According to Albert Ellis, the founder of REBT, the cause of our suffering and problems is universal - the “tyranny of the should”. It manifests itself in the fact that a person persistently demands from himself and other people to strictly observe certain rules, dogmas and adhere to standards. For example, “I must succeed at all costs,” “everyone must love me and respect me from everyone around me,” “circumstances should in no way interfere with my plans.” Ellis identified three main types of ought: The “should” requirement in relation to other people The irrational belief about how others should treat a person, what they can do and what they cannot The “ought” requirement in relation to oneself Irrational belief, which manifests itself in ideas about that a person himself owes something to someone. The “must” requirement in relation to the world. The belief consists of the idea that a person is owed by the weather, nature, state, etc. Albert Ellis was an ardent opponent of the tyranny of obligation. He believed that many people suffer due to the belief that they are obliged to do what is required instead of doing what they really want. The “tyranny of the must,” not critically analyzed, forces blind adherence to its rules. A person finds himself in an endless circle of dissatisfaction and stress. Doing only what we should, even if it causes us discomfort or suffering, makes us feel more stressed, which causes us to do more things we don't want to do. As a result, we slip into a feeling of guilt, feel tired, indifference to our own needs and end up with depression. A person begins to feel that he is unable to meet both his own expectations and those of other people. Ellis saw a way to combat the “tyranny of the must” in a rational way of thinking. The following can be considered as a basis: A person is NOT OBLIGED to do something. He can always choose what he wants to do, even if it does not meet the expectations of others. It is important to focus on what is truly important for personal well-being. And realize that a person has the right to his own desires and needs, and no external expectations exceed these needs. Instead of demanding perfection from oneself and living in slavery to one’s expectations, it is more productive to perceive oneself as a living person, with advantages and disadvantages, and set more flexible and realistic goals. It is important to learn not to compare yourself to other people and evaluate your worth only on the basis of property or social status. It is more advisable to focus on your achievements and reward yourself for the efforts you have made to achieve your goals. REBT therapy is aimed at making a person aware of these points and implementing them in his thinking and life. The philosophy of the REBT approach considers it important to teach people to respect themselves and not allow the “tyranny of the must” to rule their lives..