„The souls of chaos (tohu) are higher than the souls of rectification…”

Human beings have different souls.

There are people whose soul is a soul of rectification—people who will generally fit into any framework they find themselves in; they will be good children, good students, and good, polite people.

And there are people whose soul is a soul of chaos (tohu)—like the phrase 'tohu vavohu' (chaos and void)—people of disorder; they are always making trouble, falling into trouble, and getting entangled.

Rav Kook explains that, at the deepest level, the potential in the people of chaos is higher than the potential in the people of rectification. If the people of chaos manage to take their great powers toward positive things, they will greatly advance the world.

Rav Kook sees even more than this, and in his view even in their destruction there is something great—they do not destroy for no reason.

This destruction stems from their request to perfect reality and to make it better. They will not be content with a dismissive answer to questions of faith and will demand of their educators to delve deeper. In the wider world they will not be content with a mediocre plan but will demand the very best.

Sometimes this will for more brings them very low and is even liable to cause great destruction and many problems. They are liable to be perceived in the world as destructive and consuming people, but on the other hand their lofty aspirations—despite the immense destruction they cause—advance the world.

It is important to note: in the world in which we live, and to the eyes of flesh, these people are very problematic people. Only a deep view can see in their place something of enormous potential. And perhaps this view, and only it, can bring them to that state.

God willing, we will continue to explain this matter next time.

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In memory of Michael ben Mazal Tov