Category: Mussar
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Knowing your place
Discovering Anavah: The Transformative Power of Humility in Jewish Wisdom In a world that often glorifies self-promotion and ambition, humility can seem like an outdated virtue. Yet, within the Jewish Mussar tradition, anavah (humility) is celebrated as a cornerstone of personal growth, ethical living, and spiritual connection. This deeply nuanced trait is far from self-effacement—it’s…
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Detailed Exploration of Lakoff and Johnson’s Theories on Truth and Refinements on Embodiment vis-a-vis “Truth”
George Lakoff and Mark Johnson are prominent scholars in the field of cognitive linguistics, and their work has had a profound impact on our understanding of how humans conceptualize and discuss abstract ideas such as truth. Lakoff and Johnson’s seminal work, Metaphors We Live By (1980), introduced the idea that human thought is largely metaphorical…
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Summary of S.(m.a.r.t) goals and to-dos for emet
S.m.a.r.t goals 1. Develop Evolving Awareness in Conversations Specific: Actively engage in two key conversations per week where you consciously focus on how truth evolves during the dialogue. 1. Mindfulness to Loosen Perfectionism Specific: Set aside 10 minutes daily for mindfulness meditation to develop self-awareness and reduce attachment to perfectionism in Emet practice.…
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Can we measure scarcity?
To measure scarcity in relation to Nedivut (generosity), the most suitable mathematical disciplines would involve frameworks that address the perception and allocation of resources (whether time, material wealth, or social capital) in contexts where generosity is influenced by constraints. Here’s a breakdown of the most relevant ones for Nedivut: 1. Economics (Microeconomics & Macroeconomics)…
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Scarcity vis-a-vis Information Theory as applied to Nedivut
Nedivut and Information Theory: Refining the Signal of Generosity Amid Scarcity Nedivut (generosity) is often challenged by scarcity, which, when viewed through Information Theory, manifests as entropy, uncertainty, and incompleteness in the transmission of resources, intentions, and reciprocity. To refine generosity as a signal, we must address how scarcity distorts the message of giving, how…
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Reframing Scarcity Mindsets as IFS Parts and Wounds with NVC OFNR SMART Goals for Skillful Practice of Nedivut
Incorporating Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Nonviolent Communication (NVC) principles, we can reframe scarcity mindsets as IFS parts and wounds that hinder the skillful practice of Nedivut (generosity). Each scarcity mindset—whether it pertains to time, material resources, or social standing—can be understood as a part within the IFS system, potentially protecting the person from…
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Integrating Scarcity into Nedivut: Practical Ways to Address Perceived Scarcity in Generosity
Incorporating the concept of scarcity, as discussed in social psychology, into the practice of Nedivut (generosity) offers a practical approach to address how scarcity might hinder the skillful expression of this trait. Perceived scarcity—whether it’s related to resources, time, or opportunities—can impact a person’s willingness or ability to practice generosity. However, by integrating insights from…
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Equivalents of Nedivut (Generosity) in Non-Religious World Philosophies
Generosity is not exclusive to religious traditions—it is also foundational in secular moral philosophy, humanist ethics, and existentialist thought. Various philosophical systems emphasize giving in different ways, from virtue ethics to utilitarianism, existentialist responsibility, and communal reciprocity. Below is a comparative analysis of how generosity manifests in non-religious world philosophies. 1. Aristotelian Virtue Ethics –…
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Equivalents of Nedivut (Generosity) in Major World Religions
Generosity is a core virtue across all major world religions, though the emphasis, motivation, and practice vary. Below is a comparative analysis of generosity across different traditions: 1. Christianity – Agape & Caritas (Charity, Divine Love) Term Caritas (Latin), Agape (Greek) Meaning Selfless, divine love expressed through charity and kindness. Spiritual Context In Christian theology,…