Michael Josephson: Improve the world — Be nice!

  Marta was a hard-working single mother.  Last week, at church, her minister urged the congregation to improve the world by doing more to help others. He’s got to be kidding, she thought, I can barely make ends meet and provide my children with basic necessities. Still, she felt guilty – “maybe I should be doing more.” So, on the bus to work she started thinking of things she could do to help others but she felt sad and defeated by the idea of adding more obligations to her life.

  Sylvia, an elderly woman, saw the distress on Marta’s face and asked what was wrong. Marta explained her problem.  Sylvia consoled her. “I think it’s enough that you’re a good mother and a good person, but I bet you can find ways to help others more while doing what you already do.”  Marta said. “I sell hamburgers. How can I help others?”