| The Ramchal in his work, "The Path of the Just," taught that Mussar is the study of "universally accepted truths." Why do we need to study ideas which are common knowledge? The Ramchal explained, "according to the degree that these truths are clearly apparent, to that same measure we find that people lack the conscious awareness of these ideas." Rabbi Yisrael Salanter explained this paradox with an insightful axiom: The furthest distance between two locations is the distance between the mind and the heart.In other words, the ethical concepts that we know intellectually remain distant from our heart. Mussar is "the tool" that opens up the sealed chambers of our heart, facilitating the inculcation of these great truths. For instance, the Torah states (Devarim 4:39) states, "And you shall know today and instill within your heart that HaShem is G-d - in heaven above and on the earth below - there is no other." This injunction informs us that to know about G-d, i.e., that He created the world, that He is merciful, that is omnipotent, etc., is just the beginning of "knowing G-d." However, in order to "know G-d" we must devote a special focus of study - "and instill within your heart that HaShem is G-d." The study of Mussar gives us the methodology to ingrain the awareness of HaShem within our inner-being. It strengthens our faith in HaShem and brings our knowledge of HaShem to life. Intellectual knowledge is acquired just as soon as we grasp the concept. Whereas, the "knowledge of the heart" is attained incrementally, over time. Each Mussar session that we engage in makes a subconscious impression. Ultimately, the impressions crystallize and give birth to a vivid and robust awareness of HaShem. Reflect for thirty seconds per day on the truth that HaShem is your Creator. | 
