--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I don't want anything for myself. I want…" description: "\"I don't want anything for myself. I want everything for Afghan. I worked pro bono for 13 years. I didn't hesitate for one moment after 9/11 to resign f..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/412/ashraf-ghani-4964_afghan_i-don-t-want-anything-for-myself-i-want_601528.png" --- # I don't want anything for myself. I want everything for… ![“I don't want anything for myself. I want everything for Afghan. I worked pro bono for 13 years. I didn't hesitate for one moment after 9/11 to resign from my position of comfort at the World Bank in New York and to come and serve.” quote by Ashraf Ghani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/412/ashraf-ghani-4964_afghan_i-don-t-want-anything-for-myself-i-want_601528.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/412/ashraf-ghani-4964_afghan_i-don-t-want-anything-for-myself-i-want_601528.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/412/ashraf-ghani-4964_afghan_i-don-t-want-anything-for-myself-i-want_601528.png) > “I don't want anything for myself. I want everything for Afghan. I worked pro bono for 13 years. I didn't hesitate for one moment after 9/11 to resign from my position of comfort at the World Bank in New York and to come and serve.” [Ashraf Ghani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashraf-ghani/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Prioritizing others’ needs over personal gain reflects selfless service. **In simple terms:** Putting others first shows true commitment. Key Takeaway Serve beyond self‑interest. Themes service altruism commitment Mood inspirational determined Type motivational philosophical When to use this quote - humanitarian aid - career change - volunteer work Key Concepts ethics public service Questions to Reflect On - What motivates your self‑less actions? - How can you sustain personal well‑being while serving others? A Different Perspective Self‑sacrifice can lead to burnout if not balanced. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Comfort](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/comfort/) [Moments](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/moments/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/) ## Related quotes > [I take a lot of pro bono cases, and I always have to balance my pro bono cases with my paying clients because this…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/isaac-wright-jr/i-take-a-lot-of-pro-bono-cases-and-i-always-have-to-balance-my-pro/) [Isaac Wright Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/isaac-wright-jr/) > [Since the fall of 2010, people associated with Charter Cities, a not-for-profit think tank that I founded, have been providing pro bono advice to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-romer/since-the-fall-of-2010-people-associated-with-charter-cities-a-not/) [Paul Romer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-romer/) > [I was thinking I wanted to finish my life there in Hungnam doing pro bono service.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/moon-jae-in/i-was-thinking-i-wanted-to-finish-my-life-there-in-hungnam-doing-pro/) [Moon Jae-in](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/moon-jae-in/) > [“Once in a while, I like to polish my halo by taking on a case pro bono.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dana-stabenow/once-in-a-while-i-like-to-polish-my-halo-by-taking-on-a-case-pro-bono/) [Dana Stabenow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dana-stabenow/) > [My clients were always poor folks, working folks, people who were in trouble and couldn't afford to pay a whole lot. I found it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-grisham/my-clients-were-always-poor-folks-working-folks-people-who-were-in/) [John Grisham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-grisham/) > [“The Latin term pro bono, as most attorneys will attest, roughly translated means for boneheads and applies to work done without charge.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sue-grafton/the-latin-term-pro-bono-as-most-attorneys-will-attest-roughly/) [Sue Grafton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sue-grafton/) > [“Fucking pro bono work. Going to get me killed one day.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jennifer-estep/fucking-pro-bono-work-going-to-get-me-killed-one-day/) [Jennifer Estep](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jennifer-estep/) > [“Is it really 'pro bono' if a lawyer takes your case in exchange for explosives? -Captain Hartung”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/howard-tayler/is-it-really-pro-bono-if-a-lawyer-takes-your-case-in-exchange-for/) [Howard Tayler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-tayler/) > [And I believe in the 13 years Judge Roberts was there, he never turned down a request to give some assistance on a pro-bono…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fred-thompson/and-i-believe-in-the-13-years-judge-roberts-was-there-he-never-turned/) [Fred Thompson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fred-thompson/) > [Do not ever threaten an Afghan with violence. We will rise as one and we will face every threat the way we have taken…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashraf-ghani/do-not-ever-threaten-an-afghan-with-violence-we-will-rise-as-one-and/) [Ashraf Ghani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashraf-ghani/) > [It's fair to say average Americans think that the average Afghan doesn't want American troops in their country.