הרצון הטוב הוא הכלThe Good Will

ha-ratzon ha-tov hu ha-kolIn Gamatria ↗

True return does not break the will; it strengthens it.

Chapter 9 centers return on the will. A steady thought of return teaches that the good will is everything and all talents merely fill it out. Real success depends on nothing outside a person, only on that will, which turns life and the world toward the good. Kook admits that a lower form of return can weaken the will and the personality. Brought to completion it joins the higher return, which aims to strengthen will and selfhood, so that willful sins become merits (Ezek. 33:19). Even the penitential season leaves a weakness, like a patient after harsh electric treatment, so days of holy joy must follow to rebuild the will.

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