My purpose... to go on with my heart and soul, devoting all my

"My purpose... to go on with my heart and soul, devoting all my energies to Girl Scouts, and heart and hand with them, we will make our lives and the lives of the future girls happy, healthy and holy." These powerful words by Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts, capture the essence of a life dedicated to service, purpose, and the empowerment of others. In her statement, Low expresses a commitment to devote herself fully to the well-being and growth of young girls, seeking not just to impart practical skills, but to shape their hearts and souls. Her vision was to create a world where girls could grow to become strong, resilient, and self-aware, prepared to navigate life with courage, compassion, and integrity. The words "happy, healthy, and holy" reflect her desire to nurture a holistic approach to development—one that encompasses the physical, the emotional, and the spiritual.

In the ancient world, the pursuit of a higher purpose was central to the philosophy of many great thinkers. Socrates, for example, believed that the good life was one that was aligned with a sense of moral purpose. His emphasis on self-examination and the cultivation of virtue echoes Low’s focus on the inner life, and how this life, when developed, can radiate outward to affect others. Socrates was not interested in personal wealth or fame, but in the betterment of society through the nurturing of moral strength and wisdom. Low’s mission with the Girl Scouts aligns with this ancient philosophy: she aimed to equip young girls with the tools not only to survive in the world, but to thrive with honor, integrity, and strength of character.

Similarly, in ancient Greece, the Spartan women were trained to be strong, healthy, and able to support the warriors of Sparta. Spartan society believed that strength in both body and mind was vital to the survival of their city-state. Women were educated to be physically fit, morally upright, and emotionally resilient. Their role in society was essential—not only to bear and raise warriors, but also to ensure the well-being of the community. Like the Spartans, Low’s mission was to raise women who could contribute to society in ways that were holistic—not just physically strong, but emotionally and spiritually sound, capable of shaping the world around them.

Take, for example, the Roman philosopher and statesman Seneca, who taught that virtue was the foundation of a happy life. In his letters and essays, Seneca encouraged the practice of inner strength and moral fortitude, which would lead to peace and fulfillment. Low, too, was driven by a desire to cultivate virtue in the young girls she mentored. Her focus on the inner qualities of courage, kindness, and integrity mirrors the ancient emphasis on the importance of developing a strong character. Seneca taught that no matter the external circumstances, it is the inner virtues that provide true happiness. This wisdom parallels Low’s mission: by cultivating virtues within young girls, she sought to build a foundation for lives filled with purpose and meaning, which would transcend the struggles of the outside world.

Low’s dedication to girlhood and the empowerment of young girls can also be seen as a reflection of the teachings found in the Buddhist tradition. Buddhism emphasizes the importance of nurturing the mind, body, and spirit in a way that leads to inner peace and the alleviation of suffering. The Buddha taught that true peace comes not from external circumstances, but from cultivating inner strength and compassion. Similarly, Low’s vision for the Girl Scouts was not just about providing practical skills for future careers, but about developing character and compassion that would guide them through the complexities of life. Like the Buddhist path, the Girl Scouts sought to raise young women who were balanced, empowered, and compassionate.

The lesson we can take from Juliette Gordon Low’s words is the profound impact of purpose-driven work. Purpose is the foundation upon which we can build lives that are not only successful in the conventional sense but are also meaningful and fulfilling. When we dedicate ourselves to service—whether to our families, communities, or the world—we tap into a source of strength that goes beyond mere achievement. Low’s commitment to the Girl Scouts reflects this deep calling to empower the next generation, to instill in them the tools they need to build a life that is not only happy and healthy but also whole and virtuous.

In our own lives, we can follow Low’s example by seeking out purposeful endeavors that nourish our hearts, minds, and spirits. It is not enough to merely achieve; we must focus on the deeper mission—how we can serve others and contribute to the well-being of those around us. Whether in our careers, our families, or our communities, we must ask ourselves: how can we empower those who come after us? Low’s message calls on us to act with heart, to devote ourselves fully to the well-being of others, and to use our energy to shape a future that is not only about survival but also about creating lives that are filled with meaning and integrity.

Let us give ourselves, as Low did, to the causes that matter—to the preservation and nurturing of future generations. Like the ancients, who understood that true greatness lies in the service of others, we, too, can create lives of lasting impact when we focus not just on our personal goals, but on the well-being of the world and the values we pass on. Juliette Gordon Low’s vision is a call to all of us to live with purpose, and to dedicate our energies to building a future that is both compassionate and empowered.