Positivity Bias

“The mind cannot think two different thoughts at the same time. The next time you want to get rid of a thought, don’t try to fight it; simply replace it with a different one.”415

is judged and valued on its intellectual merits alone, not on its practical applicability. Therefore, in the secular world, the merit of philosophers and scholars is not related to or measured by their personal behavior. How they live is deemed irrelevant to their intellectual discoveries and contributions.

The Rebbe interjected, “Just as it is forbidden to speak disparagingly about someone else—even if speaking the absolute truth—it is also forbidden to speak negatively about oneself!”414 It is important to free ourselves

and even if it seems minimal. This is how you inspire change.”

don’t enjoy for a few years, perhaps, but there will come a time when it starts to build resentment. We are programmed to pursue contentment;

G-d creates the world and our lives every day—and moment—anew. Let us emulate our Creator and live our lives in kind, approaching each day and every encounter afresh.

after reciting the morning blessings428 and before reciting the Shema prayer when retiring at night,429 to write down a minimum of five things that you currently have in your life that you are grateful for. Think about each for a moment, relish it. Now say “Thank You” to G-d for each one of these blessings. The next time you feel yourself starting

Intensifying positive activities after a loss helps foster a heightened sense of purpose and can be an effective means of achieving comfort.

“A good neighbor [is paramount]!”

IN THE REBBE’S OFT-REPEATED words—paraphrasing the Mishnah408—”hamaaseh hu ha’ikar,” which means that the essential thing is the deed, not abstract study. Otherwise, teachings and words, no matter how beautiful, wise, or aesthetic, are devarim beteilim “empty expressions” and their