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashraf-ghani/it-s-fair-to-say-average-americans-think-that-the-average-afghan/) [Ashraf Ghani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashraf-ghani/) > [As the leader of a country, you are not free to enjoy the luxury of such feelings. The Afghan people want peace, which requires…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashraf-ghani/as-the-leader-of-a-country-you-are-not-free-to-enjoy-the-luxury-of/) [Ashraf Ghani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashraf-ghani/) > [The most significant thing is public participation. That assures the Afghan public that our promises are not empty.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashraf-ghani/the-most-significant-thing-is-public-participation-that-assures-the/) [Ashraf Ghani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashraf-ghani/) > [Mecca and Medinah is a very special place in the hearts of every Muslim but particularly for every Afghan.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashraf-ghani/mecca-and-medinah-is-a-very-special-place-in-the-hearts-of-every/) [Ashraf Ghani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashraf-ghani/) > [We could form a government of national unity fighting corruption. The ordinary Afghan is sick and tired of it, because it's she or he…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashraf-ghani/we-could-form-a-government-of-national-unity-fighting-corruption-the/) [Ashraf Ghani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashraf-ghani/) ## More by Ashraf Ghani > [We could form a government of national unity fighting corruption. The ordinary Afghan is sick and tired of it, because it's she or he…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashraf-ghani/we-could-form-a-government-of-national-unity-fighting-corruption-the/) [Ashraf Ghani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashraf-ghani/) > [People are easily shocked when their routine is disrupted and their ease of travel is restricted. We are dealing with a complete new face…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashraf-ghani/people-are-easily-shocked-when-their-routine-is-disrupted-and-their/) [Ashraf Ghani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashraf-ghani/) > [We are organized by territories, whereas terrorists are organized into networks. States are very slow and terrorists are extremely fast. Intelligence sharing needs to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashraf-ghani/we-are-organized-by-territories-whereas-terrorists-are-organized-into/) [Ashraf Ghani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashraf-ghani/) > [Self-reliance is not just words, but deeds.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashraf-ghani/self-reliance-is-not-just-words-but-deeds/) [Ashraf Ghani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashraf-ghani/) > [At the end of any peace deal, the decision-maker will be the government of Afghanistan.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashraf-ghani/at-the-end-of-any-peace-deal-the-decision-maker-will-be-the/) [Ashraf Ghani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashraf-ghani/) > [Afghanistan cannot be a burden on the international community and it has to become an asset.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashraf-ghani/afghanistan-cannot-be-a-burden-on-the-international-community-and-it/) [Ashraf Ghani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashraf-ghani/) > [Mecca and Medinah is a very special place in the hearts of every Muslim but particularly for every Afghan.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashraf-ghani/mecca-and-medinah-is-a-very-special-place-in-the-hearts-of-every/) [Ashraf Ghani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashraf-ghani/) > [By terrorising the people, the Taliban have sown deep doubts about the government.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashraf-ghani/by-terrorising-the-people-the-taliban-have-sown-deep-doubts-about-the/) [Ashraf Ghani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashraf-ghani/) > [President Trump is engaging and if you get your points across then he asks you questions.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashraf-ghani/president-trump-is-engaging-and-if-you-get-your-points-across-then-he/) [Ashraf Ghani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashraf-ghani/) > [You know, America has profoundly shaped me, and I have two American children and unbelievably rich friendships so it will always be a source…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashraf-ghani/you-know-america-has-profoundly-shaped-me-and-i-have-two-american/) [Ashraf Ghani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashraf-ghani/) > [ What is common among all of these groups \[Taliban, Islamic State etc.\] is the intent to destroy. The majority of terrorists who come to… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashraf-ghani/what-is-common-among-all-of-these-groups-taliban-islamic-state-etc-is/) [Ashraf Ghani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashraf-ghani/) > [Deadlines concentrate the mind. But deadlines should not be dogmas.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashraf-ghani/deadlines-concentrate-the-mind-but-deadlines-should-not-be-dogmas/) [Ashraf Ghani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashraf-ghani/) > [When I first raised the issue of the so-called Islamic State at the Munich Security Conference in February, speaking about its economy, its flexibility…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashraf-ghani/when-i-first-raised-the-issue-of-the-so-called-islamic-state-at-the/) [Ashraf Ghani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashraf-ghani/) > [No power in the country can dissolve the government.