1. Why Important
2. The Higher and the Lower Selves
3. Applications
4. How to Start

II. The Higher and the Lower Selves

III. Applications

1. Relationships
   
   Persons who are sensitive to the needs of others and are prepared to assist even in small ways are more valued as friends or relatives, they are well-liked and they are likely to have more harmonious relationships with other people. Sour relationships are a major cause of human unhappiness, and this is often caused when a person mainly thinks of one's own benefit.
   
2. Work and Profession
   
   Whether you are a laborer or an executive, the tendency to be of help or be of service will make you more successful and better appreciated. A salesperson who thinks of the welfare of his customer will be better liked than one who is only thinking of his commissions. A doctor who is genuinely concerned with his patients will have more clients than one who shows irritation when the patient asks so many questions. A machine operator is certainly a candidate for promotion if he is constantly looking for ways to improve the work situation even if he is not paid to do so.
   
3. Marital Happiness
   
   When each spouse genuinely seeks to serve the needs of the partner rather than think of his or her own needs, then the happiness of the marital relationship is guaranteed.
   
4. Social Improvement
   
   Many citizens often think of their own convenience and refuse to render service to the larger welfare. Thus they may carelessly throw wrappers or cans on the street or outside car windows, not thinking that this is additional work for the street cleaner, when he can easily put them in the waste basket. Then they complain about the poor city administration because the streets are dirty. Or they may evade taxes and complain that the government is inefficient or corrupt, when they may be the root causes of it.
   
5. Personal Fulfillment and Happiness
   
   Not many people realize that rendering service to others is one of the greatest source of personal fulfillment.
   
6. Spiritual Life
   
   Service-orientedness is but a facet of selflessness, which is the prerequisite to genuine spirituality. It means that an individual is no longer beset with uncontrolled personality needs, such as insecurity, attention, etc. He is now free to look into higher values that lead to self-actualization or self-realization.

IV. How To Start

1. Every day, try to do small things to make someone else a bit happier than before. It can be a simple greeting or smile, or providing a pencil or paper for someone who is looking for it, or helping an elderly lady with her groceries. Constantly look for such small opportunities to serve, especially in your home and among your family members. Show your appreciation to the pianist in the restaurant or a traffic volunteer.
   
2. In your work, decide to serve your customer as best and as cheerfully as you can. Customer does not mean a buyer. It can be the next employee who will process your work output. If you receive phone calls, decide to serve the needs of the caller to the utmost of your ability. Go out of your way to do what is not even expected. Your life will change.
   
3. See what you can do to help your community or society. Praise a public servant who has done well. Donate things or money to your community organization if you cannot give time. If you are interested in ecology, see if you can participate in some program and contribute your talents.