Sunday, January 4, 2015

Mussar: iThink - I'll Reconsider the Climb (Avos 1:10)

Rav Hutt

שמעיה ואבטליון קבלו מהם שמעיה אומר אהוב את המלאכה ושנא את הרבנות ואל תתודע לרשות (אבות א, י)

Why is it that we seek to climb the "corporate ladder?"  Is there something besides honor and wealth at the top that is so compelling?  What is truly lacking at the current position that we occupy now?  What will we have to sacrifice on the way to our ascent?  Are the people that have reached the top truly enjoying the positions they hold?  Am I motivated by selfish reasons or selfless ones?  Ambition is a very healthy and effective drive, which needs continual monitoring and measuring.  Positions of prestige and standings of stature can often overshadow what were once idealistic and altruistic dreams, modest needs, or balanced priorities.  When we periodically revisit these questions, instead of being blinded by our aspiration, we can rather be guided by it.

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