Aiming Toward the Good

We tend to think that our happiness depends on what happens outside us. On reality, on circumstances, on what we have no control over. But the vital point of life is found in a deeper place. In the will. For Rav Kook, the will is not a fleeting desire nor mere motivation. It is the force from which everything flows - thoughts, feelings, and deeds are only its expression. And it is also not detached, but connected to a greater source, to the Divine will that gives life to all of reality. When a person elevates his will, he lifts up the force of all reality, he changes the root, and from there everything begins to change. When we are sad we give up the point of will and surrender, but when we will we take responsibility for reality, and make our lives better.