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The answer seems to be that it was specifically the assumption that the calculations were based on that was the problem. Aharon should have realized that as bad as things could get, Bnei Yisrael could not have reached such a low level that they were hopeless, as the nation has an inner sanctity that does not allow a total moral collapse. In fact, had Aharon opposed their desire to sin from that positive perspective, they could not have stood up to his persuasion.
Chazal learn from a "play on words" on the pasuk "I will place them as heads" (Devarim 1:13) that the fault of the people lies at the hands of its leaders (Sifrei, Devarim 13). This is surprising, as it is not always clear that there is anything that leaders can do to rectify matters. It is understood according to our thesis, for the leaders should believe that the people’s shortcomings are external, not internal. This lack of belief allows the nation to deteriorate further. However, this responsibility of the leaders does not prevent someone like Aharon from bringing his own sacrifice and receiving atonement. The Rabbis learn from "asher nasi yechetah" (Vayikra 4:22) that the generation whose leaders admit mistakes are fortunate (ashrei). One should not concede to spiritual deterioration of any type but should act to reverse it.
From this perspective we can say that, to a certain extent, the stumbling of a tzaddik is a facilitated fall to sin so that he can instruct the people by example how to repent. When people see that he is able to admit sin and return to the correct path, others will learn from him. This is why Moshe told Aharon that he should not be embarrassed. He should admit his mistake and in this way restore the nation’s moral self-confidence and give them the strength to repent.
This is the idea of "Do your sin offering and your olah offering and bring atonement on your behalf and the behalf of the people, and do the offering of the nation and bring atonement for them" (Vayikra 9:7).
Harav Avraham Yitzchak Hacohen Kook Weren't Rav Kook's Positions Unique Among Rabbis?
Translated by Hillel Fendel
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.