I don’t believe in philosophy.
I believe in ideas that change people.
By Tzvi Freeman
From the wisdom of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory; words and condensation by Rabbi Tzvi Freeman. Subscribe and get your dose daily. To order Rabbi Freeman’s latest book, Wisdom to Heal the Earth, click here.
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Robert Schwartz, Ph.D.
Pittsburgh, PA
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. Reply
Azion
Rockledge, Forida
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. Reply
Syed
May 23, 2011
Well said! Very well said! I agree. Reply
Tzvi Freeman
Thornhill, Ontario
May 15, 2008
for Michael That's a great way to put it! Thanks. Reply
Michael
CA
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.
Reply
Tzvi Freeman
Thornhill, Ontario
March 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.
Reply
Anonymous
seattle, wa
March 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. Reply
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.