Mesillat Yesharim #1 [this is part of a 4-part series, Inner Judaism]

Only that shall happen which has happened, Only that occurs which has occurred; There is nothing new under the sun

(1) I did not write this book in order to teach people something new of which they had been unaware, but instead to remind them of what they already know very well. In most of my words you will not find anything other than observations about which most people have little doubt. (2) However, it is precisely those concepts which are most evident that tend to be overlooked, and ironically, it is common for people to be oblivious to those ideas whose truth is unchallenged. Therefore, the benefit to be gleaned from this book is not from a single reading, for it is possible that the reader will learn little that he did not already know. Rather the benefit you will gain comes from repeated readings and study. Then you will be reminded of what tends to be forgotten, and you will put in the forefront of your mind what you tend to overlook and hide from. (adapted translation).

(21) Likewise for love of G-d - if we do not exert ourselves to implant it in our heart through all the means which lead to this, how will it exist within us?!

(22) From where will come the cleaving, and the passion in our souls to the blessed G-d and His Torah if we don't give attention to His greatness and exaltedness which instills in our hearts this cleaving?

(23) How will we purify our thoughts if we don't exert ourselves to cleanse it from the imperfections instilled in them by physical nature?! And what of all our character traits, who likewise are in need of so much rectification and correction. Who will correct them and who will rectify them if we do not attend to them and are not exceedingly meticulous in this?!

(24) If we truly examined the matter, we would discover the truth of this thereby benefiting ourselves and teaching it to others to benefit them also. This is what King Solomon said: "If you will seek it as silver and search for it as buried treasure, then you will understand the Yirat HaShem" (Mishlei / Proverbs 2:4-5).

Our sages of blessed memory summarized this saying: "[what is the proper path a person should choose for himself?] Whatever is harmonious for the one who does it, and harmonious for other people" (Pirkei Avot / Foundational Ethics 2:1). That is, that which leads to the goal of true beneficence, namely, strengthening of Torah and furthering of societal brotherliness.