Reading Maimonides in Beirut…

Made in Afghanistan (Photo: Emily O'Dell)

Today in Beirut, my students and I discussed the centrality of negative theology in Maimonides’ Guide for the Perplexed. Now, if only we could take a field-trip to Cordoba and Fez to follow in the footsteps of Maimonides and Ibn Rushd

The idea is best expressed in the book of Psalms, “Silence is praise to Thee.”  It is a very expressive remark on this subject; for whatever we utter with the intention of extolling and of praising Him, contains something that cannot be applied to God, and includes derogatory expressions; it is therefore more becoming to be silent, and to be content with intellectual reflection, as has been recommended by men of the highest culture,
in the words “Commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still.” 

— Maimonides

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