“Traces of the light adhered to the shards of the shattered vessels. This may be compared to a vessel full of oil. If it breaks and the oil spills out, a bit of the liquid adheres to the shards in the farm of drops. Likewise, a few sparks of light adhered. When the shards descended to the bottom of the world of actualization, they were transformed into the four elements – fire, air, water, and earth – from which evolved the stages of mineral, vegetable, animal, and human. When these materialized, some of the sparks remained hidden within the varieties of existence. You should aim to raise those sparks hidden throughout the world, elevating them to holiness by the power of your soul.”

— Israel Sarug, 16th century, The Kabbalah