I enjoy writing and playing the piano. I would like to pursue both things throughout my life, at least at this point. They’re very special things to me. However, I feel a responsibility to lend my body and mind to serving humanity, fulfilling others’ more concrete needs such as food, shelter, clothes, and a physical sense of peace. It seems to me that music and literature are superfluous to those who lack the education to enjoy or access them thoroughly or are preoccupied with survival to bother with them. Are humans, when navigating their life paths (jobs, careers, etc…), obligated to live a life in service to others or a life in service to themselves? Is it possible to do both without being too focused on one or the other? Note: I am an atheist, so if this could be answered without reference to God, that would be the most helpful. Thank you!