Rabbi Simcha Bunim taught that every person should carry two pieces of paper, one in each pocket: in one pocket "For me the world was created," and in the other "I am but dust and ashes." When we have moments of self loathing take out the first; in moments of grandiosity the second. Our souls are poised between greatness and nothingness; in knowing both are we blessed.
(27) Abraham spoke up, saying, “Here I venture to speak to my Lord, I who am but dust and ashes:
The story goes that during a Sabbath service a rabbi is seized by a sudden wave of guilt, prostrates himself and cries out, “God, before you I am nothing!”
The cantor is so moved by this demonstration of piety that he throws himself to the floor beside the rabbi and cries, “God, before you I am nothing!”
Watching this scene unfold from his seat in the first row, the chairman of the synagogue’s trustees jumps up, flops down in the aisle and cries, “God, before you I am nothing!”
The rabbi nudges the cantor and whispers, “So look who thinks he’s nothing!”
Every person should know and consider the fact that you, in the particular way that you are made, are unique in the world, and no one like you has ever been. For if someone like you had already been, there would be no reason for you to be in this world. Actually, everyone is something new in this world, and here we must work to perfect our particular being, for because we are still imperfect, the coming of the Messiah is delayed!”
Ten Rings: Hasidic Sayings, Martin Buber