Life becomes harder for us when we live for others, but it also

"Life becomes harder for us when we live for others, but it also becomes richer and happier." – Albert Schweitzer.

In these words, Albert Schweitzer offers us a profound reflection on the nature of selflessness and service. He acknowledges that living for others—whether through compassion, sacrifice, or care—often brings challenges and hardships, yet paradoxically, it is this very life of service that leads to a deeper joy, a fuller existence, and a richer, more meaningful life. To give oneself to others, to extend our hands and hearts without expectation of reward, is not a path of comfort, but one of growth and fulfillment. It is in the act of giving that we find a deeper connection to the world and a greater sense of purpose.

The ancients understood well the transformative power of self-sacrifice and service to others. Socrates, the great Greek philosopher, taught that the highest good is not to seek personal wealth or pleasure but to contribute to the well-being of society. For Socrates, the virtuous life was not about self-interest, but about serving the greater good, striving to make the world better for all. His life was a testament to the principle that selflessness, though difficult, is the pathway to true happiness. The ancients believed that the soul finds its deepest fulfillment not through indulgence or self-centered living, but through service, through giving to others.

Similarly, Confucius taught that the highest virtue is found in serving others, especially in a role of leadership. He believed that a ruler should be like a father to his people, leading by example and making sacrifices for the well-being of others. Confucius saw the life of service as the most noble path one could take, one that enriched both the individual and the collective. In his teachings, giving and selflessness were not burdens, but sources of honor, wisdom, and fulfillment. His life and philosophy show us that happiness and richness of soul come when we turn our attention away from ourselves and focus on the well-being of others.

The life of Mahatma Gandhi offers a modern example of how service to others can indeed make life harder, but also far richer. Gandhi dedicated his life to the service of his country and his people, leading the fight for Indian independence through non-violence and self-sacrifice. His path was not one of ease; he endured hardship, imprisonment, and personal loss. Yet, Gandhi found profound fulfillment and peace in his dedication to others. The joy he found was not in personal success or comfort, but in his service to the greater cause. His life is a testament to Schweitzer’s assertion that while living for others may be difficult, it also leads to a life filled with meaning and purpose.

Consider the story of Mother Teresa, whose life of service to the poor and sick in Kolkata, India, was marked by immense personal sacrifices. She faced poverty, suffering, and the challenges of living in some of the most difficult conditions imaginable. Yet, through her selflessness, Mother Teresa found a deep sense of joy and a richer life than many who lived in comfort. Her work was not easy, and it required great sacrifice, but the impact she made on countless lives—and the inner peace she radiated—show the profound truth of Schweitzer’s words. She understood that life becomes harder when we live for others, but it also becomes immeasurably richer in its deeper sense of connection, compassion, and purpose.

The lesson from Schweitzer’s insight is clear: selflessness and service may require sacrifices, but they also bring a fulfillment that cannot be found in the pursuit of self-interest alone. True happiness is not a product of comfort or wealth, but of meaningful connections and the impact we have on others. When we serve, when we give ourselves to others without expectation of return, we transform not only the lives of those we help, but our own life as well. Living for others leads to a deeper sense of joy, peace, and richness that can never be achieved by seeking only our own desires.

In our own lives, we are called to live beyond ourselves. We must ask: how can we serve? How can we live for others, especially when it is not easy? Whether in our family, our community, or through our work, we can find meaning and purpose by focusing on the well-being of those around us. The sacrifices we make for others, though challenging, will ultimately make our lives richer and more fulfilling. As we embrace selflessness, let us remember that the harder path, the path of service, is the one that leads to the truest joy and the deepest peace. Let us dedicate ourselves to giving, knowing that in this way, life becomes not only harder, but richer and happier.