We are living in the most individualistic era in history. Every message we consume tells us to “focus on yourself,” “put yourself first,” and “do what makes you happy.” And yet, despite this endless pursuit of self-fulfilment, people are lonelier, more anxious, and more disconnected than ever before. In a world where neighbours don’t check on each other, where people die alone in their homes, undiscovered for weeks or even months, we must ask: Have we lost sight of what it means to be a society?
Our ancestors understood something we have forgotten service is not just about helping others; it’s about giving life meaning. For centuries, people found purpose in contributing to their families, communities, and nations. But today, as we chase individual success and personal comfort, we have abandoned the very thing that gives life depth: duty to others.
We live in the age of hyper-connectivity, yet genuine human connection has never been weaker. Elderly people die alone because no one checks on them. Mental health crises go unnoticed because no one asks, “Are you okay?” Families drift apart, friendships become transactional, and the concept of a tight-knit community is vanishing.
This is not just a personal tragedy it is a public health crisis. Social isolation has been linked to increased rates of heart disease, dementia, depression, and even premature death. We were never meant to live in fragmented, self-serving bubbles. Humans are wired for community, responsibility, and shared purpose.
Imagine if, for one year, every young person dedicated themselves to service not in war, but in rebuilding the fabric of society. This could mean working in elderly care, mentoring at-risk youth, assisting the homeless, or revitalizing struggling communities. Not as punishment, not as a chore, but as a rite of passage a shared experience that bonds generations and rebuilds civic responsibility.
A culture of service wouldn’t just help those in need; it would transform those who serve. Studies show that people who engage in volunteer work experience higher levels of happiness, lower rates of depression, and a stronger sense of purpose. Service teaches resilience, empathy, and leadership qualities that no number of self-help books or social media validation can provide.
A year of service could heal divisions, strengthen communities, and reconnect people to something greater than themselves. It could teach young people the value of responsibility, show them the realities of life beyond their own social circles, and remind them that true fulfilment comes not from taking, but from giving.
If we continue this path of extreme individualism, we will pay the price—not just in loneliness, but in the collapse of social trust and the breakdown of communities. We must recognize that no amount of wealth, personal achievement, or digital connection can replace the fulfilment that comes from serving others.
The greatest civilizations were built on duty, sacrifice, and communal effort. If we wish to restore what has been lost, we must embrace a new kind of service—one that binds us together, heals our fractures, and reminds us of what it truly means to be human.
It’s time to stop asking, “What’s in it for me?” and start asking, “How can I serve?”
Make the Connection 
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