“The vocation of every man and woman is to serve other people.” — Leo Tolstoy
Reflection:
One of the central questions that philosophers and theologians have struggled with for millennia is the mystery of what gives life meaning. Everyone wants to be happy and fulfilled, but how can we tell what true happiness is and where it comes from?
The ancient Greeks believed that the source of happiness was internal and could be cultivated by living a worthwhile life. They called this state eudaimonia. Aristotle described it as taking part in activities that draw on our talents and challenge our abilities, acting in ways that benefit others, and guiding our lives by principles and virtues. It isn’t enough to simply possess an ability or disposition--eudaimonia requires it to be put into action with deeds.
The more we learn to put others at the center of our thoughts and actions, the more meaning and purpose our lives will have.