Rivers Do Not Drink Their Own Water…
The joy of living for others

Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church and a renowned advocate for peace, justice, and solidarity, once said: “Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is…Life is good when you are happy, but much better when others are happy because of you.”
This quote is a beautiful and profound expression of the joy of living for others, which is a core value of the Christian faith, as well as a universal human virtue. Living for others means loving, serving, and caring for others, especially those who are in need, suffering, or marginalised. Living for others means sharing our gifts, talents, and resources, with generosity, gratitude, and humility. It means to seek the common good, rather than our own interests, and to promote harmony, rather than conflict.
Pope Francis reminds us that living for others is not only a moral duty, but also a natural law, that is evident in the creation. He uses the examples of rivers, trees, sun, and flowers, to illustrate how nature is designed to give, rather than to receive, and to benefit, rather than to harm, others. Rivers do not drink their own water, but they nourish the land, the plants, and the animals, that depend on them. Trees do not eat their own fruit, but they provide food, shade, and oxygen, for other living beings. The sun does not shine on itself, but it gives light, heat, and energy, to the earth and its inhabitants. Flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves, but they beautify the environment, and attract pollinators, that help them reproduce.
Pope Francis also reminds us that living for others is not only a natural law but also a source of happiness, both for ourselves and for others. He says that life is good when we are happy, but much better when others are happy because of us. This means that living for others is not a sacrifice, but a reward, that enriches our lives and makes us more fulfilled. Living for others also makes others happy, by meeting their needs, alleviating their pain, and enhancing their dignity. Living for others also creates a positive cycle of happiness, that spreads and multiplies, among the people and the communities, that we touch and influence.
Pope Francis’ quote is a powerful and inspiring message, that invites us to reflect on the joy of living for others, which is a rule of nature, a value of faith, and a source of happiness.
Living for others is a way of honouring God, who created us in His image and likeness, and who loves us unconditionally. Living for others is also a way of following Jesus, who gave His life for us, and who taught us to love one another, as He loved us. Living for others is also a way of building a better world, where peace, justice, and solidarity, prevail over violence, injustice, and selfishness.
