Meaning: This quote by Samuel Butler, the 19th-century English poet, captures a universal truth about the challenge of understanding and fulfilling one's duty. The quote suggests that once a person understands what their duty is, it is seldom difficult to carry it out. However, the real challenge lies in determining what one's duty actually is.

The concept of duty has been a central theme in philosophy, ethics, and literature for centuries. Duty is often associated with moral or legal obligations, responsibilities, and commitments that individuals are expected to fulfill. It can encompass a wide range of actions, from personal responsibilities to societal or professional obligations. Understanding and defining one's duty can be a complex and nuanced process, influenced by personal values, cultural norms, and external expectations.

In the context of the quote, the difficulty of finding out one's duty can be attributed to various factors. Firstly, individuals may face conflicting or unclear expectations from different sources, making it challenging to discern the true nature of their duty. For example, a person may experience conflicting obligations between their family, work, and community roles, leaving them uncertain about where their primary duty lies.

Furthermore, the evolving nature of societal norms and values adds another layer of complexity to the determination of one's duty. As social, political, and technological changes occur, individuals may find themselves grappling with new ethical dilemmas and responsibilities that were not clearly defined in the past. This can lead to a sense of uncertainty and difficulty in identifying one's duty in modern contexts.

The quote also touches upon the psychological aspect of understanding one's duty. It suggests that even when individuals are aware of their duty, the actual execution of it may still present challenges. This could be due to external obstacles, conflicting priorities, or internal resistance. The quote implies that the difficulty of doing one's duty primarily stems from the process of ascertaining what it entails, rather than the execution itself.

In the realm of literature, the theme of duty and its complexities has been explored in various works. From Shakespearean tragedies to contemporary novels, authors have delved into the moral dilemmas and internal struggles faced by characters as they navigate their duties. These literary explorations often mirror the real-life challenges individuals encounter when trying to determine and fulfill their obligations.

In conclusion, Samuel Butler's quote encapsulates the intricate nature of understanding and carrying out one's duty. It highlights the pervasive difficulty in discerning one's obligations and the subsequent challenges that arise in fulfilling them. By acknowledging the complexity of this process, the quote prompts reflection on the multifaceted nature of duty and the ongoing quest to navigate it in our personal, professional, and societal lives.