Sunday, January 17, 2010

Ethic of Service?

So in an AmeriCorp survey I took for my post experience interview, there was a question of What does the term "Ethic of Service" mean to you. This was an odd question. I think we all have been compelled to serve others, whether our boss, kids, spouse, or some sort of "social" service. But as I though about it, why is the reason behind a compulsion to serve.

My answer, as many of my answers for these kinds of questions are, is that we are taught that this is good, and that makes us good. But I don't think anyone doing something they don't want to simply because they feel it is the right thing doesn't make them feel good.

So my definition for this term came to this. Loving oneself such that service doesn't become a thing to do, but just a part of yourself that extends your understanding of the love that is in us all to everyone.

What do you think? Anyone reading this anymore? Would be interested in your opinion.

3 comments:

Sherri said...

I think that you are right on target but helping others might also help individuals understand (and love) themselves more - which is also a positive experience.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like service is core to a personal personality.

John Powell said...

I think you are on the right track too. Service can be performed out of duty. And it can be performed out of love. And it can be performed in the pursuit of pleasure or fulfillment. And none of those are wrong. But I think perhaps when it occurs naturally as an expression of oneself, it is at it's highest form.