The word “ought” is used to indicate duty or correctness. More importantly it represents a moral obligation. Some people feel as if “ought” is just another way of saying “should” or a more formal word choice.
I believe, “ought” is reserved for expressions of necessity, duty, or obligation. While “should” is a slightly weaker and more common word that carries a connotation of reasonableness. “Ought” is often used in formal writing, such as contracts. If I sign a contract requiring a new HVAC system to be installed, it ought to be installed as expected to meet the necessary standards. The phrase “I ought to call my Mom more” carries with it a sense of moral duty. There are some things so important that we ought to do them.
Why did I decide to do a blog on the word “ought?” On a recent podcast, I heard a reference to something Pope John Paul II said, “Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.” To do what we “ought” as opposed to do what we “want” or “should.” Too many of us want the individual freedom to determine what should be our rights. When freedom is based on comparative societal standards, its definition is subject to change. Moral obligation, or morality, cannot be allowed to alter to suit the moment. My neighbor’s freedom to swing their fist, ends where my nose begins.
“Ought” is a late 12th century word whose usage has decreased over time. It is still a word we read or hear on occasion. I feel we have lost the depth of the word’s meaning tied to moral obligation. Its proper usage was used by some of our greatest figures in history.
Ben Franklin said, “Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.” As a statesman, diplomat, philosopher, and publisher, Franklin chose his words carefully. His use of the word “ought” in combination with “resolve” in his list of 13 virtues centered on what he considered necessary, desirable, and specific. Achieving a life virtue is not just being practical or reasonable.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, “Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them to become what they are capable of being.” Goethe was widely regarded as the greatest and most influential writer in the German language. His use of the word “ought” is tied to high expectations. He was championing others to be Advocates. To seek fulfillment from helping others and being a force for good in the world.
St. Thomas Aquinas has the best quote regarding “ought.” He said, “Three things are necessary for the salvation of man: to know what he ought to believe; to know what he ought to desire; and to know what he ought to do.” This is a serious call, a duty, a moral obligation that we have as Christians. We are all called to work toward our salvation. We must put our entire selves into achieving it.
The word “ought” appears between 100 and 125+ times in the Bible depending on which translation is used. Its significance stems from the duty and obligations presented to us.
The First Letter of John, (3:16), says it all in a single sentence: “The way we came to know love was that He laid down his life for us; so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” Love, even to the point of self-sacrifice, is the point of the commandment. For Christians, proof of deliverance is love toward others, after the example of Christ. Fulfilling our obligation answers that call.
Earlier in the letter (1 John 2:6) it is written, “whoever claims to abide in him ought to live just as he lived.” A life conformed to the example of Christ is the love of God…perfected.
In the beginning of Romans 15, Paul writes, “We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves; let each of us please our neighbor for the good, for building up.” Paul is writing to the early church about how those strong in their faith must put a low priority on pleasing themselves, placing it below their obligation to serve weaker Christians.
There are some things so important that we ought to do them. It is the right thing to do. We ought to believe and act accordingly with duty and obligation. Our salvation depends on it.
