In general, I find that people are happier when they're helping others rather than focusing solely on themselves.

I think so too. Lately I've been using a Zen story that illustrates something very nicely, though:

Two monks are sitting silently on a hill. Until one breaks the silence and says, "Look, the majesty of the mountains, and look how the eagle's magnificent wings and the beauty of nature." The other sighs and replies, "True. I only wish you hadn't said anything."

That's how I feel sometimes when I see all the help people want to give others and do too much of a good thing:)

I'm writing for readers who might not necessarily agree with me;

I highly welcome this! Readers who challenge me I appreciate very much. I think that humor (which is a form of entertainment) does not exclude earnestness. It supports it, is how I see it.