Ezra Taft Benson: 'If you really want to receive joy and happiness, then serve others with all your heart. Lift their burden, and your own burden will be lighter.'

If you really want to receive joy and happiness, then serve others with all your heart. Lift their burden, and your own burden will be lighter.

The quote by Ezra Taft Benson, "If you really want to receive joy and happiness, then serve others with all your heart. Lift their burden, and your own burden will be lighter," embodies a powerful message about the transformative nature of selflessness and the intrinsic connection between the well-being of others and ourselves. In a straightforward manner, this quote urges us to find fulfillment and happiness by actively seeking opportunities to serve and uplift those around us. By doing so, not only do we relieve the burdens others carry, but we also experience a lightening of our own weights, allowing us to live a more joyous and gratifying life.However, by introducing an unexpected philosophical concept, we can delve deeper into the meaning behind this quote. The concept of "moral luck" challenges the idea that our own happiness and the alleviation of our burdens are solely within our control. According to this concept, our circumstances and the outcomes of our actions are influenced by factors beyond our control, such as luck or chance. By comparing and contrasting this notion with Benson's quote, we can explore the complexities of human experiences and the ways in which serving others may interact with the concept of moral luck.Benson's quote emphasizes the notion that by serving others wholeheartedly, we can bring joy and lightness into our own lives. It suggests that there is a direct correlation between lifting the burdens of others and experiencing personal happiness. This understanding aligns with the belief that our actions have consequences and that kindness and compassion can cultivate a positive environment not only for ourselves but also for those around us.On the other hand, the idea of moral luck challenges the assumption that our happiness and the weight of our burdens are solely determined by our own actions. It proposes that external factors, such as circumstances or luck, may heavily influence our outcomes, regardless of our intentions. From this perspective, one might argue that serving others with all our heart isn't always a guarantee of personal happiness or a lighter burden. Unfortunate events or unfavorable circumstances might still befall us despite our best efforts.However, Benson's quote invites a different perspective on the concept of moral luck. While external factors may indeed play a role in shaping our lives, the act of serving others empowers us to rise above these circumstances. It allows us to develop a sense of purpose and resilience, enabling us to overcome adversity and find joy even in challenging times. By prioritizing the needs of others and actively seeking opportunities to serve, we create a positive mindset and cultivate an environment that is more likely to attract positivity, regardless of external circumstances.In essence, the quote by Ezra Taft Benson encapsulates the power of selflessness and the interconnectedness of our well-being with that of others. It urges us to engage in acts of service from the depths of our hearts, lifting the burdens of those around us. While the concept of moral luck introduces the notion of external factors influencing our lives, Benson's quote invites us to rise above these limitations by actively creating a joyous and light-hearted existence through the act of serving others. Ultimately, by embracing the philosophy of selflessness, we not only bring happiness and relief to others but also pave the way for our own personal fulfillment and contentment. So let us embark on a journey of service, knowing that the burdens we lift will, in turn, lighten our own.