I see it like this: if you're doing something that you are genuinely interested in, and that you aren't doing for selfish reasons like money, you are helping others. As you probably know, I used to have a suicidal streak, and books helped keep me alive long enough to get help. My philosophy major is something I am interested in, AND can help people; I can be a lawyer, teacher, anything really. If you're doing something purely for other people, it's going to end up with you hating it, which turns into resentment. At least that's how I see it. Writers live very meaningful lives, especially if they're writing about something close to their heart. If you've ever read Tuesdays with Morrie, you'll know a great example of how a writer spoke from his heart and helped people. Eh, that's just my two cents, though.