להזכירם את הידועReminding of the Known

le-hazkiram et ha-yadu'aIn Gamatria ↗

What everyone knows is what everyone forgets.

Ramchal says he teaches nothing new. The book only reminds people of what they already know, because the better known a truth is, the more easily it is forgotten. So its use comes from rereading, not from one reading. He looks at the sharp minds of his day. Some study nature, astronomy and geometry; others Torah, its debates, midrash and rulings. Few study love, fear, cleaving to God and the rest of piety. All call it the main thing, yet think it too plain to need study, and leave it to duller minds. So people think piety means long psalms, harsh fasts and baths in ice and snow. But piety is not natural, like sleep and hunger. It needs means and has spoilers. 'If you seek it like silver, then you will understand the fear of God.'

Hover the image to look closer.Tap the image to look closer.