Q&A: Appreciation for Self-Actualization
Appreciation for Self-Actualization
Question
Hello Rabbi,
Does the Rabbi see room for appreciating self-actualization? That is, there are many people who invest a lot of time and effort in writing fiction books, riding bicycles, and so on. These things have no moral value and no religious value. Even so, it seems that they are actualizing themselves, and from the side there is something יפה about it.
Does the Rabbi see this as worthy of appreciation?
Answer
Absolutely. If you were given talents, it is proper to make use of them. Writing good literature also has value for one’s surroundings. Riding a bicycle is a sport, and that too has value. As for an activity that contributes nothing at all to the environment, but you feel fulfilled by it, in my view it is doubtful whether engaging in it has value. But of course, why not do it in order to feel good?! Beyond that, meeting challenges is itself a challenge that develops one’s personality.
Discussion on Answer
I didn’t write what is more important than what. You asked whether I see importance in the matter, and that is what I answered. The question of what is more important than what is too general. If you have a concrete question, you are welcome to raise it here for discussion.
Aside from necessary things that one has to invest in, like work, sleep, and food—and even in those, only the minimum required—should one invest all the rest of one’s time in Torah study, or is there room to invest time in other things such as self-actualization?
There is definitely room to invest in other things. Leisure is a legitimate thing, and as the song says: and it’s allowed, it’s allowed to enjoy…
Pleasures are first of all a legitimate thing, and beyond that they are also necessary for a healthy life and a good feeling. This does not contradict the fact that the more a person focuses on the important things, the higher his level.
Isn’t plain leisure just neglect of Torah study?
(I mean leisure that isn’t meant to make you study Torah better, but just for enjoyment.)
There is an approach that says that a person comes into this world in order to serve God, and serving God is the most important value. Therefore, any activity that is not moral or not religious is less good than serving God. Does the Rabbi not think that meeting challenges and contributing to one’s surroundings are less important than serving God?