The Law of Unselfishness by Fulton Oursler Summary

The Law of Unselfishness is a powerful and inspiring story that reveals how helping others can transform our own lives. It tells the true story of a man struggling with alcohol addiction who unexpectedly finds strength and healing when he tries to help someone else.

Bill Wilkins was a rich Wall Street broker, but he was addicted to alcohol. He had been admitted to a hospital many times because of his drinking. The doctor told him he might die soon if he continued drinking.

The doctor asked Bill to talk to a young boy who had just come to the hospital for the first time due to alcohol addiction. The doctor hoped Bill’s bad example would scare the boy and help him stop drinking.

Bill agreed, but only because he wanted a drink later.

When Bill met the boy, he told him seriously that alcohol is a powerful enemy and only a higher truth or power could help him overcome it. While talking, Bill forgot about himself and genuinely wanted to help the boy.

After helping the boy, Bill felt different. He forgot about his own desire to drink. For the first time, he focused on helping someone else instead of himself.

This act of selflessness helped Bill recover from alcoholism. He later became one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, an organization that helps millions of people overcome alcohol addiction.

Main message (Core teaching)

1. Keep helping people. It gives you purpose of life.

2. When you help other. You become stronger mentally and spiritually.

3. Selflessness is essential for safe humanity.

4. Share your knowledge and experience might change thousand of people life.

Source: Everyday greatness.