All the great evils which men cause to each other because of certain intentions, desires, opinions, or religious principles, are likewise due to non-existence, because they originate in ignorance, which is absence of wisdom.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that the harm people inflict on one another stems from ignorance and misunderstanding.
Maimonides asserts that the evils humans cause each other are not just the result of malicious intent, but largely arise from ignorance. This absence of knowledge, which he equates to a lack of wisdom, leads to misguided intentions, desires, and opinions that can ultimately harm others. Therefore, fostering wisdom and understanding can prevent much of the conflict and suffering in the world.
In practice
In a discussion about social issues, this quote can highlight the importance of education in reducing conflict.
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.
When you think about growing and being empowered yourself, it is what you've been able to do for other people that leaves you the fullest.
No one's promised anything. You could have the biggest record on radio and sell no records.
You need not wrestle for your good. Your good flows to you most easily when you are relaxed, open, and trusting.
He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.
Evil draws its power from indecision and concern for what other people think.
Practice sharing the fullness of your being, your best self, your enthusiasm, your vitality, your spirit, your trust, your openness, above all, your presence. Share it with yourself, with your family, with the world.
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