Chapter 24: Pages 184-186

Busting the myth that everything will be horrible after death for everyone other than Moshe Rabbeinu.



Reminds me of a famous joke: Moshe Rabbeinu came to shamayim and he saw there was only tuna fish. He looked down and saw everyone in Gehenom eating away. He turned to Hashem and said "Why do the reshoim get good food and I only get tuna fish?" Hashem responded, "It's just you here, so I didn't want to cook." (Chas veshalom.)



For some of us who lived this in our past, that Hashem is always upset at you and that only perfect tzaddikim are in Gan Eden but not people a dot less (chas veshalom), this is quite liberating.



The basic principle to look out for at the very least is that when someone feels that even if you try your realistic best it won't be good enough, that will surely be damaging.

Chapter 24: Pages 187-189
It would be very silly if we compare ourselves to others.

Chapter 24: Pages 190-192
“Many times, arrogance is a reaction to feelings of inferiority.”

Chapter 24: Pages 193-194
We can feel great about accomplishing and still avoid arrogance if we 
remember that:
1. Our entire nation is one unit with one common goal.
2. We are incapable of comparing ourselves to others because we 
don’t know their circumstances.
3. We still have much work to reach the lofty levels we aspire for.
4. We can only succeed spiritually because of Hashem’s help.

Pages 199-201. The incredible reward for holding back from sinning.
Rashi: There is no greater mitzvah than this.
Miracles done for people who overcame their yetzer hara.
The importance of celebrating our victories. A truly life-changing idea.

Is there a Audiobook for The battle of the generation ?

Captain wrote on 30 Jul 2023 14:01:

I got a lot of Chizzuk from this Chapter. There’s a tendency I have to say that since I ought not to be in this battle in the first place, (at least not the way I am), therefore I don’t deserve to give myself any real credit for accomplishing. After all, what’s the big deal about finally living up to what I believe in. Reading this helped clarify that this thought is Atzas HaYetzer. 

So now I’m getting all revved up for my upcoming Seudas Hodaa when I hit 90, in 15 days, with Siyata Dishmaya. 

El Captain, you are invited! 

dim12 wrote on 30 Jul 2023 15:05:

Unfortunately no

chaimoigen wrote on 30 Jul 2023 15:22:

Thanks! I'm in!

Captain wrote on 30 Jul 2023 18:33:

Who's bringing the woodford?

My preference these days is 10 year old Widow Jane.
She, like me, is improving with age...

Pages 202-205:

An easy and transformative exercise:
"Take an index card or small piece of paper and keep it in your pocket. Tally on one line for each time you make any bit of internal push against your desires. This includes clearing your thoughts, not looking at what you shouldn’t, or doing any action to beat your desires. Add a point for each time you push, even if it is in the same situation and even if you ended up giving in. For example, if you were challenged and wanted to look at or think about something and had to strengthen yourself three times within ten seconds not to give in, add three points. (For each fifth point, draw a horizontal line across the four vertical lines to make it easier to keep track of how many points you have.) At the end of the week, see how many points you earned. Then, start again on the next line."

Hi Captain,

I took your advice to start my journey by reading this book, but honestly, although this book is simply an eye opener in our struggle, i found so many valid reasons to push off the reading, however once i found this tread, although i still have a long way to get to page 202-205, but the consistency of this thread motivates me to read it daily as well the reacting comments from my friends here, and making slowly my way to get on track with the daily dose, so i'm really thankful for your great work here!

Chapter 26: Making it Last.

Pages 205-207

"The way to keep our inner fire strong is to read something that gets us excited every day."

"We need to celebrate our victories every time whether they seem big or small."

Please everyone feel free to discuss the daily lesson or to share quotes that speak to you.