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Perfecting one's Middot: Difference between revisions
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Perfecting one's middot (character traits) is the reason for man's existence.<ref>Gra in Even Shelmah 1:2</ref> It is a prerequisite for all mitzvot<ref>Rav Chaim Vital in Shaarei Kedusha 1:2</ref> and bad middot are the basis for all sins.<ref>Gra in Even Shelmah 1:1</ref> Everyone was created uniquely and with a variation of different middot. <ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 29, based on the Rambam, lists several examples: | |||
#There are people who [[anger]] easily, and people who almost never get angry. | #There are people who [[anger]] easily, and people who almost never get angry. | ||
#There are people who are exceedingly arrogant, and those exceedingly meek. | #There are people who are exceedingly arrogant, and those exceedingly meek. | ||
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#There are people who are exceedingly greedy, and will never have enough money; there are those who are satisfied with less than they need, and don't attempt to pursue a livelihood. | #There are people who are exceedingly greedy, and will never have enough money; there are those who are satisfied with less than they need, and don't attempt to pursue a livelihood. | ||
#There are some who gather money, and eat what they own with distress. And there are those who spend all of their money. | #There are some who gather money, and eat what they own with distress. And there are those who spend all of their money. | ||
</ref> | </ref> Acknowleding one's traits, strengths and weaknesses alike, is crucial in being able to begin one's journey in perfecting one's middot. <ref>Mesillat Yesharim (ch. 3 s.v. klal)</ref> | ||
==The proper balance of Middot== | ==The proper balance of Middot== | ||
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<references/> | <references/> | ||
[[Category: Halachic Hashkafa]] | [[Category: Halachic Hashkafa]] | ||
[[Category:Between Man And | [[Category:Between Man And Himself]] | ||
