maybe I'm naive but that concept "or la'olam" translates to " light to the world"

i grew up thinking it meant that we have the obligation to be a source of good to the world, like we don't have a responsibility to be good to ourselves but to the whole world, we need to become scientists, engineers, .... we aren't superior to anyone, but we've been chosen to dedicate our lives to improve the world.

however in many conservatives circles that is interpreted as being superior and that everyone else will eventually accept it and they will willingly become our slaves. it's insane how the same concept is interpreted so differently.