Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 29

When Does a Person Agree to Let Society Influence Them?

We agree to let the group influence us out of necessity when we lose hope in our own strength. Baal HaSulam writes in his “Letter No. 57” that “there is no happier situation in man’s world than when he finds himself despaired with his own strength, i.e., he has already labored and done all that he could possibly imagine he could do, but found no remedy.” Only then are we eligible for true prayer, from the depths of our heart.

Initially, we resist external influence, as our nature does not let us consent to others having control over us. We turn to the group out of necessity, like a seriously ill person who goes to the hospital, lies down, and lets the doctors treat them, do whatever is necessary, sedate them, open their body, and do as they will.

Only the recognition of our inability brings agreement. Before that we will resist because our “self” was created as independent, feeling itself unique in the world. And if we are indeed the only ones in our world, with nothing else, how could we possibly yield to others?

Related Material:
Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 28
Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 27
Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 26

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