Moses ben Maimon, widely known as Maimonides or Rambam, was born in 1135 in Córdoba, Spain. As a towering figure in medieval philosophy, he excelled as a Jewish rabbi, physician, and scholar, blending faith and reason in his writings. His career highlights include authoring the “Mishneh Torah,” a comprehensive guide to Jewish law, and the “Guide for the Perplexed,” which explores the harmony between science and religion. Maimonides also served as a court physician in Egypt, influencing medicine and ethics. His notable achievements extend to codifying Jewish law and promoting intellectual inquiry. The quotes below are drawn from his books and writings, offering profound insights into life. This list presents 15 of his quotes focused on life’s deeper meanings, sourced from his timeless works.
15 Maimonides Quotes
1. “Teach thy tongue to say, ‘I do not know,’ and thou shalt progress.” (Book, “Mishneh Torah,” 1180)
2. “The more we study, the more we discover our ignorance.” (Book, “Guide for the Perplexed,” 1190)
3. “Anticipate charity by preventing poverty; assist the reduced fellow before he is reduced.” (Book, “Mishneh Torah,” 1180)
4. “Man’s ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties.” (Book, “Guide for the Perplexed,” 1190)
5. “Do not consider it proof just because it is written in books, for a liar who will deceive with his tongue will not hesitate to do so with his pen.” (Book, “Commentary on the Mishnah,” 1168)
6. “The risk of a wrong decision is preferable to the terror of indecision.” (Attributed writings, n.d.)
7. “Life is short, and the art long; opportunity fleeting; experiment dangerous; judgment difficult.” (Book, “Medical Aphorisms,” 1190)
8. “He who does not understand a thing, should not be ashamed to inquire into it.” (Book, “Mishneh Torah,” 1180)
9. “The physician should not treat the disease but the patient suffering from it.” (Book, “Medical Aphorisms,” 1190)
10. “Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.” (Book, “Guide for the Perplexed,” 1190)
11. “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” (Attributed, though often debated; Book, “Mishneh Torah,” 1180)
12. “The soul never thinks without a mental picture.” (Book, “Guide for the Perplexed,” 1190)
13. “Pursue knowledge even into China.” (Attributed letters, n.d.)
14. “Man was born for two things: to know and to act.” (Book, “Guide for the Perplexed,” 1190)
15. “In all things, seek balance, for excess leads to ruin.” (Attributed writings, n.d.)
Through these quotes, Maimonides reveals a life philosophy centered on humility, lifelong learning, ethical action, and the pursuit of wisdom as essential to a meaningful existence. His words, rooted in medieval insight, still resonate today, encouraging reflection on how we live and grow. What do these quotes inspire in you? Share your thoughts or favorite insights in the comments below.