Do these tzaddikim who sold out to Hakadosh Baruch Hu in this world for the sake of the World to Come, do they actually enjoy this world less? Do they feel less keenly whatever pleasures life can afford, than someone who thinks he's going to be here for the next ten thousand years?
ANSWER:
On the contrary! The man who knows that life is brief is the one who enjoys it most. That's a principle that never fails. The tzaddikim have more Olam Hazeh than anyone else.
Who are the ones that bored? Who are the ones who have to look for thrills? Who are the ones who are constantly unhappy unless they're on the go? The people who live for this world! Because they're not thinking of the end, it's endless.
Of course they wouldn't admit that, but subconsciously life will continue forever and ever, they don't want to consider that there' going to be an end, and therefore they're bored from the beginning. Whereas tzaddikim know that they have to hurry up and enjoy life. That's the reaction automatically of all those who are facing the prospect of Olam Habah. This world is a much happier world, and if you don't believe me then try it.
I will give you a simple experiment which I always tell you. When you walk by a cemetery it always cheers you up. It's unfailing, because the realization that life will come to an end makes you appreciate more keenly what you possess right now.
Therefore number one, the tzaddikim are tourists in this world and they enjoy this world much more sharply, with more zest than anyone else. You see tzaddikim don't get into cars Saturday night and chase around. People are looking for pleasures; tzaddikim have them! Tzaddikim don't have to drink for thrills. Yeshiva boys never take a shot in the arm, they have their thrills, they're happy with the Bais Hamedrash; there are thrills in the Bais Hamedrash. Even to walk from their house to the Yeshiva is to them fun, you never stopped to analyze it.
When a person understands that this world is only a temporary visiting place, he certainly gets much more out of it, whether he is aware of it or not.
And secondly and even more important, those that understand that life is purposeful are going to utilize it and accomplish, whereas those who don't know the purpose of life, they are going to lose out, waste that most precious gift that never again will be offered to them.
That's the opportunity to live and to utilize their free will.
Good Shabbos To All
This is transcribed from questions that were posed to Harav Miller by the audience at the Thursday night lectures.
To listen to the audio of this Q & A please dial: 201-676-3210
Important Numbers
