The highest destiny

I stumbled across a wise saying from Albert Einstein the other day. (Einstein probably was one of the wisest people of the 20th century, and also a wise guy, judging from the photo.) "The highest destiny of the individual is to serve rather than to rule."

These are words that our elected rulers could take to heart, but I can see the potential for the statement to be horribly misinterpreted, much as the famous words about "Render unto Caesar ..." have been misinterpreted to mean "Pay your taxes like a good little slave."

One of the greatest individuals of our lifetimes - and the most Christ-like of Christians - was Mother Teresa, who devoted her life to serve. She probably epitomized Einstein's little proverb, seeing her highest destiny in service to others. She was a great leader by her example. While rulers seek to do great things, Teresa said, "We can do no great things, only small things with great love."

There's an important word hidden in the context of Einstein's statement, exemplified by Teresa's life. She was not coerced to spend her life in service on the streets of India. It was her choice. The highest destiny of an individual is to serve - willingly - rather than to rule. Teresa will be remembered in the annals of greatness long after those who seek power are forgotten.