Maimonides

Jewish philosopher

Medieval influential 117 sayings

Sayings by Maimonides

The purpose of the entire Torah is to bring peace to the world.

c. 1170-1180 — Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Megillah 2:18
Controversial Unverifiable

Do not consider that which I have written, as if it were a new invention, or a thing which I have discovered of my own accord, for I have only collected what is scattered in the books of the Sages, and explained what was obscure, and arranged what was confused.

c. 1170-1180 — Introduction to Mishneh Torah
Controversial Unverifiable

The true worship of God is only possible after the acquisition of knowledge.

c. 1190 — Guide for the Perplexed, Part III, Chapter 51
Controversial Unverifiable

The greatest good that can befall man is to be free from all desires, and to be engaged in the acquisition of knowledge.

c. 1190 — Guide for the Perplexed, Part III, Chapter 54
Controversial Unverifiable

One should not teach a student who is not worthy, for it is like throwing pearls before swine.

c. 1170-1180 — Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Talmud Torah 4:1
Controversial Unverifiable

It is forbidden to teach the secrets of the Torah to anyone who is not wise and understanding.

c. 1170-1180 — Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 4:13
Controversial Unverifiable

The ultimate perfection of man is to become a pure intellect, and to resemble God in this respect.

c. 1190 — Guide for the Perplexed, Part III, Chapter 54
Controversial Unverifiable

God does not change, and there is no change in His will.

c. 1190 — Guide for the Perplexed, Part I, Chapter 15
Controversial Unverifiable

The opinions of the multitude are not always true, and the truth is not always with the multitude.

c. 1190 — Guide for the Perplexed, Part I, Chapter 32
Controversial Unverifiable

The Law provides for the good of the body and the good of the soul.

c. 1190 — Guide for the Perplexed, Part III, Chapter 27
Controversial Unverifiable

The foundation of all foundations and the pillar of wisdom is to know that there is a Primary Being who brought all existence into being.

c. 1170-1180 — Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:1
Controversial Unverifiable

It is a positive commandment to love God, as it is said, 'You shall love the Lord your God.'

c. 1170-1180 — Mishneh Torah, Hilchot De'ot 10:1
Controversial Unverifiable

The human intellect is a spark of the divine intellect.

c. 1190 — Guide for the Perplexed, Part I, Chapter 68
Controversial Unverifiable

The ultimate aim of the Torah is to remove injustice from the world.

c. 1190 — Guide for the Perplexed, Part III, Chapter 27
Controversial Unverifiable

The more knowledge a person acquires, the more he is able to worship God.

c. 1170-1180 — Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 2:2
Controversial Unverifiable

It is forbidden to associate God with any other being.

c. 1170-1180 — Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Avodah Zarah 2:1
Controversial Unverifiable

The true prophet is one who is perfect in his intellect and in his moral character.

c. 1190 — Guide for the Perplexed, Part II, Chapter 32
Controversial Unverifiable

A man should always consider himself as half meritorious and half guilty.

c. 1170-1180 — Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Teshuvah 3:4
Controversial Unverifiable

The greatest love is the love of God, and the greatest fear is the fear of God.

c. 1170-1180 — Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 2:2
Controversial Unverifiable

All the commandments of the Torah are for the benefit of man, and not for the benefit of God.

c. 1190 — Guide for the Perplexed, Part III, Chapter 27
Controversial Unverifiable