„If, out of the strength of the aspiration and the most sanctified spi…”
„If, out of the strength of the aspiration and the most sanctified spiritual image, a person becomes entangled in social life in some narrow path; if envy, desire, and honor come and press against the expansion of the soul, and deeds and words come out mixed from streams of good and evil — let him not be dismayed and let him not retreat. Let him hold fast to his loftiness, let him aspire yet higher. And however much invalidity there is in his hidden inclinations, it will gradually diminish, and the living essence, the flame, of the eternity of holiness, of the glory of the greatness of the soul that is there — this will be refined and reach its worth.”From Shemonah Kevatzim 4:81
A person tries to elevate himself in a variety of domains in his life. The more a person works, the fuller his life is, and the more it is liable to contain within it struggles.
In this passage the Rav speaks of the entanglement in social life. A person who elevates himself in this life — whether in a natural way, whether for the sake of a general aim of elevation, or for the sake of a specific social aim — is also liable at times to fall.
The Rav explains that one should not fear these falls. When the aim is good, the person will be elevated and grow great, and his life will grow great and be elevated.
And as in the social matter, so in all other matters — when we invest in something we are far more vulnerable in it. This is not a reason for a fall, but rather for an uplifting of spirit — "whoever is greater than his fellow, his inclination is greater than his," and whoever struggles more than his fellow is greater than his fellow...
Have a pleasant rest of the day, everyone!
For the recovery of Keren bat Dalia.
From the community archive of Mishpetei HaRav Kook — studying Rav Kook's teachings since 2011.