What's the relationship between human being and society? People are raised in it and study then have a job to feed themselves. Most people see the need of bringing benefit to the sciety because that's not only for the next generation but also ourselves to live in a better place—just like Michael Jackson songs in <Heal the world>.
From the microcosmic aspect, the former ones learn the knowledges of literature, science and so on. They chose these for interest with complete impetus and vigor. China has a saying in ancient times:" If you have not the chance to help others then you can perfect yourself." And I paraphrase that a person should use all the time to improve himself(or herself) when in trouble. The next sentence is "If you have the chance, you should help the people in the world as you can."
You have enhanced yourselves in the past time, if you can devote all your wisdom and time, the society will be benefited. We are all the little parts in a machine and the quality of us makes the machine more effective.
From the macro aspect, the public good is superior to personal benefit by the later ones, at least they are willing to spend time and vigor in it. They found the questions existed in the society acutely with strong responsibility. If they put the minds into practice, it is sure a benefit.
Sum up two aspects, the former have the ability while the other have the willing that as far as I concerned the people who can truly bring the benefit must combine both of them. Recently, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett donated part or the whole assets to rescue the people in need, they have the power and the desire. When they come to China, some of the rich in China show panic about contributing their belongings—from this level, they lack the willing to benefit society. Without practical actions, everything is meaningless.
In the daily lives, part of us chose the aim for studying or working for their own interests. In the other hand, some people's choices are influenced by family or society. For most of us, benefit is not the main-stream of our lives for we definite it as donation or volunteers. But in fact you have finished the career which sounds great inadvertently——your job maintains a happy family and you pay attention to the community and neighbors which keeps the harmony.