True Service

True service submits itself to the cause which it serves, deeming that cause
holyTrue service does not judge the deeds which are asked of it. It does not
consent to this and refuse that, according to the dictates of its own pride. It gives of
itself because the cause which it serves is worthy.- Manethrall Bhapa, from The
Last Dark by Stephen R. Donaldson

In the spirit which Donaldson appears to convey this belief through the statement made by the
character, he seems to impart the importance of recognizing how our own actions should reflect
an attitude of service towards those around us. As we perform acts of service to others, we often
find a measure of understanding towards others, and in doing so, improve things for those around
us, as much as for ourselves. Truly, we cannot hope to change the entire world, but it is
necessary for each of us to make our corner of the world a better place to be, if we hope to
improve the condition of our own existence. Should we choose to believe our individual actions
cannot possibly have any positive impact upon the world, we must remember the scope of our
actions and their impact on those within our particular environs. Again, the individual is unlikely
to effect change on a worldwide scale, and that truth may have a tendency to dissuade one from
making any positive impact whatsoever, as the effort seems to be inconsequential when
compared to the enormity of the problem, in many cases. One may justify their lack of action
based simply upon this idea, rationalizing their apparent apathy by asking, Why bother? We
should focus then, upon the people within our immediate circle of influence, and ask instead,
What would be the benefit of performing service for those whom I hold most dear? This
altruistic approach towards a personal lifestyle shift can perhaps be best understood when we
consider the benefits and rewards for all involved, as opposed to looking simply for our own
prosperity. In focusing upon the others within our lives, one may at first find it easier to serve
those with whom they have a vested interest; family members, loved ones, close friends. As we
aid or serve the individuals we see frequently, the impact of our influence and service is readily
apparent, and this can impart a comforting sense of accomplishment when reflecting upon our
actions, in turn, leading to reinforcement for these positive actions. Once we begin to understand
the ease of delivering service, and factor in the benefits associated with the same, our service to
others begins to occur with both greater ease and frequency, and eventually this becomes part of
our character.

Choose always the way that seems best, however rough it may be. Custom will soon render it
easy and agreeable. - Pythagoras

But the quote from Donaldson also reminds us of the intent and nature of true service, in giving
freely of oneself in order to perform a necessary act, serving either a personal goal, or as
Donaldson notes, because the cause which it serves is worthy. This brings us to the true nature
of service, wherein acts of service should be performed with the intention of serving perhaps a
benevolent aim; one regarded as being worthy or even philanthropic in nature. Although we
could certainly receive some personal benefit from the completion of our service to others, this
should not be the driving force which compels one to take on the responsibility of service. A
biweekly reward in the form of compensation from our employer may be the direct benefit we
receive when working in a service-oriented field, but it should not be the only reason why we
choose to work in an area where service to others exists as a natural element of our vocation.
Such a singular external motivator will not allow us to complete any type of service as it should
be, and we are more likely to be deliverers of poor service, seeking only the monetary reward.
Service in this case could easily devolve into serve us, as we are more intent on addressing
only our personal needs or desires.

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit. Will Durant,
from The Story of Philosophy, paraphrasing Aristotle

When deciding how we should treat others as we strive for our own improvement, consider the
following:

Building up others improves ones own character, as we choose to display and

emulate integrity in doing so. Improving character on a personal level by performing
service to others increases our development, as we begin to comprehend the need for
positive interaction between ourselves and those in our immediate world. By
supporting those around us, we improve our character, and similarly create benefits or
improvements for all, thereby adding to that which already exists;

Current Norm + Improvement of Self = Improvement of Norm, or,

Current Norm + Improvement of Others = Improvement of Norm

In supporting or serving others, we improve our relationships, and

simultaneously display characteristics of integrity.

These concepts serve two items which benefit from the improvement,
respectively:

The individual improves, in becoming one regarded as a

positive influence, or as a supporting member of the
community. The individual grows and develops, contributing
to the improvement of the status quo.
 The community itself has improved within the area
surrounding the individual, based on their support and
contribution, therefore also elevating the norm for the status
quo to an even higher potential.

Changes in this area reflect improvement in the personal character of the

individual delivering service, and are community-oriented. Positive changes in
this area impact all, rather than just the individual, in a positive manner.

Putting others down in an attempt to improve ourselves, simply by bringing these

others to a point below our own standards or actions can be the way we describe how
we bully others into being less than they are, in order to allow us to rise above their
position. We do not truly change, we simply detract from that which is already there,
in order to make our poor position more superior than it truly is. The individual may
feel as if they are better than those they diminish, but there is no personal growth.

Similarly, through the rote completion of required tasks, we may display our skills or
knowledge, yet we do little to support others, or truly deliver service. Further, when
we perform these tasks in a way which comes across as discourteous or acting in a
surly manner to the recipient, we in effect begin to act as a bully by demeaning
their need for assistance.

Current Norm Contributions of Others = Regression of Norm, or

Current Norm - Improvement of Others = Regression of Norm

The individual may feel their position has elevated as compared to

previous, yet the individual specifically has not improved. This
distorted feeling of superiority comes only after the individual has
repressed the feelings or contributions of others nearby. The individual
has not improved, as they have merely diminished the influence or
performance of others, depressing the status quo and contributing only
to suppression of the norm.

Changes in this area are mainly due to the perception regarding ones
reputation, and are self-centered, serving only the individual, not the entire
community.

To give Real Service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with
money, and that is Sincerity and Integrity. Douglas Adams
Returning to the literary quote provided by Donaldson, the intent of the character appears to
implore others to understand that service, in its true form, is about the improvement of the
society, rather than the individual. When we seek to gain personal benefit from our individual
intents and purposes, we may gain a temporary measure of personal satisfaction, yet this does
little to improve the situation for all involved. When our actions diminish the capacity of the
community, there is no true gain, merely an ersatz but self-serving sense of accomplishment.
Only when our actions are geared toward improving the commonwealth for all involved are we
able to perform true service, as it is intended to benefit others, and not the individual performing
the service.

As we attempt to perform elements of public service in the emergency services disciplines, we

must be mindful of our actions and intentions, as well as their impact on those around us. When
our deeds present an improvement for all involved stakeholders, we can surmise these actions
seemingly emulate true service. Contrastingly, when we appear to be the sole recipient of the
benefits created through our actions, we should consider how we have affected others, and
discern whether we have indeed delivered service, or simply served our own needs.

Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because character is what you
really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. John Wooden

Members of the various emergency disciplines well understand we encounter opportunities to

improve ourselves and our communities within the daily interactions we perform when meeting
our friends, family, or members of the community. These opportunities give us the chance to
either deliver true service which meets the needs of those around us, or to simply complete a
series of tasks associated with a successful outcome. Completing these tasks efficiently can lead
to personal satisfaction, but by doing the same while displaying an attitude of service allows for
the improvement of all involved the citizen, the emergency responder, and the community.