[Avodah] Feedback, causality & G-d

[David Riceman]

RDE citing RYK:

<<the typical understanding of the Chovas HaLevavos (4:4) is that man 
needs to act as if he is helping Gd provide him with his sustenance.
<snip>

His actual position (4:3) is
that the sole reason for the effort is to be involved in building society
[which Gd requires to keep him busy and away from sin].>>

I find it provocative that you cite "the typical understanding" of both ChL and the Ramban.

I am perturbed, however, that what you cite as "his actual position" seems incorrect.  First of all, what you cite as "the sole reason" is described by ChL as "the second reason" (tr. Hyamson p. 312).  Second, he is describing, not why people have to work in spite of nature being "only a formality", but why God created nature which is not "only a formality".

As I said in a previous post, even though the Rambam attributes to the Kalam a position similar to the one you describe, I know of no rishon who adopts such a position.  I think you are trying to read a modern position back into earlier sources.

David Riceman