truth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/the-only-definitive-truth-for-buddhism-is-the-absolute-negation-of/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [We can change society, change humanity by changing ourselves as individuals. By cultivating inner values, we can change our own lives and those of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/we-can-change-society-change-humanity-by-changing-ourselves-as/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [I don't want to convert people to Buddhism — all major religions, when understood properly, have the same potential for good.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/i-don-t-want-to-convert-people-to-buddhism-all-major-religions-when/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [There is no way to escape death, it is just like trying to escape by four great mountains touching sky. There is no escape…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/there-is-no-way-to-escape-death-it-is-just-like-trying-to-escape-by/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [We live within the environment. So that directly relates with our survival, our life. So through that way, more concern of well being of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/we-live-within-the-environment-so-that-directly-relates-with-our/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [My belief is that the various religious traditions have great potential to increase compassion, the sense of caring for one another, and the spirit…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/my-belief-is-that-the-various-religious-traditions-have-great/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [When we think carefully, we see that the brief elation we experience when appeasing sensual impulses may not be very different from what the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/when-we-think-carefully-we-see-that-the-brief-elation-we-experience/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [“So let us reflect on what is truly of value in life, what gives meaning to our lives, and set our priorities on the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/so-let-us-reflect-on-what-is-truly-of-value-in-life-what-gives/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [I am the source of my own suffering, because of the habits of my mind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/i-am-the-source-of-my-own-suffering-because-of-the-habits-of-my-mind/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) [Explore all 1,406 Dalai Lama quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) ## More Country quotes > [I love playing for my country, getting the support. Especially for the kids and everybody, showing my example of what I can achieve so…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maria-sharapova/i-love-playing-for-my-country-getting-the-support-especially-for-the/) [Maria Sharapova](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maria-sharapova/) > [ That country \[Carthage\] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws;… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-gibbon/that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinking-into-the-state-of-barbarism/) [Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-gibbon/) > [If my campaign is not in the debate, we will not be talking about how we really fix this problem of endless and expanding…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jill-stein/if-my-campaign-is-not-in-the-debate-we-will-not-be-talking-about-how/) [Jill Stein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jill-stein/) > [For the Scottish government, the practice of having meetings in different parts of the country is well established, but for the U.K. government, it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicola-sturgeon/for-the-scottish-government-the-practice-of-having-meetings-in/) [Nicola Sturgeon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicola-sturgeon/) > [There's no reason someone who has fought for their country should be homeless of jobless.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-kyle/there-s-no-reason-someone-who-has-fought-for-their-country-should-be/) [Chris Kyle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-kyle/) > [The image of blacks usually is one of people who are suffering from hunger, unemployment, and poverty. The idea of them as agents and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/grace-lee-boggs/the-image-of-blacks-usually-is-one-of-people-who-are-suffering-from/) [Grace Lee Boggs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/grace-lee-boggs/) > [It's very nice to be a rebel saying, 'I stand on my principles,' but if in fact that's not going to have any impact…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dominic-grieve/it-s-very-nice-to-be-a-rebel-saying-i-stand-on-my-principles-but-if/) [Dominic Grieve](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dominic-grieve/) > [Most paper money initially existed as a substitute for gold. That's what gave it value. But right now what gives a currency value is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-schiff/most-paper-money-initially-existed-as-a-substitute-for-gold-that-s/) [Peter Schiff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-schiff/) > [That's what this country is. It's made up of immigrants.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bria-vinaite/that-s-what-this-country-is-it-s-made-up-of-immigrants/) [Bria Vinaite](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bria-vinaite/) > [You, of Canada, are building a magnificent record of achievement. My country rejoices in it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dwight-d-eisenhower/you-of-canada-are-building-a-magnificent-record-of-achievement-my/) [Dwight D. Eisenhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dwight-d-eisenhower/) > [The United States cannot and should not discriminate on the basis of religion. The free exercise of religion is at the very heart of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mike-pence/the-united-states-cannot-and-should-not-discriminate-on-the-basis-of/) [Mike Pence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mike-pence/) > [The reason I was drawn to the Band Perry was because they have a knack for doing rollicking country music that can sound a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/phoebe-robinson/the-reason-i-was-drawn-to-the-band-perry-was-because-they-have-a/) [Phoebe Robinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/phoebe-robinson/) > [In the nineteenth century some parts of the world were unexplored, but there was almost no restriction on travel.:; Up to 1914 you did…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-orwell/in-the-nineteenth-century-some-parts-of-the-world-were-unexplored-but/) [George Orwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-orwell/) > ['Lovecraft Country' is reclaiming all these pulp genres for people of color.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/misha-green/lovecraft-country-is-reclaiming-all-these-pulp-genres-for-people-of/) [Misha Green](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/misha-green/) > [No judge can stop us from praying for our country and I pray that on May 6, millions of Americans will join me in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/franklin-graham/no-judge-can-stop-us-from-praying-for-our-country-and-i-pray-that-on/) [Franklin Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/franklin-graham/) [Browse all 29,881 Country quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/country/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Responsibility does not only lie with the leaders of our countries or with those who have been appointed or elected to do a particular job. It lies with each of us individually.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Dalai Lama" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/responsibility-does-not-only-lie-with-the-leaders-of-our-countries-or/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Country" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/responsibility-does-not-only-lie-with-the-leaders-of-our-countries-or/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c8a/dalai-lama-89_country_responsibility-does-not-only-lie-with-th_1922018.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c8a/dalai-lama-89_country_responsibility-does-not-only-lie-with-th_1922018.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c8a/dalai-lama-89_country_responsibility-does-not-only-lie-with-th_1922018.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Responsibility does not only lie with the leaders of our countries or with those who have been appointed or…” — Dalai Lama", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Dalai Lama", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Responsibility does not only lie with...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/responsibility-does-not-only-lie-with-the-leaders-of-our-countries-or/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/responsibility-does-not-only-lie-with-the-leaders-of-our-countries-or/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```