RK Ein Ayah Shabbat I:9-10 Part 2 Importance of Gratitude

Another example of how Rav Kook shows the ways of G-d that bring man to his spiritual, moral perfection. Benefactor is to notify the recipient of his gift in order to enhance the trait of feeling and expressing gratefulness because that trait will ultimately be the foundation for the betterment of mankind and the world. Why and how? Revolution in man’s motivation. Rising above selfish, personal interest. When we recognize that it is Hashem that gives us all the good we have, the desire to express our gratitude brings us to do that which He wants, and He wants us to build and better the world. Thus the drive for scientific and technological advance, discoveries, inventions and innovations, etc., is only to do that which is good in the eyes of G-d, the Absolute Good. That good is above and beyond even the most lofty ideas and ideals man could ever have. It is indeed important to learn and understand the ideals of the Torah and mitzvot, the great good they bring about etc., but not to lower the Divine Ideal to that limited vision of perfection according to the world as it is presently in its fallen state. All we understand and can understand is still nothing compared to the good G-d knows and has in store for creation.