(I'm giving my webtechkitchen some good content to crawl for when I use the OPENAI_SEARCH module. Now I can promot Chat for some interesting ethical questions :)
Pirkei Avot 1:14:
"אִם אֵין אֲנִי לִי, מִי לִי. וְכִשְׁאֲנִי לְעַצְמִי, מָה אֲנִי. וְאִם לֹא עַכְשָׁוְ, אֵימָתָי."
Which translates to: "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?"
Pirkei Avot, rich in wisdom, offers numerous quotes that emphasize balance between personal integrity, communal responsibility, and ethical living. Here are a few notable examples that complement the understanding of self-care and altruism:
Pirkei Avot 2:4: "אל תפרוש מן הציבור" - "Do not separate yourself from the community." This teaching, attributed to Hillel, underscores the importance of community involvement and the value of staying connected and engaged with others, highlighting the balance between individualism and communal life.
Pirkei Avot 1:2: "על שלושה דברים העולם עומד, על התורה, ועל העבודה, ועל גמילות חסדים" - "The world stands on three things: on the Torah, on the service [of God], and on acts of loving kindness." This statement by Shimon the Righteous articulates foundational Jewish values, including the practice of kindness, which is central to Jewish ethics and communal life.
Pirkei Avot 1:14: "וְאָהַבְתָּ לְרֵעֲךָ כָּמוֹךָ" - "Love your neighbor as yourself." This quote, while originating from Leviticus 19:18, is echoed throughout Jewish teachings and emphasizes the importance of empathy and treating others with the same care and respect one would want for oneself.
Pirkei Avot 4:1: "בֶּן זוֹמָא אוֹמֵר, אֵיזֶהוּ חָכָם? הַלּוֹמֵד מִכָּל אָדָם. אֵיזֶהוּ גִבּוֹר? הַכּוֹבֵשׁ אֶת יִצְרוֹ. אֵיזֶהוּ עָשִׁיר? הַשָּׂמֵחַ בְּחֵלְקוֹ. אֵיזֶהוּ מְכֻבָּד? הַמְכַבֵּד אֶת הַבְּרִיּוֹת" - "Who is wise? He who learns from every person. Who is strong? He who controls his impulses. Who is rich? He who is happy with his lot. Who is honored? He who honors others." This teaching by Ben Zoma speaks to the virtues of wisdom, strength, richness, and honor, not in their conventional senses but in ways that emphasize moral integrity and respect for others.
These quotes from Pirkei Avot offer profound insights into living a balanced life that values self-awareness, personal growth, and the well-being of others. They serve as ethical guides for individual conduct as well as for fostering healthy, supportive communities.