Most who read me here or commenting elsewhere would opine that as Kharedi Fundies go I am not much of a Kanoi. AAMOF I am so moderate on many issues that it is not even clear whether or not I am a true kharedi at all. But as Torah-learning Jew I've found a healthy place in my makeup for extremism.
The old saw goes I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice! And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue!
This oft repeated aphorism comes from1964 Republican Presidential Candidate Barry Goldwaters acceptance speech. Based on something we learned in this past Shabbos' Perek.רבי לויטס איש יבנה אומר, מאד מאד הוי שפל רוח, שתקות אנוש רמה I'd like to fit it with new teeth. The Meforshim, especially the Rambam, point out that anivus/ shiflus is the exception to the rule of the "Golden Mean" of midos. I.e. whereas in all other midos the ideal is to tread the middle ground between the two extremes e.g. neither fiscal irresponsibility nor stinginess are good midos. They are extreme attitudes towards ones own property / money. One should strive for the healthy middle ground of fiscally- responsible generosity and sharing. However, this is not the case when one contemplates the polar opposite midos of שפלות = lowliness and גאוה = haughtiness/ hubris. When considering where to stand one should adopt the extreme midah of shiflus.
But it is not enough to be an Onov defined as halfway between gaava and shiflus , One must be a "very very" shfal ruakh. And so Rebee Levitahs Ish Yavneh would remind you that extremism in the pursuit of humility is no vice! And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of self-negation is no virtue!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I thought anger was the one middah that was bad in all forms and therefore the Golden Mean is inapplicable to it.
You err my loyal pal. Look at the Rambam on that Mishna
Post a Comment