I want to serve others. Suddenly, finally. It’s a strange new feeling.

Maybe not so suddenly. I first noticed feeling curious about the notion of “serving” others by reading about the British monarchy, but not the very latest news, the passing of Queen Elizabeth.

It was last year when I was reading about the death of the Queen’s husband, Prince Philip. I don’t have any special interest in British history or monarchy but I do enjoy reading obituaries and “life in pictures” stories, especially if they’re about prominent individuals. It was then that I saw, almost in every story, the expression “a life of service”. To his wife, to his country, to others.

I couldn’t quite put my finger on it but something started to click then — this realization that there is something profound in the idea of serving others.

Maybe for many people, this idea is nothing novel. Serving others is an integral part of our existence, no matter the culture. Service can be voluntary but in most situations it’s a mechanical activity that underpins how we function as a society. Serving God, serving your country, serving your company, helping (serving) the elderly, serving your community. Leaders too serve their people — well, for the most part, in most western societies.

But somehow it feels novel for me!

Part of it is my ego. I attended some very elite institutions, for education and work. On the one hand, I often claim that I was humbled by being surrounded by people whose characters…