Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 80

How Is Our Free Choice Expressed?

In “The Freedom,” Baal HaSulam writes, “Therefore, he who strives to continually choose a better environment is worthy of praise and reward.” We have only one choice: to constantly choose a better environment. This includes “books and authors,” the study and a group that inspires positive thoughts, guides us toward the goal, and gives us the strength to continue—“fuel.”

There is no other choice because, in State 1 and State 3, we are all connected “as one man with one heart,” in one soul. This soul is currently divided into 600,000 parts, but in the perfect state, we are all united. From this unity, from above, we can draw additional desires and strength. Only society can guide us on how to do so.

Why society? What does society have that we as individuals lack in the world? We are inherently interconnected in our root as souls, dwelling in those around us. In this world, we can receive strength from connecting with friends, drawing additional desires and forces. When we are in a state of descent, we have the opportunity to draw strength from the collective forces of the group.

Therefore, the only true choice we have is the choice of society. Baal HaSulam writes that a person fulfills their free choice only by continually striving to find a better and more suitable environment. There is nothing to do in life other than to constantly flee from the company that is called “the seat of the scornful” and seek the company of the wise.

Related Material:
Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 79
Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 78
Talks about the Steps of the Ladder, Part 77

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