National Library Exhibition Reveals Newton, Spinoza, and Maimonides on Universe and Existence

The National Library of Israel opened a new exhibition titled "The Question of Questions: On the Secrets of the Universe and Existence" that explores the profound inquiries of existence through rare manuscripts and texts. Among the highlights are theological and alchemical writings of Isaac Newton, revealing his lesser-known mystical and religious interests alongside his scientific achievements. The exhibition also features manuscripts from philosopher Baruch Spinoza, Jewish scholar Maimonides, and Islamic polymaths Avicenna and Averroes, who all grappled with fundamental questions about the nature of the world, time, and human purpose.

Newton's theological manuscripts were rescued in 1936 by British scholars and eventually made their way to the National Library. The exhibition includes a decorated handwritten copy of Maimonides' "Mishneh Torah," a Hebrew translation of Avicenna's "Canon of Medicine," and works by astronomers Johannes Kepler and Galileo Galilei. A special loan from the University of Haifa presents Spinoza's personal annotated copy of "Theological-Political Treatise." These figures freely crossed disciplinary boundaries between medicine, philosophy, astronomy, and theology.

Curators Neta Asaf, Karin Shabtai, and Noa Menahem emphasize the exhibition's invitation to rethink how we approach big existential questions today, noting the modern fragmentation of knowledge into rigid categories like science, humanities, and religion. Menahem highlights the relevance of historical debates on defining humanity, especially in the AI era, and challenges contemporary binary thinking that separates science from mysticism or astrology from astronomy.

The exhibition also showcases a dynamic intellectual dialogue among Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, illustrating how Greek philosophy was transmitted and transformed across these faiths. This cross-cultural exchange fostered knowledge development, contrasting with today's more polarized religious and academic landscapes. The curators view the exhibition as a subversive call to break down theological, linguistic, and geographic boundaries and to embrace interdisciplinary and interfaith dialogue.