אות - עט

People have the power to prevent and to entice a person to distance him from the service of the Creator and from the true Tzadikim — more than the Evil Inclination. For the Evil Inclination has power only according to its strength — according to the aspect of Evil Inclination from whatever world it derives from. But a human being is a microcosm, comprising all the worlds — and therefore the obstacles from people are greater than the obstacles of the Evil Inclination (160).

160. RAK: See Likutay Halachos, Yoreh Deah, Laws of Milah 5:5, section 21; Choshen Mishpat, Laws of Robbery 5:5, section 17.

People are very great obstacles. And know: if a person were alone and had no other people near him to prevent him — even though confusions and disturbing thoughts and all manner of obstacles would still come upon him — even so he would certainly incline himself toward the path of life. For ultimately he would always incline toward the truth. And even if he had desires and lusts — ultimately he would overpower them and turn toward Hashem Yisburach.