And he arrived at the place and lodged there because the sun had set, and he took some of the stones of the place and placed [them] at his head, and he lay down in that place. (Breishis 29:11)

and placed [them] at his head. He arranged them in the form of a drainpipe around his head because he feared the wild beasts. They [the stones] started quarreling with one another. One said, “Let the righteous man lay his head on me,” and another one said, “Let him lay [his head] on me.” Immediately, the Holy One, blessed be He, made them into one stone. This is why it is stated (Breishis 29:18): “and he took the stone [in the singular] that he had placed at his head.” – Rashi

This is quite a remarkable and even miraculous event. Stones, inanimate objects, are fighting to become Yaakov’s pillow, and to settle the matter peacefully, HASHEM intervened and unified them into one stone. What does this mean? What implications does it have for us?

The Ramchal spells it out straight and strong in the very first chapter of the Mesilas Yesharim; “If you look deeper into the matter, you will see that this world was created for man’s use. But, behold man stands on a great balance. For if he is drawn after the world and distances from his Creator, behold, he corrupts himself and corrupts the world with him. But if he rules over himself and clings to his Creator, and uses the world only as an aid to serve his Creator – then he elevates himself and elevates the world with him.

For all creations are greatly elevated when they serve the “Adam HaShalem” (the whole/perfect man) who is sanctified with the holiness of The Blessed One – HASHEM. This is like what our sages of blessed memory said regarding the light which G-d stored away for the righteous (Chagiga 12a): “when G-d saw the light which He stored away for the righteous, He rejoiced, as written: ‘the light of the righteous rejoices’ (Prov.13:9)”.

And regarding the “stones of the place” which Yaakov took and placed under his head the Midrash says (Chulin 91b): “Rabbi Yitzchak says: ‘this teaches us that they gathered together in one place, each one saying: let the righteous man lay his head upon me'”.

Humanity is the crown of creation. There is a paradigm in science called Anthrology dedicated to explaining how everything is here for mankind. Just notice how different items in your house are designed and suited for your utility. So too is the entire world. That’s just the first point.

HASHEM did not elegantly engineer this giant universe for a life of creature comforts alone. Man was placed here for a glorious mission, to partner in revealing HASHEM’s hidden greatness. Light has been secreted away and it awaits discovery. The one or ones who find and expose this light become those for whom the entire world was created. So, the Mishne in Sanhedrin tells us emphatically, ‘A person has an obligation to say, “The world was created for me!”’ That is not a selfish declaration. It’s a profound challenge and an invitation to anyone who wishes to become that person for whom everything exists and it is accompanied by much responsibility.

If a man elevates himself, then the world is elevated and improved. It is a favor to everything and everybody. If a man fails, he crashes not just himself but the entire world. It is not a victimless crime.

Imagine a new groom on the day of his engagement party. He is the star of the show. A hall is rented. Expensive and delicious delicacies are on display. People are traveling from far-away places just to be in his presence. He is the centerpiece. Families are united and excited. The groom is cautioned not to drink too many L’Chaims. Should he become sloppy drunk he can ruin everything. If he behaves with dignity, then it was all worth it. Everything is rooting for him to choose wisely, to resist temptation, and to be their reason for being.