Famous quote by Maimonides

"Do not imagine that what we have said of the insufficiency of our understanding and of its limited extent is an assertion founded only on the Bible: for philosophers likewise assert the same, and perfectly understand it,- without having regard to any religion or opinion"

About this Quote

Maimonides, a preeminent medieval Jewish thinker and scholar, highlights a profound human insight in this quote: the fundamental restrictions of human understanding. The quote underscores that acknowledging these constraints is not solely a religious essential, as it is often perceived, but rather a universal recommendation, shared among spiritual teachings and secular approach alike.

First of all, by firmly insisting that the insufficiencies of human understanding are not exclusively based on scriptural or religious assertions, Maimonides welcomes us to explore the consonance between spiritual wisdom and nonreligious viewpoint. This serves to bridge the often-perceived space between faith and reason, suggesting that both opportunities of thought ultimately assemble on comparable facts about the human condition. It suggests a shared humility that transcends specific doctrines or schools of idea, positioning the constraints of our knowledge as a fundamental reality acknowledged by varied perspectives.

Additionally, Maimonides indicates thinkers who "completely comprehend" this restriction of human comprehension. This might mention the likes of Socratic wisdom, which is exemplified by the sage acknowledgment of one's own lack of knowledge, encapsulating the concept that the more one understands, the more one recognizes how much is unidentified. Thinkers, irrespective of their religious associations, have actually long come to grips with the enigma of presence and the borders of human cognition, frequently coming to a place of intellectual humility.

By specifying that this understanding exists "without having regard to any faith or opinion", Maimonides highlights the idea that the recognition of cognitive restrictions is an objective fact. It transcends subjective beliefs and biases, reflecting a universal human experience.

In essence, this quote by Maimonides works as a reminder of the wisdom in acknowledging our intellectual limits. Whether through the lens of theology or approach, it calls for a humility that encourages ongoing exploration and openness to the huge secrets of life, cultivating a deeper gratitude for the complexity and interconnectedness of understanding across different domains.

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Spain Flag This quote is from Maimonides between March 30, 1135 and December 13, 1204. He/she was a famous Philosopher from Spain. The author also have 23 other quotes.
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