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In this regard, the entire matter of "the obligation" is nothing but a myth. It is impossible to prove that in a person's heart there is any obligation whatsoever to his people. A moral obligation can exist only where free gratitude exists, for one does not ask a person if he wishes to become entangled in the world of gods and oil – as a Frenchman, as a Negro, as a Jew. And from where will this obligation come? From the nation? The nation has no rights over you and has no claims upon you. And if you see fit to work for the people's cause – this is your free choice, exactly as if you chose to be a sculptor or a pianist. You do this for your own sake, and not for the sake of the people. And just as the people have no claim upon you, so you have no claim upon the people. This is only an expression of your soul, like the creation of an artist: if there is ever in this a sense of obligation – it is the artist's obligation to himself and not to his society. Can you hold your ground until the end? – Good. And if not, if you have tired, grown weary of it, and perhaps you discovered for yourself a lonely greatness and it is not in your soul to be a violin, and your true desire is to be a pianist – that is also good. We wish you much success in exploring the foreign skies, and the people of Israel will go on its way and will make do without you as well.

I do not say this to insult anyone or to reject them, but because I believe in this perspective. Even if a person could pledge his very self tomorrow with the most back-breaking devotion, it may yet be revealed tomorrow that you are not at all fit for this task, that the people do not need you, sir. They can accept your creations, utilize your devotion. And how your actions depend on your pride. As one who is cast out – if a humble pride dwells within you (and this too is a beautiful type), it will wipe your lips and you will go to seek another service. But if your pride is absolute, the kind that satisfies its own will, a pride that does not need the recognition of others, a pride whose very foundation is to express and to bear the melody of your heart – then you will remain in your place and search onward, without paying any mind to whether they hear you or not, whether the gates are locked or closed – until the gates and also the ears open again, or until you vanish – full of pride.