LEV1115 Derech eretz can be defined as a type of behavior that will be acceptable by one's society and that is geared toward making people happy, as the Mishnah says: "Which is the proper path one should choose? One that is pleasing to the one who performs it and is pleasing to others (Avos 2:1). The essential ingredients of derech eretz are: impartiality; humility; sensitivity toward the feelings and rights of others; an understanding of human nature; a sense of justice; and respect for each individual and for humanity as a whole. Derech eretz requires a discipline of kindness, cheerfulness and constant awareness of one's surroundings. Acting with derech eretz (besides being a virtue in its own right" leads to peaceful coexistence with one's family, neighbors and society, and avoids the multitudes of misunderstandings caused by the behavior and attitudes of those who are lacking in this respect. Tanna Devei Eliyahu (Ravah 11) states: "Even when the Jewish people do not fulfill any Torah principle other than derech eretz, the verse 'Five of you shall chase one hundred, and one hundred of you shall chase ten thousand' [this verse] will be realized. If they do fulfill the principles of the Torah and perform the mitzvos, then the verse 'One shall chase one thousand, and two shall chase ten thousand' (Devarim 32:30) will come true." This statement implies that derech eretz is a redeeming virtue even when the Jewish people do not fulfill the other precepts of the Torah.