Any question as grand and crucial
“the most important lesson I have learned in my life” is difficult to approach.
In consideration, I thought about many of my personal experiences—about times
of difficulty and joy—but what I came to realize was that I was approaching the
question incorrectly. The most important lesson I have learned has nothing to
do with me: it is the importance of putting others before you.
The true character of a person is
shown in how much they help people who cannot help them back. That it true
selflessness; serving others without expectation of reciprocal action.
In this regard, I am blessed to be extroverted; most
amicable interactions are fulfilling to me on some level. I love working with
and helping people, but although it is easier for me to recommend serving them,
the lesson is still valid. Even if one needs more time alone, everyone should
make a concentrated effort to help those around them.
Today it is remarkably easy to fall
into self-centeredness. We can bend technology to our whim to meet every
inconvenience, advertisements promote the importance of “you,” and Facebook is
a churning narcissism machine. Not only does this negatively affect us today,
but I cannot see the situation getting better anytime soon. How can I tell my
future children that the world does not revolve around them when the world
tells them that it does?
There is hope, however.
Selflessness begets selflessness. There is a reason that the rule “do unto
others as you would have them do to you” has been classified as “golden.” If we
understand our prideful, selfish, current situation as a society, we are much
better equipped to escape it. The most important lesson I have ever learned is
to put everyone above myself.
-Will
"And a bonus point for readers: If you write for a living, never hesitate to recycle material."
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