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מורה הנבוכים #1
The Guide of the Perplexed, Volume 1
This monument of rabbinical exegesis, written at the end of twelfth century, has exerted an immense and continuing influence upon Jewish thought. It has also been a formative element in the thinking of leading Christian writers and philosophers down through the seventeenth century. The Guide is not a philosophical treatise. Rather, its aim is to liberate men from the tormenting perplexities arising from their understanding of the Bible according only to its literal meaning. This celebrated translation is now available in a two-volume Phoenix paperback edition.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1190
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About the author
Maimonides
515 books212 followersMoses ben-Maimon, called Maimonides and also known as Mūsā ibn Maymūn ( موسى بن ميمون) in Arabic, or Rambam (רמב"ם – Hebrew acronym for "Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon"), was a preeminent medieval Jewish philosopher and one of the greatest Torah scholars and physicians of the Middle Ages. He was born in Córdoba, Spain on Passover Eve, 1135, and died in Egypt (or Tiberias) on 20th Tevet, December 12, 1204.[6] He was a rabbi, physician and philosopher in Morocco and Egypt.
His year of birth is disputed, with Shlomo Pines suggesting that he was born in 1138. He was born during what some scholars consider to be the end of the golden age of Jewish culture in Spain, after the first centuries of the Moorish rule. At an early age, he developed an interest in the exact sciences and philosophy. In addition to reading the works of Muslim scholars, he also read those of the Greek philosophers made accessible through Arabic translations. Maimonides was not known as a supporter of mysticism. He voiced opposition to poetry, the best of which he declared as false, since it was founded on pure invention - and this too in a land which had produced such noble expressions of the Hebrew and Arabic muse. This Sage, who was revered for his saintly personality as well as for his writings, led an unquiet life, and penned his classic works with the staff of the wanderer in his hand.[7] Maimonides studied Torah under his father Maimon, who had in turn studied under Rabbi Joseph ibn Migash.
The Almohades from Africa conquered Córdoba in 1148, and threatened the Jewish community with the choice of conversion to Islam, death, or exile.[7] Maimonides's family, along with most other Jews, chose exile. For the next ten years they moved about in southern Spain, avoiding the conquering Almohades, but eventually settled in Fez in Morocco, where Maimonides acquired most of his secular knowledge, studying at the University of Al Karaouine. During this time, he composed his acclaimed commentary on the Mishnah in the years 1166-1168[8].
Following this sojourn in Morocco, he lived briefly in the Holy Land, before settling in Fostat, Egypt, where he was physician of the Grand Vizier Alfadhil and Sultan Saladin of Egypt, and also treated Richard the Lionheart while on the Crusades.[9] He was considered to be the greatest physician of his time, being influenced by renowned Islamic thinkers such as Ibn Rushd and Al-Ghazali.[2][3] He composed most of his œuvre in this last locale, including the Mishneh Torah. He died in Fostat, and was buried in Tiberias (today in Israel). His son Avraham, recognized as a great scholar, succeeded Maimonides as Nagid (head of the Egyptian Jewish community); he also took up his father's role as court physician, at the age of eighteen. He greatly honored the memory of his father, and throughout his career defended his father's writings against all critics. The office of Nagid was held by the Maimonides family for four successive generations until the end of the 14th century.
Maimonides was a devoted physician. In a famous letter, he describes his daily routine: After visiting the Sultan’s palace, he would arrive home exhausted and hungry, where "I would find the antechambers filled with gentiles and Jews ... I would go to heal them, and write prescriptions for their illnesses ... until the evening ... and I would be extremely weak."[10]
He is widely respected in Spain and a statue of him was erected in Córdoba by the only synagogue in that city which escaped destruction, and which is no longer functioning as a Jewish house of worship but is open to the public.
His year of birth is disputed, with Shlomo Pines suggesting that he was born in 1138. He was born during what some scholars consider to be the end of the golden age of Jewish culture in Spain, after the first centuries of the Moorish rule. At an early age, he developed an interest in the exact sciences and philosophy. In addition to reading the works of Muslim scholars, he also read those of the Greek philosophers made accessible through Arabic translations. Maimonides was not known as a supporter of mysticism. He voiced opposition to poetry, the best of which he declared as false, since it was founded on pure invention - and this too in a land which had produced such noble expressions of the Hebrew and Arabic muse. This Sage, who was revered for his saintly personality as well as for his writings, led an unquiet life, and penned his classic works with the staff of the wanderer in his hand.[7] Maimonides studied Torah under his father Maimon, who had in turn studied under Rabbi Joseph ibn Migash.
The Almohades from Africa conquered Córdoba in 1148, and threatened the Jewish community with the choice of conversion to Islam, death, or exile.[7] Maimonides's family, along with most other Jews, chose exile. For the next ten years they moved about in southern Spain, avoiding the conquering Almohades, but eventually settled in Fez in Morocco, where Maimonides acquired most of his secular knowledge, studying at the University of Al Karaouine. During this time, he composed his acclaimed commentary on the Mishnah in the years 1166-1168[8].
