„Primitive man did not distinguish between what is nourishing and fine…”
„Primitive man did not distinguish between what is nourishing and fine in taste and what grows for other purposes, not for human consumption. Everything, whatever came his way in his hunger, he took and chewed. And over the course of time he came to discern, to clarify for himself what was most suited to him, and he chose for himself the fruits, grains, and plants fit for his nourishment, and so on. In the life of the soul, too, the world draws from all literature, from all that grows upon the imaginative soil of man. Days will come and it will become clarified what is the spiritual food fit for man... And just as industry transforms many useless things into nourishing and useful ones, so too the supernal wisdom will return to transform a multitude of ideas and produce of the spirit that presently have no value, into things that restore the soul.”From Shemonah Kevatzim, VI, 29
In times past, man selected his own foods. He decided what was suitable and what was not in terms of nourishment. When industry began to enter our world, we took in many foods that are not eaten whole, and now, through processing, some of them constitute important staple foods.
Rav Kook here parallels the development of man's foods to literary development. In general, Rav Kook wrote a great deal about the importance of literature (here is one strong example of the matter: ), but alongside this he recognizes the dangers of literature and general culture and explains the need to select the good from it. The rule he proposes is not to abstain, as many who chose the path of Torah do, but to recognize and understand that there is good and bad in culture and literature - 'He found a pomegranate: he ate its inside and threw away its peel.'
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The book 'Mishpetei HaRav Kook' in special sales for Book Week - at the Yedioth Books stands and in various bookstores. (this past Shabbat a special discount coupon for the book was included in 'Makor Rishon' and in 'B'Sheva')
Those interested in assistance ordering several books at a discount may contact us here
From the community archive of Mishpetei HaRav Kook — studying Rav Kook's teachings since 2011.