Episode 12: Seeing Clearly Through an External Lens

In this episode of Strive for Truth, Rabbi Michael Cohen and I explore one of the most unsettling ideas we’ve discussed so far in Rav Dessler’s writings: that the greatest obstacle to truth is not simply bias or flawed reasoning, but the possibility that we are not even perceiving reality correctly to begin with. Through Rav Dessler’s essay The Ego, the Inclinations, the Spirit, and the Soul, we unpack how the Yetzer Hara shapes the very “inputs” we use to interpret situations before our intellect ever begins to reason. Using examples from Avimelech, Avraham Avinu sending Eliezer to find a wife for Yitzchak, and the role of the neshama in accessing truth beyond the ego, we discuss why intelligence alone cannot guarantee clarity, why outside guidance is essential in major life decisions, and how Torah and yiras Shamayim help us step outside our own distortions in the lifelong pursuit of truth.Join the Conversation! Be part of our growing community—join the Shema Podcast for the Perplexed WhatsApp group to share feedback, discuss episodes, and suggest future topics. Click here to sign up.Connect with Rabbi Michael CohenReach out to Rabbi Michael Cohen to learn more about his one-on-one coaching work, where he applies the teachings of Strive for Truth to help individuals untangle inner confusion, clarify priorities, and live more grounded, self-expressed lives. To inquire or connect, email him at mailto:[email protected].