The Rebbe suffered a serious heart attack in 1977. The following day, the Rebbe insisted on delivering a discourse, as he had done on that same day for the previous thirty-eight years.

A few days later, the doctor asked, “How is the Rebbe feeling?”

“Physically, thank G‑d, I feel fine,” the Rebbe replied, “but mentally, not so well.” This, the Rebbe explained, was because he had not visited and prayed at the gravesite of his father-in-law, as he was accustomed to doing several times a month.

“You must take care of your health,” the doctor insisted. “If not, there is a twenty-five percent chance of a relapse.” The doctor asked the Rebbe if he understood his warning.

“Oh, yes,” answered the Rebbe with a smile. “You said that even if I don’t take care of my health – which, I assure you, I will – there is a seventy-five percent chance that there won’t be a relapse.”

—Souvenir Journal, Kislev 5758, South Africa

“Think positive and the result will be positive: An optimistic thought has the strength to rescind a heavenly decree.”
—Adapted from the Rebbe

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”