Ezra Taft Benson: 'To lose yourself in righteous service to others can lift your sights and get your mind off personal problems, or at least put them in proper focus.'

To lose yourself in righteous service to others can lift your sights and get your mind off personal problems, or at least put them in proper focus.

Summary: Ezra Taft Benson's quote emphasizes the transformative power of engaging in righteous service to others. By losing ourselves in acts of selfless service, we are able to shift our focus away from personal problems and gain a new perspective. This article aims to delve deeper into the meaning and importance of this quote, while introducing an unexpected philosophical concept to bring intrigue to the discussion.At first glance, Benson's statement may seem simple and straightforward. Engaging in acts of service, particularly those driven by righteousness, has a profound impact on both ourselves and those we help. By immersing ourselves in the needs and well-being of others, our own problems begin to diminish in significance. Serving others allows us to gain a broader perspective on life, reminding us that we are part of a larger community where we can make a positive difference.However, let us now introduce a philosophical concept known as moral egoism which typically supports the idea that all actions are ultimately motivated by self-interest. At this point, one may wonder how this concept fits into the quote by Benson. How can selfless service, which seemingly contradicts self-interest, be reconciled with moral egoism?When exploring this contrast, it becomes evident that the apparent contradiction between selfless service and moral egoism is not as black and white as it may seem. In fact, in the long run, engaging in righteous service can indirectly benefit our own personal well-being and provide genuine satisfaction. While we may have initially set out to help others, by investing ourselves in their needs, we often find a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and ultimately, perspective on our own problems.Losing ourselves in righteous service does not mean neglecting our own needs entirely, but rather putting them in proper focus. As we extend ourselves in the service of others, our personal problems may not entirely vanish, but they become contextualized within a broader framework of the human experience. We begin to understand that our challenges are not insurmountable, and our perspective shifts from a self-centered mindset to one of empathy and compassion.To test this concept, it is worth reflecting on personal experiences or witnessing the experiences of others. How often have we found solace from our own troubles by helping someone in need or dedicating time to a charitable cause? The act of focusing on the needs and well-being of others provides a powerful antidote to our own self-absorption. Through serving others, we learn to be grateful for what we have, gain new insights into our own trials, and develop a renewed sense of purpose.It is crucial to understand that the transformative power of service lies in the righteousness of our intentions. Engaging in service with the sole motive of personal gain contradicts the true essence of selflessness. However, by genuinely seeking to alleviate the suffering of others and making a positive impact on their lives, we find ourselves lifted above our own problems and able to gain a clearer perspective.In conclusion, Ezra Taft Benson's quote holds deep meaning and importance in our lives. By losing ourselves in righteous service to others, we not only elevate our sights but also gain a renewed outlook on our own personal problems. Through this selfless act, we learn to prioritize our focus, see the bigger picture, and find fulfillment in being of value to our community. While it may seem contradictory on the surface, the concept of moral egoism can be reconciled with selfless service, as the genuine satisfaction and perspective gained through helping others ultimately benefit our own personal well-being. Let us embrace the transformative power of service and strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others.