Sounds like a boy scout pledge. Actually I got to reading this line in the novel "Dune," when the planetologist Kynes accepted the promise of loyalty from the Duke's son and he gave his own to child-man Paul and his mother, the lovely Lady Jessica: loyalty for loyalty.
When we accept employment from an employer, and sign a contract, there is a pledge of loyalty for loyalty. We give our best work, and in return, the company rewards us with pay. We give our side of the bargain - maximum input, confidentiality, observing and promoting the company mission - in exchange for salaries, bonuses, perks and benefits.
When we join fraternal groupings, like the Rotary, Lion's or fraternities and sororities, we recite an oath or promise to live by the ideals of the group.
When we sign up for social/networking/email groups/blogs such as facebook and yahoo, we are asked to tick an I agree button to signify intention to abide by the Terms of Agreement, in return for use of the site/engine.
When we choose friends, we filter and separate the true from the casual, and with the true friends, we strike a tacit contract of genuineness.
When we acquire citizenship of a country, we pledge our loyalty to serve that country in times of peace and war. And daily at schools, this pledge of allegiance is recited by students and faculty.
When we enter into legal agreements with our financial institutions or advisors, we expect their loyalty in protecting our money. So do with our other business and professional entanglements - with our lawyers, our accountants, our physicians. There is the client-professional confidentiality clause.
When we enter into a relationship, we proclaim to the beloved our undying and exclusive love; give a ring to signify the deep, special feeling.
When we go to church and as we pray, we profess our faith to the religion and to The Lord.
When we marry, we recite a vow to love and cherish the spouse. This is the promise to love no one else but the beloved. The pledge to make the bond permanent and for life.
This is a pledge: this loyalty for loyalty.
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