In a sense, everybody always has a very powerful, strong commitment. But the issue here is what they are committing to. How we use the energy of the instincts depends on whether the energy is free or distorted. If it is distorted, then a person will commit himself to something that is not essential.

When we commit to a course of action, it means that, in some sense, we now own that decision. The value we attach to things, whether they are bottles of wine or our commitment to an endeavor, is likely going to be greater than those same things when they belong to others, and greater than others think those things of ours are worth.