Nefesh HaChayim, An Introduction by the Author's Son

And I, how shall I start? I am a young man. I don’t know any reason that my words should be set down in a book. And it’s even that I don’t have it within me to choose a direction of how I should start, other than to praise what is stated in the book Yir’aht H’ La-chayyim6This is the original title of the collection of essays that we now call the Neffesh Ha-chayyim. and their purpose, because excess speech only results in loss[*7The asterisk denotes that the following annotation addresses this text. All of the annotations were authored by Rav Chayyim other than the ones in this introduction and the long one between Gates 1 and 2. Those were authored by Rav Chayyim’s son, the compiler and editor of the Neffesh Ha-chayyim, the fine scholar Reb Itzele.] when dealing with things that are clearly apparent to the eye, and when discussed between those who fear God-H’, who desire to grow close to God-Elohi”m. And anyone who reads his book—who reads it sincerely8Paraphrasing T’hillim 145:18—regarding him is said “blessed is He who distributed His wisdom to those who fear Him”.