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.
Regrets are a waste of time. They're the past crippling you in the present.
It is a wise child that knows its own father, and an unusual one that unreservedly approves of him.
I sometimes find, and I am sure you know the feeling, that I simply have too many thoughts and memories crammed into my mind. “At these times, I use the Pensieve. One simply siphons the excess thoughts from one’s mind, pours them into the basin, and examines them at one’s leisure. It becomes easier to spot patterns and links, you understand, when they are in this form.
The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.
It is better to hide ignorance, but it is hard to do this when we relax over wine.
As long as you are unable to access the power of the Now, every emotional pain that you experience leaves behind a residue of pain that lives on in you.
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