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashraf-ghani/no-power-in-the-country-can-dissolve-the-government/) [Ashraf Ghani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashraf-ghani/) > [Every global leader that I have seen has at least agreed on one point: I do have the world's most difficult job. But I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashraf-ghani/every-global-leader-that-i-have-seen-has-at-least-agreed-on-one-point/) [Ashraf Ghani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashraf-ghani/) [Explore all 104 Ashraf Ghani quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashraf-ghani/) ## More Afghan quotes > [We could form a government of national unity fighting corruption. The ordinary Afghan is sick and tired of it, because it's she or he…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashraf-ghani/we-could-form-a-government-of-national-unity-fighting-corruption-the/) [Ashraf Ghani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashraf-ghani/) > [I do spend a lot of weekends on the road. I have to pace myself. It can be pretty busy, but I'm not out…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gary-sinise/i-do-spend-a-lot-of-weekends-on-the-road-i-have-to-pace-myself-it-can/) [Gary Sinise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gary-sinise/) > [In 2001, we were told that the war in Afghanistan was a feminist mission. The marines were liberating Afghan women from the Taliban. Can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arundhati-roy/in-2001-we-were-told-that-the-war-in-afghanistan-was-a-feminist/) [Arundhati Roy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arundhati-roy/) > [If it is terrorism, if it is war on terror, then the Afghan people will join you on terror.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hamid-karzai/if-it-is-terrorism-if-it-is-war-on-terror-then-the-afghan-people-will/) [Hamid Karzai](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hamid-karzai/) > [Because Iran understands Afghanistan far better than Americans do, making Iran a partner in a long-term effort to transform Afghan agriculture makes sense.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-kinzer/because-iran-understands-afghanistan-far-better-than-americans-do/) [Stephen Kinzer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-kinzer/) > [Throughout the last century there were multiple attempts at giving Afghan women more autonomy, to change marriage laws, to abolish the practice of bride…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/khaled-hosseini/throughout-the-last-century-there-were-multiple-attempts-at-giving/) [Khaled Hosseini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/khaled-hosseini/) > [Deborah Rodriguez went to Afghanistan to transform her own life and ended up revolutionizing the lives of many of her Afghan sisters. This book…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/masha-hamilton/deborah-rodriguez-went-to-afghanistan-to-transform-her-own-life-and/) [Masha Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/masha-hamilton/) > [Mecca and Medinah is a very special place in the hearts of every Muslim but particularly for every Afghan.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashraf-ghani/mecca-and-medinah-is-a-very-special-place-in-the-hearts-of-every/) [Ashraf Ghani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashraf-ghani/) > [ The president \[Barack Obama\] decided to leave more troops than he had originally planned in Afghanistan. We have a very cooperative government there, with… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hillary-clinton/the-president-barack-obama-decided-to-leave-more-troops-than-he-had/) [Hillary Clinton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hillary-clinton/) > [Over the past 30 years, hand grenades, tanks, fighter jets, missiles, helicopters and assault rifles have replaced traditional floral patterns in rug making and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henri-cole/over-the-past-30-years-hand-grenades-tanks-fighter-jets-missiles/) [Henri Cole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henri-cole/) > [We've got to see a state where the Afghan government can handle its own day-to-day security.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-harper/we-ve-got-to-see-a-state-where-the-afghan-government-can-handle-its/) [Stephen Harper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-harper/) > [It's going to be really interesting to see what the heroin market does in the next two years or so. One thing you can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-sterling/it-s-going-to-be-really-interesting-to-see-what-the-heroin-market/) [Bruce Sterling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-sterling/) > [And across Afghanistan, every single day, Afghan soldiers, Afghan police and ISAF troops are serving shoulder-to-shoulder in some very difficult situations. And our engagement…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-r-allen/and-across-afghanistan-every-single-day-afghan-soldiers-afghan-police/) [John R. Allen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-r-allen/) > [Well, the movie isn't bad. For a while, I even told myself I liked it, even as it missed one mark after another. But…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-edelstein/well-the-movie-isn-t-bad-for-a-while-i-even-told-myself-i-liked-it/) [David Edelstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-edelstein/) > [I mean, honestly, we have to be clear that the life for many Afghan women is not that much different than it was a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hillary-clinton/i-mean-honestly-we-have-to-be-clear-that-the-life-for-many-afghan/) [Hillary Clinton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hillary-clinton/) Browse all 144 Afghan quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I don't want anything for myself. I want everything for Afghan. I worked pro bono for 13 years. 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