" The essence of the existence of a human being in this world is that he should fulfil commandments, perform worship and resist temptation. It is unfitting that worldly happiness should mean anything more to him than a mere aid or support in the sense that satisfaction and peace of mind allow him to devote his heart to this service that is incumbent upon him; and it is fitting that the whole of his attention should be devoted only to the Creator–blessed be He–and that he should have no other purpose in any of his actions, whether small or great, except to draw near to Him–blessed be He–and to break down all the partitions separating him from his Owner. "

― Paul Johnson , A History of the Jews