Chapter 07
The Power of Putting Others First
1.Heaven is long-enduring and earth continues long. The reason
why heaven and earth are able to endure and continue thus long is
because they do not live of, or for, themselves. This is how they are
able to continue and endure.
2.Therefore the sage puts his own person last, and yet it is found in
the foremost place; he treats his person as if it were foreign to him,
and yet that person is preserved. Is it not because he has no
personal and private ends, that therefore such ends are realised?
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Service Strategy
Think of a specific goal you're working toward—a promotion, stronger relationship, or community role. Map out two different approaches: one focused on what you can get, and another focused on what you can give. For each approach, predict the likely responses from others and the long-term outcomes.
Consider:
- •What problems are the people around your goal actually facing?
- •How might others perceive your motivations in each approach?
- •Which approach builds trust versus which creates skepticism?
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when focusing on helping others led to an unexpected opportunity for you. What did you learn about how influence really works?
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