Following this sojourn in Morocco, he lived briefly in the Holy Land, before settling in Fostat, Egypt, where he was physician of the Grand Vizier Alfadhil and Sultan Saladin of Egypt, and also treated Richard the Lionheart while on the Crusades.[9] He was considered to be the greatest physician of his time, being influenced by renowned Islamic thinkers such as Ibn Rushd and Al-Ghazali.[2][3] He composed most of his œuvre in this last locale, including the Mishneh Torah. He died in Fostat, and was buried in Tiberias (today in Israel). His son Avraham, recognized as a great scholar, succeeded Maimonides as Nagid (head of the Egyptian Jewish community); he also took up his father's role as court physician, at the age of eighteen. He greatly honored the memory of his father, and throughout his career defended his father's writings against all critics. The office of Nagid was held by the Maimonides family for four successive generations until the end of the 14th century.
Maimonides was a devoted physician. In a famous letter, he describes his daily routine: After visiting the Sultan’s palace, he would arrive home exhausted and hungry, where "I would find the antechambers filled with gentiles and Jews ... I would go to heal them, and write prescriptions for their illnesses ... until the evening ... and I would be extremely weak."[10]
He is widely respected in Spain and a statue of him was erected in Córdoba by the only synagogue in that city which escaped destruction, and which is no longer functioning as a Jewish house of worship but is open to the public.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
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March 18, 2007I must refuse to rate or review the Guide. How do I even know that I am one for whom it was intended?
February 20, 2012
I began reading The Guide of the Perplexed while I was preparing to read Spinoza's Theologico/Political Treatise.
Maimonides (through Pines' translation) writes in such an approachable, conversational style that it is hard to put the book down once you have started. The idea of applying Aristotle's philosophy to the study of the Torah may not seem the most natural thing to do, but in Maimonides' hands, it becomes thoroughly engrossing.
The book is organized roughly like a dictionary. The philosophical clarification of a key word then leads to other key words until the framework of a new perspective is constructed.
The story of an ancient people's encounter with a divine being is transformed into a theology of the human potential to approach God through our reason and our struggle to become better people. Maimonides holds up the prophets as examples of people who have reached a level of perfection in thought or character which allows them to receive divine inspiration.
This will be the basis of Spinoza's later critique, but, on its own, The Guide of the Perplexed is a rewarding exercise regardless of one's religious or philosophical outlook.
Maimonides (through Pines' translation) writes in such an approachable, conversational style that it is hard to put the book down once you have started. The idea of applying Aristotle's philosophy to the study of the Torah may not seem the most natural thing to do, but in Maimonides' hands, it becomes thoroughly engrossing.
The book is organized roughly like a dictionary. The philosophical clarification of a key word then leads to other key words until the framework of a new perspective is constructed.
The story of an ancient people's encounter with a divine being is transformed into a theology of the human potential to approach God through our reason and our struggle to become better people. Maimonides holds up the prophets as examples of people who have reached a level of perfection in thought or character which allows them to receive divine inspiration.
This will be the basis of Spinoza's later critique, but, on its own, The Guide of the Perplexed is a rewarding exercise regardless of one's religious or philosophical outlook.
January 28, 2012
Reading used to be simpler. One just had to find a comfortable chair, turn on a good reading light, open the book and read. Now reading has become a project or rather, in my case, two projects.
First, I am reading The Guide of the Perplexed by Moses Maimonides. The edition we (the reading is part of a class in the Basic Program of Liberal Education of the University of Chicago) are using is the translation by Shlomo Pines.
A close reading of this two volume work requires not only attention to the text, but accompanying support of the following volumes from my library: The Oxford NIV Schofield Study Bible, my (two volume) edition of the Complete Works of Aristotle; Geddes MacGregor's Dictionary of Religion and Philosophy; and an English language dictionary. The translator's introduction suggests that I may have further recourse to Plato, Epicurus, Galen and others (this may require a camp out at the Chicago Public Library). Admittedly, these are requirements for reading a serious work of philosophy that inter alia attempts to reconcile the old testament prophets with ancient Greek philosophy.
First, I am reading The Guide of the Perplexed by Moses Maimonides. The edition we (the reading is part of a class in the Basic Program of Liberal Education of the University of Chicago) are using is the translation by Shlomo Pines.
A close reading of this two volume work requires not only attention to the text, but accompanying support of the following volumes from my library: The Oxford NIV Schofield Study Bible, my (two volume) edition of the Complete Works of Aristotle; Geddes MacGregor's Dictionary of Religion and Philosophy; and an English language dictionary. The translator's introduction suggests that I may have further recourse to Plato, Epicurus, Galen and others (this may require a camp out at the Chicago Public Library). Admittedly, these are requirements for reading a serious work of philosophy that inter alia attempts to reconcile the old testament prophets with ancient Greek philosophy.
May 31, 2018
I’m still perplexed. Seriously, a really interesting philosophical argument for the time period.
