Why do some people believe this "if this program only helps one person, then it has served its purpose"?

Question

That seems like it is a failed program that isn't functioning if it has only helped ONE single person.

Answer 1

Let's say the program saved a life. Just one life. Then to that person, their family, and the people who helped, it was worth it.

Answer 2

Well I suppose it depends on what value you can place on human life. Did it help one person and not serve another 30 or 3000?
Usually when you hear "if I only impact one life for the better..." it is on a personal level this is a good goal.
The truth of the matter is that we seldom know how many lives we touch through kindness. You could be kind to one person and the person could impact a multitude of others. Your actions or even just your existence may have a profound impact on someone and you may never be the wiser.
We cannot begin to guess how many lives are touched by our own. When you show a kindness or a hatred it travels well beyond your sight and comprehension.
Keep that in mind next time you are rude or even kind to someone, you may never see that person again, but who did they go home to and how are they treating others.
So yes one person impact can matter, especially when it involves intervention, education or getting someone on there feet.

Answer 3

when someone put the effort, to create the program, and if it isn't a success.

By saying "if this program only helps one person, then it has served its purpose"?


Then maybe it all that effort wasn't such a waste.

Answer 4

Think this is true of many things. AA, ALANON, Gamblers A, and many to the self help groups.

Answer 5

Simplicity is great..... sometimes you have to see things in a 'glass half full' way or you will question everything and never see the beauty in most things.

Answer 6

i don't know maybe it is just the satifaction of being able to say that you have touched someones life. and helping one person is still better than helping no one