Save One Life. . . and Save the World

In a book with the same title as this blog, a colleague and I interviewed a dozen individuals who launched grassroots organizations to support causes dear to their hearts. Whether digging wells or building orphanages in Africa, starting a micro-loan program, launching urban youth programs, or providing scholarships to prevent sex slavery, lives were enriched--or saved--as a result of modest efforts, initially on a small scale. In each case, these stories highlight people who stumbled onto a mission that capitalized on their special interests, as well as transformed their own lives. They had no particular training or preparation for their projects; rather they began with baby steps that felt insignificant at the time. But from such tentative, often impulsive efforts, a cascade of results soon followed as others joined them.

There is a saying from the Talmud that "whoever saves one life, it is as if he [or she] has saved the whole world." It is through the sacred action of service to others, especially with those who have been most neglected, that we take a step toward making the world a little bit more just. I would add to that statement that with such efforts we also save ourselves in the process: We create greater meaning and satisfaction in our daily lives. Regardless of what we do for a living, how routine it feels, such work does not define us as much as what we do to connect with others and make a positive difference in their lives.

A number of studies have shown that altruistic behavior, the urge to help others even when we jeopardize our own safety, is largely instinctual. Birds will call out warnings to their brethren, sacrificing themselves to predators. Chimpanzees will act selflessly in order to help those who are disadvantaged. Even human infants as young as 18 months will help others with no expectation for a reward. Doing good appears to be an ingrained part of our makeup, motivating us to help those who are most in need.

Over the years I've escorted hundreds of people to work with me on a project in Nepal in which we mentor and provide scholarships for lower caste girls who are at-risk to be sold into slavery. I have been fascinated not only by how small efforts can have such a huge impact on the lives of the disenfranchised but also the ways that such efforts have such reciprocal influence on those who help others. Time after time again volunteers report that they have found new meaning and purpose in their daily lives, enriching their relationships with family, friends, and co-workers. Specifically our research has demonstrated the following benefits: 1) changed priorities that value and honor intimate relationships, 2) greater appreciation for simple pleasures and decreased consumerism, 3) increased confidence when facing adversity, 4) "constructive" guilt and about being privileged, 5) enhanced social interest, 6) increased joy in daily life.

Many of you are reading this article because you already know these things and practice them in your life. But the really incredible thing is how each of us could do so much more by actually doing very little. It is the really small actions that require such little effort and yet can build incrementally over time. In this video, volunteers representing Empower Nepali Girls spent just a few weeks working with children to improve their academic skills and inspire them to continue their education. As grateful as these children (and their parents) might be, the lingering effects of this service continue to reverberate within the volunteers themselves. The trajectory of their own lives is altered in ways they feel greater spiritual, moral, and personal satisfaction.

What does it take to make a difference, even on a small scale?

1. It must involve action, not merely planning and talk.

2. Intention is just as important as results. It really is the thought that counts--as long as you act on that thought.

3. The goal is to help others, not yourself. Any personal gains must be secondary to what you do for others.

4. There must be some personal sacrifice or risk involved. By definition altruism costs time and effort. It means that you have chosen to give up something for the benefit of those who are less fortunate.

5. There are no strings attached, no expectations of reward or benefit other than the pure joy of helping others.

If you feel inspired, even in a minor way, by these messages the next question is how you will translate this intention into action? Based on studies of successful efforts, it is best to start on a very modest scale, even helping just one person. The key is sustained action, that is, beginning with something that you know you can continue for some time. A second significant element is accountability--holding yourself responsible for others' welfare, not just family and friends, but those outside your immediate circle who so desperately need help. It doesn't matter what you do, as long as you do something to make a difference, to save a life, to save the world, to save yourself.