Maimonides' Ancient Advice for Improving Mood
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Maimonides, a prominent medieval Jewish scholar, physician, and philosopher, proposed ancient remedies for low spirits. He advised listening to music, strolling in gardens, and appreciating beauty to combat melancholy. These activities, he explained, are not mere pastimes but means to restore physical health, which is essential for acquiring wisdom and serving God. His teachings suggest that pausing to engage in uplifting activities can help individuals regain strength and purpose.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Maimonides, a medieval scholar, offered advice for improving mood through uplifting activities.
- He recommended listening to music and songs to alleviate sadness and melancholy.
- Strolling in gardens and appreciating beautiful sights were also part of his prescription.
- Maimonides viewed these activities as means to restore physical health.
- Physical health, in turn, was considered a prerequisite for acquiring wisdom.
- Renewing strength through these means can help individuals return to life with purpose.
The renowned medieval Jewish scholar Maimonides, also known as the Rambam, offered advice for combating low spirits that remains relevant today. In his work "Eight Chapters," an introduction to his commentary on Pirkei Avot, Maimonides suggests that individuals experiencing "black bile", an ancient medical term for sadness and melancholy, should seek remedies in activities that uplift the soul. He specifically recommends listening to music, enjoying beautiful gardens, appreciating fine architecture, and engaging with aesthetically pleasing forms.
Maimonides' prescriptions for broadening the soul include listening to music and songs, a practice echoed in the biblical story of King Saul being soothed by David's harp playing. He also advocates for "strolling in gardens," suggesting a short walk in a park can help shift focus from daily routines to one's surroundings. Furthermore, he advises appreciating "beautiful buildings" and "the company of beautiful forms," which can be found in everyday sights like a sunrise, sunset, or even a well-arranged home, emphasizing that beauty is not a luxury but a tool for mental well-being.
Crucially, Maimonides clarifies that these enjoyable activities are not ends in themselves. He states that the ultimate purpose of these remedies is to restore physical health, which in turn serves the greater goal of acquiring wisdom. Thus, the enjoyment derived from music or a walk is a means to health, and health is a means to intellectual and spiritual growth. Maimonides further connects this idea to religious observance, noting in "Laws of Character" that even sleep, when taken to renew strength for serving God, can be considered a commandment. Therefore, when feeling depleted, Maimonides suggests engaging in these uplifting activities to return to life with renewed vigor and purpose.
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