The Call Of Service

In this book, Coles explores the concept of idealism and why it necessary to the individual and society.

What are the satisfactions—and the hazards—of a life dedicated to others?

• Kinds of Service: From social and political struggle in the Civil Rights movement to quiet personal gestures, Coles provides a rich taxonomy of what it means to help.
• Psychology of Altruism: A compassionate look at the motivations that drive us, drawing on decades of work as a psychiatrist and insights from figures like Anna Freud and Dorothy Day.
• Moral and Personal Satisfactions: An exploration of the profound sense of purpose, personal affirmation, and moral clarity that can come from a life of service.
• Hazards of Helping: An honest examination of the emotional toll of volunteer work, including weariness, cynicism, and the reality of burnout.