Rabbi Moshe Haber Orchot Saddiqim: Beyond the Yes Man: The Art of Striving Aug 6, 2026

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/bw1bx72rvssa23kloebk5/Balancing_Praise_and_Progress.png?rlkey=l1ibubwfyh0nvma9kvog2ydq6&dl=0Shaar Rishon:Page 38Beyond the Yes Man: The Art of StrivingAug 6, 2026This text examines the psychological dangers of excessive praise and the importance of maintaining a balance between confidence and self-correction. While positive reinforcement builds self-esteem, the author warns that a constant stream of compliments can lead to stagnation and arrogance, eventually making a person "allergic" to necessary criticism. This phenomenon is compared to a "yes man" culture, where individuals stop striving for growth because they mistakenly believe they have already reached perfection. For both parents and leaders, the challenge lies in an "artful" approach to feedback that encourages progress without destroying a person’s fragile sense of identity. Ultimately, the source argues that true maturity requires staying open to reality and recognizing that there is always a higher level of character to achieve. Adopting an honest self-assessment ensures that the "tabs" of personal development remain open rather than being prematurely closed by vanity.https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wi0t140vb0b0gkdfumv98/The_Growth_Paradox_Infographic.png?rlkey=qu8wjg0j3sj1zcogxqhrf33ps&dl=0#torah, #judaism, #mussar, #rabbi