The Purpose of the Association (1)

Man is born with a drive to receive called self-love. Wherever he cannot see a benefit
for himself, he has not fuel enough for the slightest movement. Yet without nullifying
this self-love it is impossible to achieve the emulation of G-d, i.e. identifying in His
form.
This is in direct opposition to our nature; thus the need for an association. Together,
as a great power, we can work to nullify the will to receive, which is, itself, The Evil,
in as much as it interferes with the attainment of the purpose for which man was
created.
Therefore the association must be made up of individuals, all of whom are of the same
worldview, that is, that the will to receive must be subdued. Then, the association of
such individuals will establish a great power that will be able to overcome its
collective self-love. This is by reason of the inclusion of the general in the particular:
each is included in all, and, conversely, all in each. Therefore each individual can tap
into the great collective power of the whole association to achieve the goal.
In order to achieve this "inter-inclusion" of one individual with another, each person
must nullify himself before the other. This is accomplished when each sees the other's
good points and disregards his failings. He, who considers himself even a little above
his fellows, will not be able to fully join them or assimilate with them.
Similarly, at the time of this self-nullification, they must be serious. Otherwise they
will not be in tune with the overall goal. Once for the sake of "walking modestly" it
was the custom to act not serious externally, while, in truth, in their heart, was a
burning flame.
Small-minded people, however, must be very careful not to be drawn into words and
action which do not contribute to purpose for which they were assembled, namely
intimacy with G-d. (For more on the subject of intimacy with G-d, see Matan Torah p.
138)
Only when not among colleagues is it better to conceal the intention in their heart and
to be, externally, like every one else, in accordance with the verse "Go modestly with
G-d your Lord". Even though there are loftier interpretations of this verse, the simple
meaning is still great.
Therefore it is essential that when colleagues come together that they should be
egalitarian with each other in order to be able to nullify themselves to each other.
This association must take care not to be encroached upon by lightheadedness, which
would destroy everything. (But this is a personal internal matter.) On the other hand,
when one is not with a colleague of the association, one must show no seriousness,
but to be just like the person with whom he now is. He should not to talk about
serious things, but about things of interest to the one he is with now, who is termed
"the uninvited guest."