It seems to me that there are two modes of operation: serving others and serving oneself; within the three vocations that encompass all of mankind: the productive, the political, and the contemplative.
Beginning with the political, it seems obvious to me what a self-serving politician would do. They campaign on promises, and upon election, do whatever is necessary to line their wallet and belly with cash and Turkish delights, respectively. Whether this contradicts the original promises is beside the point; the point is to get the cash and the Turkish delights. On the contrary, a politician genuinely serving others seems to be one who never rests because the contingency to help those he represents is vast, and his efforts are never good enough, thus necessitating a perpetual drive toward the golden mean.
Next are the productive ones. The self-serving among them seemingly ask the same kinds of questions: “What can I make that will help me acquire more, for the sake of getting more?” and “What corners can I cut to maximize my yield at little to no cost to me, even if it leaves my customer high and dry, which is no concern of mine?” On the contrary, the one seeking to serve others asks, “What can I make that will help people now?” and “What can I do to bring the absolute best quality into this thing I am making and wish to share?”
Lastly, the contemplatives. The selfish ones seem to ask, “What little bit can I learn for the sake of appearing wise to others, so that I may not be interrogated, but pretend to be the sole source of truth and become a guru who will sell things and write many books?” On the contrary, the legitimate philosopher asks, “Where can I go? Who can I turn to, to pursue the truth and know the truth, so that I may better serve others by revealing to them the wisdom I have received from those who served me by sharing what they know?”
EAR