Earn your success based on service to others, not at the expense

Hear the wisdom of H. Jackson Brown, Jr., who declared with the voice of conscience: “Earn your success based on service to others, not at the expense of others.” In these words is the eternal law of righteous living. For true success is not measured by crowns or coins, nor by the height of one’s throne, but by the good one has sown into the lives of others. To rise by lifting others is noble; to rise by crushing them is hollow and fleeting.

The ancients knew this truth well. The tyrant may seize power, the oppressor may gather wealth, but both are cursed to rule over ashes. Yet the servant-leader, who gives his life for the well-being of his people, leaves a legacy that time cannot erode. To pursue greatness at the expense of others is to build a palace upon sand, doomed to collapse. But to build through service to others is to root one’s house upon rock, firm against the storms of eternity.

Consider the life of Mother Teresa. She did not seek greatness, nor wealth, nor the applause of multitudes. Instead, she bent low to the poorest of the poor, the forgotten and the dying. Yet by her service to others, she became a beacon to the world. Her success was not measured in earthly treasures, but in the countless lives uplifted by her compassion. She is remembered not because she demanded power, but because she poured herself out in love.

Now look also to the darker mirror of history. There were men like Napoleon, who reached for power with ambition fierce as fire. Though he conquered nations, his success came at the expense of countless lives. His empire rose high but fell swiftly, and his name, though great, is also shadowed by ruin and sorrow. His victories remind us that to build on the suffering of others is to sow seeds of destruction, for what is gained in cruelty cannot endure in peace.

The teaching is plain: service is the true foundation of greatness. To give, to heal, to uplift—these are the actions that plant seeds which grow into forests of blessing. When our labor blesses others, our success becomes a shared triumph, multiplying joy rather than hoarding it. But when our gain comes from another’s loss, the harvest is bitter, and the soul is left barren.

Therefore, beloved seeker, let this wisdom guide your days. Do not ask only, “What can I gain?” but also, “Whom can I serve?” In the workplace, in your family, in your community, measure your success not merely by profit, but by the well-being of those around you. Let your steps be guided by the question: does this path uplift others, or does it burden them? For in that question lies the compass of a noble life.

Practical action is within your grasp: mentor those who walk behind you, lift those who stumble, share knowledge freely, and use your strength not to dominate, but to empower. If you lead, lead with humility; if you labor, labor with compassion; if you prosper, share generously. For in the end, the measure of your greatness will not be what you hoarded, but what you gave.

And so, remember the wisdom of H. Jackson Brown, Jr.: earn your success through service, never by sacrifice of another’s dignity. In this way, your life will not only rise high, but will shine as a light for generations yet to come. For success built on compassion endures forever, while success built on exploitation crumbles into dust.