From the Chassidic Masters

As the most direct and simple line between two points, it is misleadingly the surest way to town; but in truth, the "direct approach" is a dead end

"See, I have set before you life and goodness, and death and evil... Life and death I have set before you, blessing and curse... And you shall choose life..." (Deuteronomy 30:15-19). These three sentences represent three dimensions of choice -- compelled choice, random choice, and essential choice

Why Moses died on his birthday.