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Book Title Bringing Heaven Down to Earth
Based on letters and talks of the Rebbe, Rabbi M. M. Schneerson
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299. Real Ideas

I don’t believe in philosophy.

I believe in ideas that change people.

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Based on letters and talks of the Rebbe, Rabbi M. M. Schneerson   More articles...  |   RSS Listing of Newest Articles by this Author

From the wisdom of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory; words and condensation by Rabbi Tzvi Freeman. To order Rabbi Freeman’s book, Bringing Heaven Down to Earth, click here.

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Reader Comments
Latest Comments:
Posted: May 24, 2011
Wait a moment:
Philosophy means a 'love of the truth', and a philosopher consequently is a 'lover of the truth'.

Amongst the people most resistant to change, amongst all the people of the world, are-

observant (i.e 'orthodox') Jews.

But I want you to know, Rabbi Freeman, that I consider you to be 'good people' just the same.
Posted By Thomas Karp, New Haven, Ct.

Posted: May 23, 2011
Terminology
Can't we correctly refer to Chassidic philosophy as a positive love of God's knowledge (wisdom) that does have mutative power? Some examples of philosophy may be "games" of the intellect, but others, whether right or wrong, have aimed and succeeded at changing people and culture. Yes, some philosophers have been more than hypocritical and some philosophy is wheel spinning, but perhaps it would be better to disparage "idle philosophy" rather than more globally the term itself. In this senses of the term, Chassidus contains good philosophy, spirituality and behavior change.
Posted By Robert Schwartz, Ph.D., Pittsburgh, PA

Posted: May 23, 2011
Ideas change people
Ideas may change what one thinks. However, true, substantive change comes through direct contact with a real person, one who is willing to "share a Life" with Hashem. Putting ideas out into the world for people to "digest" doesn't really demand me to risk myself. To bring my life into the world demands faith, courage, and sacrifice. To simply share ideas rarely if ever demands anything but my mind.
Posted By Azion, Rockledge, Forida

Posted: May 23, 2011
Well said!
Very well said! I agree.
Posted By Syed

Posted: May 15, 2008
for Michael
That's a great way to put it! Thanks.
Posted By Tzvi Freeman, Thornhill, Ontario

Posted: May 14, 2008
I have heard this same idea in the context of studying mysticism.

I believe the Rebbe was less interested in all the heavy gematrias, associations, and intellectual gymnastics, and more interested in a simple idea that can transform an individual.

In other words, he was less interested in INFORMATION, and more interested in TRANSFORMATION.
Posted By Michael, CA

Posted: Mar 30, 2008
Re: no ideas that change people?
Philosophy, meaning a nice game we can play with the intellect. Philosophers can be good people, but some of the greatest were unabashed hypocrites.

The chassidus that the Rebbe taught, on the other hand, is meant to change the person that studies it.
Posted By Tzvi Freeman, Thornhill, Ontario

Posted: Mar 30, 2008
no ideas that change people?
I think this one needs some explanation. At the least it seams cynical. Without changing one's mind, their behavior is unlikely going to change. And although the concept that na'ase v'nishma "do then understand" certainly makes sense, one without the other will not last.
Posted By Anonymous, seattle, wa



 


The Blueprint of Creation
Wisdom & the Rebel
Questions
Gradual Truth
Forgetting to Learn
Inner Study
Meditation
Owning Wisdom
Morning Meditation
Real Ideas
Change by Doing
Sun & Moon
Teacher
Fill Your House
Fixed Time
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