Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of compassion and giving back to society as fundamental aspects of civilization and personal character.

Abstract

The text argues that a meaningful life is characterized by the ability to care for others, particularly during times of personal hardship. It suggests that true civilization is reflected not in material possessions but in the willingness to help those in need, citing anthropologist Margaret Mead's story of a healed femur as the first sign of civilization. The article encourages readers to give back in ways that resonate with them personally, highlighting the work of Dr. Fred Hollows as an example of selfless service. It concludes that success is measured by the positive impact one has on the lives of others, rather than by personal wealth or achievements.

Opinions

The capacity to love and care for others is presented as a defining human trait.
A society's level of civilization is indicated by its members' readiness to give and support each other.
The story of the healed femur is used to illustrate that civilization begins with helping others in distress.
The extent of one's generosity, whether in time or resources, is seen as a reflection of their humanity.
Giving is not one-size-fits-all; it should be aligned with the individual's abilities and what keeps them motivated to continue giving.
The article questions society's moral compass when individuals are neglected and left to suffer from treatable conditions.
Dr. Fred Hollows is celebrated for his pro bono work restoring sight to the almost cataract-blind in the Aboriginal community, exemplifying the ideal of giving back.
Success is defined by the contributions one makes to improve the lives of fellow human beings, not by personal gains.

If Life Seems Hard For You It May Be A Sign For You To Stop Feeling Sorry For Yourself

Give back. Help the needy instead

One of the greatest assets we humans possess, is our ability to love, to reach out and care, and to make time for people.

Without being involved in some aspects of giving, our lives are indeed, empty.

‘Character is revealed in the power to discern the suffering of other people when we ourselves are suffering; in the ability to detect the hunger of others when we are hungry; and in the power to reach out and extend compassion for the spiritual agony of others when we are in the midst of our own spiritual distress.’

The extent to which someone is willing to give of their time, or money, reflects their level of humanity.

We can give in so many ways. What is right for you, may not align with another person’s ability. What is right for you will be the giving that keeps you giving.

Giving is the sign of a civilized society, alive and well.

‘Years ago, anthropologist Margaret Mead was asked by a student what she considered to be the first sign of civilization in a culture. The student expected Mead to talk about fishhooks or clay pots or grinding stones.

‘But no. Mead said that the first sign of civilization in an ancient culture was a femur (thighbone) that had been broken and then healed. Mead explained that in the animal kingdom, if you break your leg, you die. You cannot run from danger, get to the river for a drink or hunt for food. You are meat for prowling beasts. No animal survives a broken leg long enough for the bone to heal.

‘A broken femur that has healed is evidence that someone has taken time to stay with the one who fell, has bound up the wound, has carried the person to safety and has tended the person through recovery. Helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization starts.’

We are at our best when we serve others.’

I’ve read a number of versions of this charmingly-seductive story, and I have wondered if or not, it is true.

But whether it is, or is not, is irrelevant. If we looked at the antithesis of this story, finding someone dying of neglect in our modern society, because of a wound, or a virus that could easily have been tended to, would surely be suggestive of a society that had lost its moral compass.

So, I am sticking with the Margaret Mead story because it reflects exactly how our society should and must be.

The much lauded (late) Dr. Fred Hollows worked, pro bono, for many years among the Aboriginal community here in Australia, restoring sight to the almost cataract-blind.

One of my favorite Margaret Mead quotes could have been written exclusively about Fred.

‘I measure success in terms of the contributions an individual makes to her fellow human beings.’

That The Fred Hollows Foundation continues Fred’s work long after his passing, speaks volumes.

At the end of the day: …

‘…it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished. It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.’