Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-1994

Volume

17

Issue

2

Publication Title

The Journal of Experiential Education

First Page

13

Last Page

17

Abstract

Whatever one's code of ethical or religious belief, the notion of service to others is an ideal common to all cultures and civilizations. For this reason, the story of the Good Samaritan is one of the most poignant, and universally-appealing parables of the New Testament.

Asked, "Who is my neighbor?", Jesus replied with the parable of a Samaritan who took pity on the half-dead victim of brigands. A priest and a Levite passed by, but it was the socially inferior Samaritan who proved to 'be the epitome of neighborly service. The Good Samaritan displayed qualities of leadership that the designated leaders of his time were unwilling or incapable of demonstrating. By humbling himself in dressing the wounds of another he exalted his status as a leader. He demonstrated true servant leadership.

The purpose of this article is to examine the accomplishments, philosophies, and impact of three modern Samaritans who have become models of the concept of service to community. They are: Robert Greenleaf, Alec Dickson, and Kurt Hahn. Each has had a profound impact on the field of experiential education.

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