If escape from this world be the goal, where is the incentive for social work?

Escape from the world is not the goal, but freedom from worldliness is what is desired.
Social work has got its own valuable part in life until a certain stage, though after a time it is
transcended by a higher consciousness. The value of social work, however, is purely subjective.
It is not that one makes himself a great reformer or a saviour of mankind, but that he offers his
ego as a sacrifice at the altar of universal love and so obtains purity of mind, which is the basis of
all spiritual progress. For a realized soul, however, it is an urge born out of compassion for his
fellow-beings.

From "May I answer that" by Swami Sivananda (1987-1963). More Informations on Swami Sivananda: on the Website of Divine Life Society, Photographs of Swami Sivananda, German Pages on Swami Sivananda