We all probably have at some point. But what happens when that unwavering commitment actually causes harm?

That's the kind of sticky situation that Baal HaSulam, in his remarkable preface to the Zohar, dives into. He's talking about the pitfalls of relying too heavily on abstract ideas, on principles divorced from the real world. And it's a lesson that feels incredibly relevant today.

Baal HaSulam, whose actual name was Yehuda Leib HaLevi Ashlag, was a 20th-century Kabbalist who wrote extensively on the Zohar, a central text of Kabbalah. His commentary, known as the "Sulam," meaning ladder, was meant to make the complex teachings of the Zohar accessible to a wider audience. He wasn't just interested in esoteric knowledge; he wanted to show how these ancient teachings could inform our lives.

He points out that relying solely on abstract ideals is "unacceptable to careful thinkers." Why? Because it's impossible to be "one hundred percent reliable" when you're dealing with abstractions. Our perceptions, he argues, are formed by taking things out of context, by abstracting them "from a substance." And when we do that, we open ourselves up to error.

He gives a striking example: someone with "idealistic moral values" – what he calls an "irreligious individual" – who is so focused on the abstract quality of truth that they would rather let the whole world perish than tell a lie, even to save lives. for a second. It sounds noble. An unwavering commitment to truth. But the Torah, Jewish law and tradition, takes a different stance. As we know from Yoma 82a, nothing takes precedence over saving a life. Pikuach nefesh – saving a life – overrides nearly every other commandment.

Baal HaSulam is highlighting the danger of generalizations that exist in a vacuum. These ideas lack the "substance" through which they can be expressed and properly understood. We can be misled into believing that certain attributes or concepts are inherently good or evil, failing to see that their value depends entirely on the specific situation and context. It’s not that truth isn’t important, but it must be weighed against other values, especially the sanctity of life.

It's a powerful reminder that morality isn't just about adhering to abstract principles. It's about applying wisdom and compassion to the complexities of the real world. It's about understanding that our values aren't fixed in stone, but rather need to be constantly re-evaluated in light of the circumstances.

So, the next time you find yourself clinging tightly to an abstract ideal, take a step back. Ask yourself: what is the "substance" of this situation? What are the potential consequences of my actions? And most importantly, am I truly serving the greater good, or am I simply sacrificing reality on the altar of an abstract principle? It's a question worth pondering, and Baal HaSulam's words offer us a valuable framework for doing so.