An old story tells of an elderly man planting a tree. A young passerby stopped and asked,
"Why are you planting this tree?"
Because it will bring results," the old man said.
"How long will it take?" the young man inquired.
"Maybe 40 years," the old man said.
The young man was confused.
"But you won’t be here to enjoy them. Why waste your time and effort?"
The old man smiled. "I may not, but others will. Just as I benefited from trees planted before me, I am planting for those who come after me."
This simple story carries a powerful message not just in a literal sense, but also in a deeper psychological and emotional way. It challenges us to reflect on our role in life. What responsibility do we have toward the future?
The key question it poses is: Are you living in an “I” world or a “We” world?
The "I" vs. "We" Mentality
Today’s world often promotes a "me first" attitude:
- What’s in it for me?
- How can I benefit?
- Will I see results immediately?
This was the young man’s perspective in the story. If the old man wouldn’t personally enjoy the fruit, why bother? This way of thinking values only short-term personal gain.
On the other hand, the elderly man embraced a “We” mentality. He saw beyond himself and understood that life isn’t just about taking it’s about giving.
The "We" mindset is built on three key values:
1. Connection – Recognizing that we are part of something bigger than ourselves.
2. Responsibility – Understanding that our actions affect others.
3. Legacy – Asking, *What will I leave behind for future generations?
The Path to a Meaningful Life: Accept, Grow, Serve
Through my experience, I’ve found that true fulfillment follows three essential steps, which I call The Path to a Meaningful Life: Accept, Grow, and Serve.
1. Accept – Embracing Reality
Finding purpose starts with acceptance. We need to acknowledge where we are, who we are, and what has shaped us.
Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up, it means being honest about our circumstances. The elderly man in the story accepted that he wouldn’t live forever, but he didn’t let that stop him from contributing to the future.
2. Grow – Striving for Improvement
Once we accept where we are, the next step is growth. Growth connects where you are now to where you could be.
Like planting and nurturing a tree, personal growth requires time, patience, and persistence. The old man in the story had the wisdom to see that life is about more than instant rewards, it’s about the impact we make over time.
3. Serve – Making a Difference
True fulfillment comes from service. The old man planted a tree not for himself but for others. He wasn’t seeking personal gain he was creating something valuable for future generations.
Service transforms an individual life into a legacy. It shifts the focus from What do I get? to What do I give?
Moving from "I" to "We"
Modern life often pushes us toward an "I" mentality instant results, quick success, and personal achievement. But true purpose requires a long-term perspective.
It’s about planting trees whose shade we may never sit under, knowing that they will benefit others.
A philosopher once said, “We are meant to be givers, not just takers.” Psychologists call this generativity the need to contribute to something greater than ourselves, especially as we grow older.
Studies show that people who dedicate themselves to helping others through mentoring, teaching, creating, parenting, or even simple acts of kindness experience greater life satisfaction.
This idea is reflected in both history and everyday life:
- The teacher who inspires students, knowing the real impact will come years later.
- The parent who instills values in their child, shaping their future.
- The artist who creates something meaningful, leaving beauty behind.
- The entrepreneur who builds a company that provides jobs long after they’re gone.
They are all planting trees. But they all live with a "we" mindset.
Why Are We Here?
The purpose of life isn’t just about fleeting pleasures or personal success. The elderly man in the story understood that he was part of something greater that he was connected to those before him and those yet to come.
That’s why he planted the tree.
And now, the question is for us: Why are we here?
The answer, I believe, is simple to leave the world better than we found it.