Maimonides

Jewish philosopher

Medieval influential 117 sayings

Sayings by Maimonides

It is fitting for a person to direct his thoughts towards what is good and beautiful and to avoid what is ugly and shameful.

c. 1170-1180 — Mishneh Torah, Hilchot De'ot 1:4
Controversial Unverifiable

The purpose of the Law is to lead man to the knowledge of God.

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

The intellect is the ultimate perfection of man.

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

It is a positive commandment to imitate God in His attributes.

c. 1170-1180 — Mishneh Torah, Hilchot De'ot 1:6
Controversial Unverifiable

The universe is governed by laws which are fixed and unchangeable.

c. 1190 — Guide for the Perplexed, Part II, Chapter 29
Controversial Unverifiable

The true worship of God consists in the contemplation of His essence, and not in the performance of rituals.

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

The wise man should always strive to acquire knowledge, and to teach it to others.

c. 1170-1180 — Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:12
Controversial Unverifiable

It is a great mitzvah to visit the sick, to comfort mourners, to bury the dead, and to gladden the bride and groom.

c. 1170-1180 — Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Aveil 14:1
Controversial Unverifiable

The greatest act of charity is to help a person become self-sufficient.

c. 1170-1180 — Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 10:7
Controversial Unverifiable

The essence of God is beyond human comprehension.

c. 1190 — Guide for the Perplexed, Part I, Chapter 58
Controversial Unverifiable

There is no intermediary between God and man.

c. 1170-1180 — Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:7
Controversial Unverifiable

The world is a ladder, and man is at the bottom. He can ascend, or he can descend.

c. 1190 — Guide for the Perplexed, Part III, Chapter 8
Controversial Unverifiable

The true meaning of the Law is to establish justice and righteousness in the world.

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

The human soul is immortal.

c. 1170-1180 — Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Teshuvah 8:2
Controversial Unverifiable

It is a positive commandment to fear God.

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

The wise man should always be modest and humble.

c. 1170-1180 — Mishneh Torah, Hilchot De'ot 5:1
Controversial Unverifiable

The world is sustained by three things: Torah, divine service, and acts of loving-kindness.

c. 1170-1180 — Mishneh Torah, Hilchot De'ot 6:1
Controversial Unverifiable

The human being is a microcosm of the universe.

c. 1190 — Guide for the Perplexed, Part I, Chapter 72
Controversial Unverifiable

The greatest wisdom is to know oneself.

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

It is a positive commandment to sanctify God's name.

c. 1170-1180 — Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 5:1
Controversial Unverifiable