The whole object of the Prophets and the Sages was to declare that a limit is set to human reason where it must halt.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the boundaries of human understanding and reason.
Maimonides suggests that throughout history, wise figures such as Prophets and Sages have aimed to reveal the limitations of human reasoning. This insight encourages individuals to recognize that there are certain truths and concepts beyond the grasp of human intellect, inviting humility in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
In practice
In a discussion about philosophy at a university lecture, one might reference this quote to underline human limitations.
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.
Reason speaks and feeling bites
Thirty-five is a very attractive age. London society is full of women of the very highest birth who have, of their own free choice, remained thirty-five for years.
In the Christian combat, not the striker, as in the Olympic contests, but he who is struck, wins the crown. This is the law in the celestial theatre, where the Angels are the spectators.
As every student in Philosophy 101 learns, nothing can force me to believe that anyone except me is conscious. This power to deny that other people have feelings is not just an academic exercise but an all-too-common vice, as we see in the long history of human cruelty.
I think Russian people are learning that democracy is not an alien thing; it's not a western invention.
Never take over the world to tamper with it. Those who want to tamper with it are not fit to take over the world.
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