March 20, 2019
Read for class
January 27, 2020
Una maravillosa obra que debería de ser estudiada por todxs los que deseen aclarar el pensamiento, muchas ideas presentes en el cristianismo evangélico moderno son deshechas aqui. En general, una conexión con ideas universales.
July 8, 2025
La Guía de los Perplejos I de Maimónides no es simplemente un libro; es una travesía intelectual y espiritual. Escrito con un equilibrio prodigioso entre la razón y la fe, este primer tomo abre las puertas a una comprensión profunda del universo, de D-os y del alma humana desde la mirada judía y aristotélica.
Maimónides escribe para quienes están “perplejos”: creyentes con formación filosófica que sienten el tirón entre la revelación y la razón. Con un lenguaje denso pero luminoso, analiza metáforas bíblicas, términos clave del Tanaj, y el papel de la profecía y la creación, todo desde una óptica profundamente racional.
Leerlo es un ejercicio de humildad: uno se descubre pequeño ante el misterio divino, y sin embargo, llamado a comprender. No es lectura fácil, pero cada página ofrece recompensas para el alma y el intelecto. Esta obra marca un antes y un después en la historia del pensamiento judío — y en la vida de quien se atreva a abrir sus páginas con sinceridad.
Maimónides escribe para quienes están “perplejos”: creyentes con formación filosófica que sienten el tirón entre la revelación y la razón. Con un lenguaje denso pero luminoso, analiza metáforas bíblicas, términos clave del Tanaj, y el papel de la profecía y la creación, todo desde una óptica profundamente racional.
Leerlo es un ejercicio de humildad: uno se descubre pequeño ante el misterio divino, y sin embargo, llamado a comprender. No es lectura fácil, pero cada página ofrece recompensas para el alma y el intelecto. Esta obra marca un antes y un después en la historia del pensamiento judío — y en la vida de quien se atreva a abrir sus páginas con sinceridad.
February 28, 2025
Read this in a discussion-based philosophy course at my university, and it was an incredibly thought-provoking experience. Maimonides’ exploration of reason, faith, and philosophy sparked great discussions and lots of reflection. It’s a dense but rewarding read for anyone interested in religious philosophy.
January 17, 2018
A very challenging book to decipher. Maimonedes was a truly clever being
September 18, 2024
I’m more perplexed personally. This did not guide me very well.
October 23, 2024
would not recommend for agnostics
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April 7, 2018Great edition of maybe THE classic of jewish philosophy.
July 6, 2009
The Guide is one of the paramount works of medieval Jewish philosophy, and has had a profound impact on how Judaism understands itself. It's a brilliant work, but the overall plan is highly obscure. Each chapter in and of iteself generally makes sense, but it's not always clear what Mimonides is driving at. But the more attention you pay, the more you notice.
This is the "Chicago" edition, overseen by Ralph Lerner and with an explanatory introduction by Leo Strauss notorious for being as impenetrable as the book itself in some places. However, it's definitely a help in reading the Guide; it draws the reader's attention to subtleties that would otherwise be missed.
This is the "Chicago" edition, overseen by Ralph Lerner and with an explanatory introduction by Leo Strauss notorious for being as impenetrable as the book itself in some places. However, it's definitely a help in reading the Guide; it draws the reader's attention to subtleties that would otherwise be missed.
August 6, 2011
Un libro para consultar constantemente. La minuciosa explicación de palabras que podrían llevar a creer en una corporeidad de Dios son analizadas y colocadas en su justa dimensión por Maimónides, acaso el más grande filósofo judío de la Edad Media, que sigue el ejemplo de los griegos clásicos, abandonado durante el oscurantismo en occidente, en particular de Aristóteles, y lo mezcla con su propia visión tradicional logrando una lectura muy sagaz acerca de diversos temas en la Torá, la ciencia y el mundo.
January 3, 2011
Comment:
This book (Volume 1) has both an Essay ("How to Begin to Study 'The Guide of the Perplexed'") by Leo Strauss and a 'Translator's Introduction' by Shlomo Pines. Neither are to be missed. But not surprisingly, the remarks of Pines are far more 'straightforward' than those of Strauss. Strauss is usually difficult; when he is trying to be difficult he borders on the impossible. In this Introductory Essay Strauss is trying to be difficult...
This book (Volume 1) has both an Essay ("How to Begin to Study 'The Guide of the Perplexed'") by Leo Strauss and a 'Translator's Introduction' by Shlomo Pines. Neither are to be missed. But not surprisingly, the remarks of Pines are far more 'straightforward' than those of Strauss. Strauss is usually difficult; when he is trying to be difficult he borders on the impossible. In this Introductory Essay Strauss is trying to be difficult...
February 5, 2016
One of the greatest reading projects of my life...volume 2, here I come.
October 21, 2016
Very difficult to read
June 20, 2025
Jumped around
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September 23, 2010"The Guide of the Perplexed, Vol. 1 by Moses Maimonides (1974)"
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews