Chapter Twenty

Even in secular studies, intellectual exercise may be either stimulating or humbling. When a person hears an idea that he can grasp and assimilate, he is stimulated to further learning, because he derives pleasure from ideas. If the idea is beyond his capacities, however, he is still affected profoundly since he can perceive the idea’s loftiness. Yet, since he fails to understand the thought, he is deeply pained. But though he is humbled, he will be stirred, nonetheless, with a longing to deal competently with such ideas. Understandably, these reactions will be even more marked when dealing with G-dly concepts.

In truth, this humility is vital in intellectual pursuits. Through contriteness and humility his understanding will be clearer and more thorough, because the idea becomes all-important, and the student, more receptive. Besides, his diligence and concentration are stimulated by humility, which enable him to reach immeasurable heights.