It is curious to think that the word samurai, often associated with the fearsome Japanese warriors of the past, actually means “servant”. This term encapsulates an idea that defies appearances: service as an act of dedication, discipline, and respect. In feudal Japan, samurai were masters of extraordinary combat skills, but their true value lay in their role of being in service to their lord, protecting and honoring them with their whole being—often at the cost of their own lives.
This contrast between strength and service is still relevant today. Being in service does not mean being weak; it means using one’s skills and intelligence to make a difference, with dignity and presence. It is a way of life that demands balance: between action and discretion, between precision and empathy.
Service as a Skill and a Choice
Being in service is not an act of submission nor a gesture driven by ego; it is a skill, a conscious choice to do something well, with care and attention. Whether it’s preparing a coffee, organizing a dinner, or caring for someone, service is ultimately how we create value in relationships and situations.
Yet, in the rush of our modern world, authentic service risks being highly undervalued. We often associate the idea of serving with a subordinate or weak position, but the truth is that serving well requires a mix of skills: attention to detail, the ability to anticipate needs, empathy, intelligence, and practical sense.
Being in service means being present in the moment, listening, and acting efficiently. And it is in this attention to detail that a form of excellence is hidden: a skill that, when cultivated, enriches both the person offering the service and the one receiving it.
Respect for Others and Excellence in Service
Serving well requires two fundamental qualities: respect for others and attention to detail. Respect is the foundation of everything: it means recognizing the importance of the person in front of you, truly listening, and acting thoughtfully. Attention to detail, on the other hand, is what transforms an ordinary gesture into a deliberate act that leaves an impression on the recipient.
It’s not about obeying or being “beneath” someone, but about contributing with professionalism and awareness. Serving well is an act of competence, and those who do it are never passive: they observe, interpret, organize, and manage. In this sense, service becomes an art that combines empathy and efficiency.
Good service is never intrusive but is always present. Think of those who make us feel welcomed without ever forcing a situation: a waiter anticipating a need, a colleague supporting us at the right moment, or even a friend who truly listens when we need it. It is this combination of respect and precision that transforms a simple gesture into an act of excellence.
Service: A Practical Act of Connection
Service is also a form of communication: it’s not just about responding to a need but about doing so with intelligence and care. Providing good service means observing and understanding, without waiting for explicit requests. This ability to “be there” is not limited to giving; it’s an exchange. Good service creates a dynamic where both parties—giver and receiver—benefit. The one who serves sharpens their skills, while the one being served feels welcomed and at ease.
A Universal Value
The art of service is deeply rooted in cultural traditions and represents a universal value, even as it takes different forms. In Japan, for example, the concept of omotenashi embodies the essence of hospitality: offering impeccable service without expecting anything in return, with discretion and attention to detail. A guest should never perceive the effort behind the gesture; everything should appear natural and seamless.
In the Mediterranean, service is tied to the idea of sacred hospitality: opening one’s home, sharing the best food, and creating space for conversation are not merely acts of courtesy but profound expressions of human connection.
In Europe, especially in more formal contexts, the art of service is steeped in elegance and rituality. Consider the precision of mise en place in French traditions or the British attention to detail in serving afternoon tea. In these contexts, service is synonymous with respect for the occasion and the people involved, a way to celebrate the moment through careful attention to detail.
Despite cultural differences, one element unites all these traditions: serving is an act that values both the giver and the recipient. It is a tangible demonstration of respect, centering on the desire to create a meaningful experience.
Serving with Intelligence and Dignity
“To serve people takes dignity and intelligence… And although we serve them, we are not their servants.” This phrase captures the essence of the art of being in service: serving is not an act of mere submission but an expression of awareness and respect. It is about choosing to put one’s skills and attention into creating a moment, a relationship, or an experience—without ever losing one’s own value.
Being in service means mastering the ability to do things well, with the right balance of precision and sensitivity. It is not a lesser role nor a sign of weakness; on the contrary, it is an act that demands leadership, intuition, and mental presence.
In everyday life, serving with dignity and intelligence means recognizing small opportunities to make a difference. It could be a simple gesture, like offering help naturally, or something more elaborate, like organizing a memorable experience. Authentic service is always an act of creation: it creates value, connection, and moments that matter.
The next time we find ourselves in a position to serve someone, let’s not think of it as an obligation but as an opportunity: to be present, to add value, to leave a mark. Because in the end, serving well is not just about others—it’s about who we choose to be.