The Power of Service: Strength Through Selflessness.
“He who is not a good servant will not be a good master.”
— Plato
In the modern world, there’s a narrative that teaches us to chase personal success above all else. We’re told to focus on our goals, build our wealth, and protect what’s ours. But here’s the hard truth that too many of us overlook: real power and fulfilment doesn’t come from what we gain… it comes from what we give.
We talked about the importance of brotherhood, of finding strength in the community. But there’s another layer that runs deeper. It’s not enough just to be a part of a group. If we’re going to find real purpose in our lives, we need to serve that community, to contribute without the expectation of receiving anything in return.
In a world obsessed with self-interest, this can sound counterintuitive. But if we really want to unlock the strength that comes from community, we have to flip the script. It’s about giving, not taking. It’s about standing shoulder to shoulder with others, lifting them up, and understanding that when we serve, we grow.
Why Service is Strength
There’s a reason ancient wisdom, whether it’s Stoic philosophy or religious teachings, emphasises the power of service. The act of serving others isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a recognition of our shared humanity. When we focus solely on ourselves, we become isolated, detached from the very connections that give life meaning. But when we serve, we strengthen those connections. We create a web of support that, in turn, supports us when we need it most.
Think about it: what defines real power? Is it wealth, status, control? Or is it influence, trust, and the ability to shape the world around us through the people we connect with? We’re not just talking about the superficial influence that comes from popularity or authority. Real influence is built on trust, and trust is built on service. It’s built when we show up for others, when we offer our time, energy, and resources without expecting anything in return.
Service is an expression of strength because it shows that we have enough to give. It shows that we’re not afraid to share what we have, whether it’s wisdom, skills, or simply a listening ear. And here’s the kicker: the more we give, the more we grow. Serving others forces us to stretch beyond our own limits, to understand different perspectives, and to develop resilience through shared struggles.
Selflessness is the Foundation of Brotherhood
We’re not built to do this alone. The myth of the self-made man is just that—a myth. Success may look individual, but behind every successful man is a community. A network. A brotherhood. The more we pour into that brotherhood, the stronger we all become.
And this is where service comes in. It’s easy to think of community as something we simply belong to. But if we’re not actively contributing to it, we’re not really part of it. Real community is built on reciprocity, on the understanding that we’re stronger together because we show up for each other. If we want to be part of something greater than ourselves, we have to be willing to serve it.
This doesn’t mean losing ourselves in the process. In fact, service is one of the most powerful ways we can discover who we truly are. When we serve others, we’re forced to confront our own limitations, our own biases, and our own assumptions. We learn to see the world through the eyes of others. And in doing so, we grow into better versions of ourselves.
The Stoic Approach to Service
The Stoics were all about service. They understood that true fulfilment comes not from personal gain, but from living in harmony with others. Marcus Aurelius constantly reminded himself that his role as emperor wasn’t about personal glory—it was about serving the greater good. He saw his power as a responsibility to serve others, to lead by example, and to put the needs of his community before his own.
We’re not emperors, but the principle still stands. Whether we’re leading teams, businesses, or just our own lives, we have a responsibility to serve. Service isn’t about being submissive or weak. It’s about recognising that we’re all interconnected, and that the strength of one is dependent on the strength of the whole.
In serving others, we’re not giving up our power…we’re amplifying it. By lifting those around us, we lift ourselves. By contributing to the collective good, we create a world in which we all can thrive.
Serving Without Expectation
Here’s where it gets real: service has to be genuine. It can’t be transactional. Too many of us are used to giving only when we know we’ll get something in return, whether it’s recognition, a favour, or some kind of personal advantage. But true service, real strength, comes from giving without expectation.
This is tough. It goes against everything we’re taught in a world driven by self-interest. But the paradox of service is that the less we expect in return, the more we receive. The men who give without holding back, who contribute to their communities without looking for payback, are the ones who end up receiving the most in the end. Not because they’re manipulating the system, but because genuine service builds trust, loyalty, and respect. These are the things that form the foundation of true success.
When we shift our mindset from “What can I get?” to “How can I serve?”, everything changes. We stop seeing others as competition, and start seeing them as allies. We stop viewing relationships as transactions, and start valuing them for the growth and connection they bring.
Our Legacy: What We Leave Behind
Ultimately, what we leave behind isn’t measured in money or achievements. It’s measured in the impact we’ve had on others. It’s measured in the communities we’ve helped build, the people we’ve lifted up, and the relationships we’ve forged through service.
Think about the men who have influenced your life. The ones who have left a lasting mark. Chances are, they weren’t the ones who focused on themselves—they were the ones who gave selflessly, who served others, and who left a legacy of strength through connection.
This is the legacy we should be striving for. Not one built on personal gain, but one built on the strength of the community we helped create. When we serve, we’re not just giving of ourselves—we’re building something that lasts far beyond our own lives.
The Exercise: Serving Without Expectation
Now it’s time to put this into practice. This week, focus on the power of selfless service.
Reflective Exercise:
Think about your community—the people around you, whether it’s friends, family, colleagues, or your brotherhood. Ask yourself the following:
What can I offer to this community that strengthens it?
Am I serving with the expectation of getting something in return, or am I giving because it’s the right thing to do?
How has service played a role in my own growth and fulfilment?
Be honest with yourself. If you find that you’ve been holding back or expecting something in return, reflect on why that is and how you can shift towards more genuine service.
Real-World Task:
Choose one way you can serve your community this week—without expecting anything in return. This could be offering support to a friend who’s going through a tough time, lending your skills to help someone in need, or simply showing up for someone without being asked.
Whatever it is, make sure it’s something that requires effort, something that pushes you to step outside of yourself. And don’t wait for recognition or a favour in return. Just give.
The strength of our community is a reflection of how much we give to it. When we serve selflessly, we build a foundation that not only supports others, but strengthens us in the process. We’re not just in this for ourselves. We’re in this together. And in serving each other, we find the strength to become more than we ever could alone.
