Introduction
I am originally from Fiji, and like many other migrants, I often return home to care for my aging father. Recently, while caring for my dad, who was admitted to a hospital in Fiji, I witnessed something genuinely inspiring. It was something that served as a reminder of what true wealth, compassion and leadership are. It came from an unexpected source: there was a man, perhaps in his 30s, who spent every single night tirelessly attending to his father-in-law, who had suffered a stroke. Yes, his father-in-law—not his father. In a culture where sons-in-law often hold a revered status and are not traditionally expected to provide such intimate care, this was already remarkable.
But what truly moved me was the depth of his devotion. He stayed at his father-in-law’s bedside all night, quietly attending to his every need and ensuring his comfort and care. Yet his kindness didn’t stop there. Without any obligation, this man extended his care to my dad and other patients when we couldn’t be present. He did this with a quiet compassion that spoke volumes.
After staying up all night in the hospital, every morning, he would get ready and go to work as if it were just another day. He wasn’t driven by any expectation of reward or recognition; instead, he showed a deep sense of duty, care, and empathy. He demonstrated true wealth—not measured by material possessions but by an abundance of kindness, humility, and selflessness. In Western societies, where individualism often overshadows community, such acts of devotion may seem extraordinary. Yet, in many cultures, they are woven into the fabric of daily life
A Lesson in Leadership
This man’s actions teach profound lessons in leadership. While many associate leadership with power and decision-making, his example shows that true leadership is rooted in empathy and selfless service. Leadership isn’t just about guiding others; it’s about leading by example—taking actions that prioritize the well-being of others over oneself. His selfless service and unwavering commitment to caring for others, even when personally exhausted, illustrate a leadership style focused on meeting others’ needs rather than seeking recognition.
In a world that often equates success with material wealth and professional achievements, his actions powerfully remind us that true intelligence, generosity, and wealth are found in what we give—our time, care, and compassion. His example is humbling and inspiring for those who have built their lives far from their families.
Why Do We Help Others Selflessly?
We often assume that blood relations motivate us most to care for someone, but social science shows otherwise. Altruism, the selfless concern for the well-being of others, is deeply embedded in human psychology. Evolutionary biologists argue that helping others, even those who are not genetically related, is essential for the survival and success of human communities. Altruistic behavior builds social bonds, fosters trust, and creates a sense of belonging and reciprocity that benefits everyone (Axelrod & Hamilton, 1981).
This explains why the man I met in Fiji went beyond his immediate family to offer support to strangers. His actions demonstrated communalism, a value that is deeply embedded in many non-Western cultures. In such communities, people are taught to view their neighbours as family extensions. This view creates a social fabric where people extend empathy and support beyond the nuclear family, leading to more robust, resilient communities(Triandis, 1995).
How Selfless Efforts Build Resilience
Research shows that altruistic behaviour benefits both the recipient and the giver. Acts of kindness can boost a person’s sense of self-worth and emotional well-being, reduce stress, and even lower the risk of depression and anxiety (Post, 2005). In challenging situations, such as caring for an ailing loved one, selflessness acts as a powerful tool for building resilience. It fosters a sense of purpose and fulfillment that helps individuals cope with their struggles.
For the man I observed in the hospital, his selflessness likely helped him endure the exhausting experience of caring for his father-in-law while managing his responsibilities. By focusing on helping others, he probably developed a form of emotional resilience that supported him th.rough the ordeal. This lesson reminds us that selfless actions can help others and fortify ourselves (Fredrickson et al., 2003).
What Migrants Miss in Western Countries
As migrants in Western countries, we often find ourselves adjusting to a more individualistic rhythm. While Western societies promote independence and self-reliance, they sometimes overlook the deep community connections prevalent in non-Western cultures. The social safety net that extended family, friends, and neighbours—who often act as a family—provide can serve as a lifeline, especially during tough times. Yet, we may neglect these values in pursuing success and material comfort.
The man in Fiji reminded me of a crucial lesson that many, including myself, sometimes forget: natural intelligence, true generosity, and genuine wealth lie not in what we possess or display to the world but in what we give—our time, care, and compassion. True wealth remains quiet and humble. It doesn’t need to be broadcasted because it shines through in the selfless actions we take for the benefit of others (Putnam, 2000).
A Call to Action
As migrants, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of making a life in a new country, often far from our families and communities. Let’s draw inspiration from the man I met in Fiji. We should strive to embody humility, act wisely, and give generously from the heart—not for the spotlight, but for the tangible good we can achieve for others.
This call to action extends beyond individual efforts. It is also a call for Australian corporate leaders and communities to embrace these values:
- Emphasize Empathy in Leadership: Corporate leaders must foster a culture of empathy and inclusion, address their employees’ needs, and create a supportive work environment.
- Build a Supportive Community Culture: Communities should adopt a communal approach, encourage support among neighbours and colleagues, and develop programs that strengthen social connections and provide practical help.
- Value Selflessness and Reciprocity: We should recognise and celebrate acts of kindness and selflessness and promote a culture where individuals support one another without expecting immediate returns.
- Integrate Compassion into Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): CSR strategies must focus on emotional and social support, engage in community-building activities, and tackle social inequities.
- Encourage a Holistic Approach to Well-being: Adopt a holistic view of well-being that includes emotional and social dimensions, promote open discussions about mental health, and provide resources for emotional support.
We can build a more connected, empathetic, and resilient society by incorporating these lessons into our daily lives and organisational practices. True wealth lies in our ability to connect, share, and care for one another, transcending boundaries and building stronger, kinder, and more resilient communities.
Let’s commit to being humble, wise in our actions, and generous from the heart. Doing so will enrich our lives and contribute to a more compassionate and resilient society.
References
- Axelrod, R., & Hamilton, W. D. (1981). The evolution of cooperation. Science, 211(4489), 1390-1396. Viewed on 4 September 2024 – https://websites.umich.edu/~axe/research/Axelrod%20and%20Hamilton%20EC%201981.pdf
- Triandis, H. C. (1995). Individualism and collectivism. Westview Press. Viewed on 4 September 2024 – https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9780429499845/individualism-collectivism-harry-triandis
- Post, S. G. (2005). Altruism, happiness, and health: It’s good to be good. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 12(2), 66-77. Viewed on 4 September 2024, https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/images/uploads/Post-AltruismHappinessHealth.pdf
- Fredrickson, B. L., Tugade, M. M., Waugh, C. E., & Larkin, G. R. (2003). What good are positive emotions in crises? A prospective study of resilience and emotions following the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11th, 2001. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 365. Viewed on 4 September 2024, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2755263/
- Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. Simon & Schuster, viewed on 4 September 2024, https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2001-01469-000
