אות - פא

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. But when other people are present who prevent him — especially when they mock and jest — this destroys him greatly. For mockery is very harmful to the heart and to divine service. For through mockery and jesting, a person's heart becomes empty of all good desire, and he falls very greatly. Therefore one must distance himself very much from mockery and from those who mock.