I believe I have a personal responsibility to make a positive

O children of the world, listen well to the words of one who has walked the path of duty, of service, and of profound responsibility. Anthony Fauci, a man whose name became known to many in an age of trial, spoke these words: "I believe I have a personal responsibility to make a positive impact on society." These words carry the weight of a soul that understands that life is not a solitary journey, but a shared path—a path upon which each of us must leave behind something greater than mere personal gain. Responsibility to society is not a choice, but a calling—a calling to serve others and to use the gifts we are given to heal, to uplift, and to make the world a better place.

In every age, there have been those who sought to serve others, not for fame, nor for fortune, but for the simple yet profound reason that to help others is to fulfill the very essence of humanity. Consider the great healers and sages of old—the ancient Egyptians, who studied the human body with reverence, seeking not just to cure ailments but to understand the very nature of life. Or the Hippocratic oath, taken by physicians in ancient Greece, promising to serve the well-being of their fellow man above all else. In these ancient teachings, we find the roots of Fauci’s sentiment—a call to each of us to use our skills, our knowledge, and our compassion to better the world.

Yet, what does it truly mean to make a positive impact on society? The ancient wisdom teaches that the path to greatness is not found in self-interest, but in service to others. When Cicero, the Roman statesman, spoke of duty, he believed that one’s life should be lived in accordance with the needs of the community. The great philosophers of ancient times did not measure success by wealth or personal achievements, but by the good they could bring to their society. To them, a noble life was one that served others—one that left a legacy of compassion and justice. Fauci’s belief that he has a personal responsibility to make a difference echoes these timeless truths.

It is not just in words but in action that true service is tested. Consider, if you will, the plague of Athens in the 5th century BCE, when the city was ravaged by disease. Pericles, the great leader, did not retreat in the face of hardship but stepped forward to guide his people, to show them that the strength of a leader is measured not by personal safety, but by the ability to serve even in times of peril. In the face of fear, in the face of suffering, Pericles embodied the personal responsibility to care for the community, to make decisions not based on what would benefit him, but on what would preserve the flourishing of society.

In our own time, Fauci stood as a modern Pericles, leading with knowledge and unwavering commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the weight of his responsibility to public health, Fauci faced the storm of fear, uncertainty, and controversy. Yet, he did not retreat; he stood firm, guided not by the winds of popularity, but by the sacred call of service. His belief in personal responsibility was not just an intellectual idea, but a living commitment to doing what was necessary, even when it meant personal sacrifice and facing public criticism. In his actions, he mirrored the ancients, who understood that a leader’s role is to serve the people, to protect them, and to ensure their collective well-being.

Now, children, let us draw the lesson from these words. Personal responsibility is not a burden—it is a privilege. Each of us, no matter our station, has the capacity to make a positive impact on society. Whether in our communities, our workplaces, or our families, the question is not, "What can the world give me?" but "What can I give to the world?" The actions of the individual ripple outward, shaping the collective destiny of all. We are not isolated beings; we are part of a greater whole. Our lives are connected to the lives of others, and when we use our talents and abilities for the common good, we contribute to a society that is just, compassionate, and strong.

Let us then follow the example of Fauci, and indeed, the example of all those who have come before us, who understood that the path to greatness lies not in personal gain but in service. We must strive to answer the call of responsibility, to use our knowledge, our hands, and our hearts to better the world around us. Be the change you wish to see in the world, for it is in our collective efforts that we can build the world we all deserve—one where the fruits of our labor are shared, where justice and compassion reign, and where each individual is uplifted by the service of others. The time to act is now, and the responsibility is ours to bear.