The Power of Routine
„Without intellectual reinforcement, the natural desire will fall and weaken, and will also lead one's attainment along paths that are not paved.”From Ein Ayah, Berachot 5, 80
The Gemara says that four things require reinforcement: Torah, good deeds, prayer, and proper conduct (derech eretz). Precisely these things, which seem so natural to us, are the things that most require safeguarding. A person wants to learn, wants to do good, wants to pray, wants to arrange his life in this world with integrity and responsibility. But a natural desire, even when it is genuine, is not enough. Without intellectual reinforcement, without an inner decision, without building habits, without reminding ourselves again and again why we do what we do, even the best desires weaken, grow weary, and at times we may become confused by them. One who wants a great life must learn to reinforce it precisely within the routine of daily life.
From the community archive of Mishpetei HaRav Kook — studying Rav Kook's teachings since 2011.