Maimonides Quotes

A collection of quotes by Maimonides.

Moses Maimonides, also known as Rambam, was a prominent medieval Sephardic Jewish philosopher, physician, and scholar. Born in Cordoba, Spain, in 1135, Maimonides' family faced religious persecution under Almohad rule, prompting them to flee. They eventually settled in Egypt, where Maimonides would spend most of his life.

Highly regarded for his influential works, Maimonides is best known for his philosophical masterpiece, "Guide for the Perplexed." This book merged Aristotelian philosophy with Jewish theology, seeking to reconcile rational thought with religious belief. It aimed to provide clarity to those struggling with the complex ideas of Jewish faith and encourage a deeper understanding of scripture.

In addition to his theological contributions, Maimonides was also a respected physician. He served as a personal physician to the court of Sultan Saladin and authored numerous medical texts, including "The Art of Cure" and "Treatise on Hemorrhoids." Maimonides emphasized the importance of preventive medicine and highlighted the significance of a healthy lifestyle for maintaining well-being.

Maimonides' impact extends far beyond his lifetime. His philosophical ideas greatly influenced both Jewish and Islamic thought. His works continue to be studied by scholars and theologians worldwide, serving as cornerstones of religious and philosophical discourse.

Maimonides' legacy as a theologian, physician, and philosopher solidifies his position as one of the most influential figures in Jewish intellectual history. His unique ability to integrate reason and faith has left an indelible mark on the development of modern religious thought.

Now, we occupy a lowly position, both in space and rank in c

Now, we occupy a lowly position, both in space and rank in comparison with the heavenly sphere, and the Almighty is Most High not in space, but with respect to absolute existence, greatness and power.

For the elements have the property of moving back to their p

For the elements have the property of moving back to their place in a straight line, but they have no properties which would cause them to remain where they are, or to move other-wise than in a straight line, These rectilinear motions of these four elements when returning to their original place are are of two kinds, either centrifugal,vziz.

Science Philosophical Religious Kabbalistic

He, however, who begins with Metaphysics, will not only beco

He, however, who begins with Metaphysics, will not only become confused in matters of religion, but will fall into complete infidelity.

Religion

Truth does not become more true by virtue of the fact that t

Truth does not become more true by virtue of the fact that the entire world agrees with it, nor less so even if the whole world disagrees with it.

Truth Inspirational Disagreement

If a person studies too much and exhausts his reflective pow

If a person studies too much and exhausts his reflective powers, he will be confused, and will not be able to apprehend even that which had been within the power of his apprehension. For the powers of the body are all alike in this respect.

Respect

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

Education Feed Give

The risk of a wrong decision is preferable to the terror of

The risk of a wrong decision is preferable to the terror of indecision.

Decisions

Teach thy tongue to say I do not know and thou shalt progres

Teach thy tongue to say I do not know and thou shalt progress.

Honesty

Do not imagine that what we have said of the insufficiency o

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.

Religion

You will certainly not doubt the necessity of studying astro

You will certainly not doubt the necessity of studying astronomy and physics, if you are desirous of comprehending the relation between the world and Providence as it is in reality, and not according to imagination.

Imagination

No disease that can be treated by diet should be treated wit

No disease that can be treated by diet should be treated with any other means.

Diet

You must accept the truth from whatever source it comes.

You must accept the truth from whatever source it comes.

Truth