The only path to greatness

Self-centeredness is pervasive. It’s a terminal but celebrated disease at the heart of modernity.

We live neither for the past nor the future, only for the now. “The moment,” as we like to call it. Unlike the Romans and other ancient societies, who sought to honor their predecessors, we openly scorn our forebears. Unlike our more commitment-driven pilgrim and pioneer ancestors, who boldly invested into future generations through their courageous spirit of adventure and entrepreneurship, we seek to avoid responsibility at all costs. 

Servant leadership — humble self-sacrifice for the sake of others — has fallen by the wayside.

As far as modern man is concerned, this universe and our destinies in it revolve around the almighty man in the mirror. However, that, as we are witnessing in real-time before us, is a sure recipe for devastating social collapse. Societies can only prosper when men and women live not for themselves but for community, self-sacrifice, their families, service, and the greater good.

“Although Americans have been attached strongly to privacy and private rights, they also have been a people conspicuous for a successful spirit of community,” the great philosopher Russell Kirk once wrote. “For a nation is no stronger than the numerous little communities of which it is composed.”

“It is the performance of our duties in community that teaches us prudence and efficiency and charity,” he added.

In other words, those who run from obligations carried out communally will never cultivate the virtues required of a healthy body politic. 

“Both the community of property and the community of families… tend to make them more truly guardians,” wrote Plato in his “Republic.” “[T]hey will not tear the city in pieces by differing about ‘mine’ and ‘not mine.’”

Although we may reject the ancient philosopher’s claims about shared property, as did Kirk, who argued that “freedom and property are closely linked,” Plato, nevertheless, makes a worthwhile point: self-seeking individualists who entirely reject communitarianism and live only for what they perceive to be theirs are never likely to be of much use to the nation.

That is why servant leadership endures as a thriving nation’s greatest boast — and a selfish nation’s most urgent cure. Servant leadership seeks to invert natural man’s twisted mentality of “leadership” for the sake of personal power, wealth, and acclaim. It forces us to look beyond how the collective may serve us to how we may serve the collective. 

“Do you want to be successful or significant? I remember driving home one afternoon and hearing this question posed on the radio, and it caused me to pause and reflect,” wrote Convention of States intern Dani Landivar in a recent blog. “Much of our modern culture focuses on success—accumulating wealth to travel the world and fulfill personal dreams. While these pursuits aren’t inherently bad, living solely for success isn’t truly fulfilling. I think John Maxwell had it right when he said, "Success is when I add value to myself, significance is when I add value to others.”

“As I observed the world around me,” she continued, “I noticed many people were motivated to elevate themselves and add value to their own lives. In contrast, I reflected on my role models—those who have inspired me—and realized that the individuals I admire most are those who live with a focus on significance. This insight led me to a personal resolution: I want to be significant. I aim to contribute to meaningful change in our country and add value to those around me.”

That is what true servant leadership looks like. Unfortunately, it’s increasingly rare these days.

Contrary to what modernity may lead you to believe, the universe does not revolve around you. It does not revolve around any of us, whether rich, poor, powerful, or powerless.

“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them,” said Jesus. “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,” He taught.

Indeed, as the heroes of history repeatedly attest, the only path to true greatness is through humble self-sacrifice and service. If any hope remains for healing our pride-plagued nation, may we heed this lesson, circumvent ourselves, and abandon our accursed self-centeredness.