דבר אחר מפני המשפחות שלא יהו משפחות מתגרות זו בזו
[the first human] was created alone so that the [human] families will not quarrel with each other, each one boasting of the heritage of their ancestor.
How would the world be different if we each saw the people around us as long-lost cousins?
Why do some people think that certain people are better than others?
דבר אחר שאם תזוח דעתו עליו אומר לו יתוש קדמך במעשה בראשית
[the first human] was created just before Shabbat so that if a person becomes haughty, God can say to him: The mosquito preceded you in the acts of Creation, as you were created last!
When do we tend to think we are "the center of the universe"?
What helps us to remember that we are just a small part of the world?
How do these perspectives change our behavior?
הקב"ה הניח כל הרים וגבעות והשרה שכינתו על הר סיני ולא גבה הר סיני למעלה
the Holy One, Blessed be He, disregarded all of the mountains and hills, and rested the Divine Presence on the lowly Mount Sinai. God did not choose to raise Mount Sinai up toward Him. God chose to give the Torah on Mount Sinai, since it was a symbol of humility due to its lack of height
How does humility help us receive Torah?
Is it easy to learn when you think you already know everything?
Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Satanov
Always seek to learn wisdom from every man, to recognize your failings and correct them. In doing so you will learn to stop thinking about your virtues and you will take your mind off your friend's faults.
Who do you usually think of as your teachers?
Who are the other people in your life that you can learn from?
What are some things you can learn, even from people you might not like very much?