Letter 334

[This letter opens mid-sentence in the source text.]

…And it is impossible for them to break off and to become distant from the earth — except through the coercive force. Namely — there is one who coerces the thing and takes it from its place on the earth and distances it from it. And according to the coercive force — so the thing becomes distanced from the earth. And afterwards — when the coercive force ceases — the thing returns and falls to the earth. For example: if a person throws something upward — through his strength he coerces the thing and breaks it off from the earth. And according to his strength — so he coerces the thing and throws it higher. And afterwards — when his strength ceases — which is the coercive force — the thing returns and falls to the earth. For the earth has a power of attraction — and draws all things to itself. For if not — they would not be able to exist upon it. For it would be fitting to fall from it — because it is spherical. And all the people of the world stand around it. But because it has a power of attraction — therefore when the coercive force ceases — the thing returns and falls below to the earth. The closer one gets below — the more he flies and falls below with greater speed. For he has drawn close to the power of attraction of the earth — therefore he falls below with greater speed. And the true Tzadik is in the aspect of the earth — and all things stand upon him. And he has a power of attraction — to draw all things to him. For this Tzadik alone is the foundation of the world — from which all things are drawn.