Aren’t we wiser than our ancestors?
Peace and blessings,
Aren’t we wiser than our ancestors? The wise man already said: “The eyes are forward, not backward” (Rambam in his letter to the sages of Marseilles). What is the scope of “ask the earlier generations”, what can they tell us that we don’t know? Isn’t the purpose of asking the earlier generations to criticize their ignorance and their resistance to correct corrections, corrections that could have saved them from all the evils that befell them?
Kind regards, Benjamin
In the book Two Carts I argued that at the level of IQ there is probably an increase in generations. But intuition depends on proximity to the source. “Ask the earlier generations” was not said about consulting with wise men among us, but about the transmitters of tradition and witnesses to historical events. So that name has nothing to do with the matter at all.
If intuition depends on proximity to the source, where do we have the strength to dispute the words of the ancients? Even Rabbi Isaiah of Trani claimed, “And if you mount a dwarf on the necks of a giant, who can see further into the distance?” (Responses of the Rabbi, paragraph 62). So what intuition exactly is the Rabbi referring to? Does the Rabbi dispute the parable of the dwarf above?
Note: As is known, the Rabbis copied this parable from the book of John of Salisbury, a prominent disciple of Bernard of Chartres, who brought this parable in the name of his rabbi.
This parable is ancient and many pens have been shed in deciphering its first source. In any case, it is quite clear that it is not of Jewish origin. But it really does not matter because there is truth in it, and that is what is important.
Indeed, Nans sees more of the great man in terms of what he sees. And there are still advantages to the great man. The fact is that Amoraim do not disagree on Tanais and Rishonim on Amoraim, even though the Talmud states that the Halachah is like the Betrayal. The picture is more complex, and I explained in two carts some of the different components in each direction.
And even if the ancients have an advantage, it does not mean that we do not have permission to disagree with them. For at least two reasons: 1. There is value in autonomy, to do what I think even if I am wrong. 2. Even those who are wiser sometimes make mistakes.
Rishonim disagree with Amoraim? Where?
Doesn't this contradict the authority of the Talmud?
Read again.
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