Think Good and It Will Be Good
"Think Good and It Will Be Good" Originally said in Yiddish: "Tracht gut vet zein gut" by the Tzemach Tzedek Rebbe when someone asked for a refuah (healing) for a sick person.[1]
Historical BackgroundEdit
The Frierdiker Rebbe (Previous Rebbe) first publicized this saying, and the Rebbe later promoted it with great enthusiasm (shturam). This response became a fundamental principle in Chabad Chassidus, expressing the importance of the power of thought and its ability to change reality.
MeaningEdit
The meaning of this saying is that positive thought alone - meaning the very essence of emunah and bitachon (faith and trust) - brings good results in a revealed and visible way.
The Rebbe explained this in accordance with the Baal Shem Tov's teaching: "Wherever a person's thoughts are, that's where they are," meaning that following the thought, a physical change for the good is effected.
Another explanation is that this statement is based on the Chazal's teaching "A good thought, Hashem combines it with action." Our responsibility is to think good, and Hashem will already make it happen.
The Rebbe also used this saying to explain the obligation and ability to have bitachon[2] even for someone who might not be worthy of Hashem's kindness based on their current level of avodas Hashem (divine service).
The Rebbe instructed those who stayed during the month of Tishrei at 770 to act with ahavas Yisroel and remember throughout the year the other guests with whom they stayed in 770 during Tishrei, to think good thoughts about them and wish them brochos. The Rebbe explained this instruction saying that through good thoughts, surely Hashem will fulfill these wishes in actuality, and through this achdus (unity) will be strengthened.
Publication of the SayingEdit
In 2006, several activists in Eretz HaKodesh launched a campaign with the slogan "Think Good and It Will Be Good," alongside a picture of the Rebbe waving his hand in greeting. The campaign was publicized through billboards and giant stickers on trucks.
In 2013, two additional trucks were added (total of 10) carrying the slogan alongside the Rebbe's picture on giant banners spread across the trucks.
Strauss company, owner of 'Achla Hummus' product, once released an advertisement for the product which read: "Think Achla and it will be Achla."
Setting the Saying to Chassidic MusicEdit
In 2008, the album "L'Chol Zman Shirim" was released by singer Udi Davidi, in which he composed a tune for the words "Think Good and It Will Be Good." Davidi, a resident of Kiryat Arba Chevron, also added additional verses to the saying.
Further ReadingEdit
See AlsoEdit
- Machshava
- Emunah in Hashem
- Bitachon
- Simcha