A series of principles can be extracted from the Jewish intellectual tradition that have broad implications for individual and societal achievement. This book explores the development of these principles and demonstrates how their application can lead to greater intellectual productivity, a more fulfilling existence, and a more advanced society.
The Jewish intellectual tradition has a long and complex history that has resulted in significant and influential works of scholarship. In this book, the authors suggest that there is a series of common principles that can be extracted from the Jewish intellectual tradition that have broad, even life-changing, implications for individual and societal achievement. These principles include respect for tradition while encouraging independent, often disruptive thinking; a precise system of logical reasoning in pursuit of the truth; universal education continuing through adulthood; and living a purposeful life. The main objective of this book is to understand the historical development of these principles and to demonstrate how applying them judiciously can lead to greater intellectual productivity, a more fulfilling existence, and a more advanced society.
Preface
Introduction
Part One. Libraries of the Jewish People
Chapter 1. Golden Libraries in the “Golden Age,” Tenth–Twelfth Centuries: The Library of R. Samuel Ha-Nagid
Chapter 2. Nahmanides and His Library
Chapter 3. From Manuscript to Printing Press: The Library of Leone Modena
Chapter 4. The Modern Period: The Library of Rabbi Samson R. Hirsch
Chapter 5. The Library of Professor Harry Austryn Wolfson
Chapter 6. The Contemporary University Library
Part Two. From Text to Success: Salient Ideas and Values and Their Influence
Introduction
Chapter 7. Respect for Precedent and Critical Independence
Chapter 8. Logical Reasoning and Intellectual Honesty in Pursuit of Truth
Chapter 9. The Primacy of Education
Chapter 10. A Purposeful Life
Chapter 11. Summary and Conclusions
Note on Translations
Appendix: Maps
Illustration Credits
Authors’ Biographies
Endnotes