Do not consider it proof just because it is written in books, for a liar who will deceive with his tongue will not hesitate to do the same with his pen.
Interpretation
Written words can be manipulated, just like spoken ones; skepticism is essential.
This quote from Maimonides emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and skepticism towards written texts. It warns against the blind acceptance of information simply because it is published in books, highlighting that deceitful individuals can distort both spoken and written words to mislead others.
In practice
During a debate on misinformation in media, one could use this quote to highlight the need for critical examination of sources.
If men possessed wisdom, which stands in the same relation to the form of man as the sight to the eye, they would not cause any injury to themselves or to others; for the knowledge of truth removes hatred and quarrels, and prevents mutual injuries.
There are eight rungs in charity. The highest is when you help a man to help himself.
God who preceded all existence is a refuge.
When man possesses a good, sound body that does not overpower him nor disturb the equilibrium in him, he possesses a divine gift. In short, a good constitution facilitates the rule of the soul over the body, but it is not impossible to conquer a bad constitution by training.
If the whole earth is infinitely small in comparison with the sphere of the stars, what is man compared with all these created beings!
One should see the world, and see himself as a scale with an equal balance of good and evil. When he does one good deed the scale is tipped to the good - he and the world is saved. When he does one evil deed the scale is tipped to the bad - he and the world is destroyed.
I hope that if you are employed full-time, you are doing it to ensure that basic needs are met and not simply to indulge a taste for an elaborate home, fancy cars, and other luxuries.
Robert was never the same after he put on that crown. Some men are like swords, made for fighting. Hang them up and they go to rust.
In order to taste my cup of water you must first empty your cup.
Knowledge can be communicated, but not wisdom. One can find it, live it, be fortified by it, do wonders through it, but one cannot communicate and teach it.
What distinguishes the majority of men from the few is their ability to act according to their beliefs.
When you reach my age, you realize you couldn't have done things very much better or much worse than you did them in the first place.
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