One tree cannot grow for another tree, and neither can one person grow for another person or do his problem for him. Some vegetation thrives off other vegetation, but I take it that Christian Scientists and parasites have nothing in common. We grow only as we put down our own vigorous roots and draw the strength of our life from the one Common Source.
The ancient Greeks knew only Greece and they thought their Mount Olympus was the highest mountain in the world. In the small horizon our selfishness may build around us. we may think that our problem is biggest and of surpassing importance. Selfishness always distorts the true relative worth of things, that is what selfishness is; an inability to see things in their right proportions.
A general provides food, water, and equipment for his army, but how much time would he have to plan campaigns and execute battles if he had to feed each soldier, wash him, and clean his gun? We have been provided with food, water, and equipment, and why should we expect our Leader and teachers to keep us spiritually fed, cleaned, and ready for work? This is our duty, and surely we should do so much: it we would realize this, our movement would grow faster and stronger because then our Leader and teachers could give more attention to other important matters pertaining to our campaign. We do not mean to hinder them by our trifles; it is selfish thoughtlessness, just as in a fire panic there is a selfish struggle for help and safety, no matter how others may thereby be held back and hindered, and though the welfare of all is thus jeopardized.
