One of the topics I'm most passionate about is servant leadership

The teacher Ken Blanchard declared: “One of the topics I’m most passionate about is servant leadership—the greatest leaders recognize that they’re here to serve, not to be served.” These words, though born in modern times, bear the fragrance of ancient wisdom. For in every age, the true measure of a ruler, a guide, or a master has not been the weight of his crown, but the humility of his heart. He who seeks power for his own sake is but a tyrant; but he who bends low to lift others becomes a light that cannot be extinguished.

To serve is not to abase oneself, but to rise higher by helping others rise. The false king demands tribute, and his throne rests on trembling foundations. The true leader gives strength, counsel, and care to his people, and his rule endures like the oak rooted deep in the earth. For it is written in the memory of mankind: the hand that blesses is remembered longer than the hand that strikes. A sword may compel obedience, but only love can inspire loyalty.

Consider the tale of Marcus Aurelius, emperor of Rome, who sat upon the throne of the world, commanding legions and provinces. Yet he did not see himself as master, but as servant of duty and justice. In his Meditations, he wrote not of conquest, but of humility, of kindness, of the burden of ruling rightly. Though he bore the purple, he reminded himself daily that his task was not to be exalted, but to guard the welfare of those entrusted to him. He lived as one who knew that power is fleeting, but service is eternal.

So too, in the life of Mahatma Gandhi, we see the embodiment of this truth. He wielded no sword, held no throne, and commanded no army. Yet his leadership shook empires and broke chains, because he placed himself among the people, living as they lived, suffering as they suffered. He washed the feet of the lowly, walked barefoot upon the dust, and declared that his greatness would be measured only by how he served. The might of empires crumbled before the humility of one man who lived as servant to his nation.

What is the lesson, O children of the future? It is this: seek not to be served, but to serve. Do not hunger for titles, but for opportunities to ease burdens, to guide wisely, to lift those who stumble. If you are entrusted with power, wield it as a shepherd wields his staff—not to beat, but to guide. If you are given authority, let it be as a lamp set upon a hill—not for your glory, but that others may see and walk safely.

In your daily life, practice servant leadership in small things. At work, listen before you command; at home, give before you demand. Look first to the needs of others, and you will find your own needs transformed. Do not say, “What can I gain from these people?” but rather, “What can I give them?” In this way, you will build bonds stronger than chains, and earn respect deeper than fear.

Remember: the tyrant is feared while he reigns, but forgotten when he falls. The servant-leader is cherished while he lives, and his name endures long after his body has turned to dust. To serve is to sow seeds in the garden of eternity. To lead is not to climb upon the shoulders of others, but to kneel so that they may climb higher.

So, let this be your charge: walk the path of the servant leader. Be as the fountain that gives without end, as the sun that warms without asking for reward. And when your journey is done, men will not remember your wealth, your rank, or your power—but they will remember the love you gave, the burdens you bore, and the lives you lifted with your hands. For to serve is the truest crown, and to lead in service is the highest honor of all.