River of Hope

From the Anna K Tarot, the Magician; from the Meditation Cards, the 'River of Humanity:'

          The Magician has the power to influence the course of his life using his knowledge and the competent use of his resources. His vision for change is followed by action rather than mentally blending and resorting ideas. He's looking for concrete results rather than a platform as a philosopher. The River of Humanity card is paired with a quote from Hazrat Ali:

Those who are controlled by their lower self must serve it;those who control the lower ego serve others.

What forms the root of the Magician's motivation? Is it to help himself and others, or just for his own benefit? There is nothing wrong with nourishing ourselves, but without spreading that care around we create a society of self-centeredness and separation. Reaching out to help creates hope, as Barack Obama elegantly explained:

The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.