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We might think that helping someone, for instance, a small act like assisting an elderly woman, is a good deed. However, if we look deeper, we need to ask ourselves, who are we really doing this action for?
If we feel that we add merit to ourselves, whether for our future, for a reward, or for recognition, then the action we did is selfish. It is done for personal benefit. If we were to remove that benefit, then we would not perform the action.
This is why such actions, although they might be useful in this world, are not yet considered good deeds in the spiritual sense.
We need to reach the understanding that we are constantly bribed by the ego. Every action we perform is measured according to the calculation, “What will I gain out of this?” Even if the gain is subtle, such as a sense of honor, inner satisfaction, or righteousness, it is still self-serving.
What, then, is a genuine good deed?
A good deed is an action performed against the ego, without any expectation of return, i.e., no reward, recognition, and in general, no inner calculation that returns anything at all to the one performing the action. It is as if no one knows about it, and no one ever will. Nothing remains, not even one’s name.
Only then does the action begin to approach one of pure giving and bestowal.
This is, of course, completely opposite to how our world operates. Our entire system of culture, art, and economics is built on ownership, recognition, and reward. “This is mine.” “I deserve credit.” “I should receive something in return.” However, the spiritual path goes in the opposite direction.
At the same time, we must be realistic. We cannot immediately act without any self-benefit. Therefore, even actions that are still egoistic, done with some expectation of reward, are useful. They reduce harm in the world. They begin to build a habit.
Gradually, through such actions, we can rise to a higher degree. At a certain point, we begin to act simply because it is good for others, not for ourselves. This is already a transition to a new level. Spiritual work begins from that point onward.
And then something new becomes revealed, the soul.
The soul is not something that exists inside a person from the beginning. It is a space that we create outside of ourselves in our attitude to others. This space must be filled with a desire to benefit the world, and nothing at all for self-benefit, but everything outward.
Humanity in general is developing toward this realization, and it is indeed possible to achieve it.
Based on KabTV’s “News with Dr. Michael Laitman” with Kabbalist Dr. Michael Laitman on February 2, 2026. Written/edited by students of Kabbalist Dr. Michael Laitman.
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