Q&A: Like That
Like That
Question
I read a bit about what you wrote, that the proper reason to keep commandments is simply “like that,” as in Maimonides’ words: “Do the truth because it is truth.” I really find it hard to understand why that reason is supposed to make me keep commandments. So what if it’s the truth? I want to enjoy myself! In the end I come to the conclusion that it comes from the desire to be a good person, and that’s a kind of “not for its own sake.” That is, I want to follow the path of truth because I want to be a good person and follow the path of truth. I don’t think anyone is really interested in following the path of truth “just because.”
Answer
And if I offer you an explanation, then will you understand why you should follow it rather than just doing whatever you feel like? There are no explanations. Just because.
I don’t see what connection there is between doing the truth and being a good person. You’re playing with words.
Discussion on Answer
Is it correct to say that “do the truth because it is truth” means that it is the right thing to do (to keep the commandments of your Creator)?
Absolutely. And beyond that, if the Holy One, blessed be He, commands it, then apparently it is also the right thing to do in itself.
What does “the right thing to do in itself” mean?! According to the Rabbi, were it not for a command from the Holy One, blessed be He (in some form), there would be no validity to any obligation whatsoever. Does “the right thing to do in itself” mean that even without a command there is something that one “ought to do”?
It means that it is an act that brings benefit, and therefore it is fitting to do it. The command is only an indication of that. The question of obligation is a different question from the question of what is fitting.
Benefit is just a fact. I’m asking about the “fitting to do” part — so there is fittingness without a command, but obligation exists only with a command? What is the justification for such a distinction?
The discussion is unnecessary. We are speaking on the assumption that the Holy One, blessed be He, exists. The question is whether He also commanded. So there is what is fitting, and there is command.
H