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Materialism: Difference between revisions
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==Value 2: Not an end in itself== | ==Value 2: Not an end in itself== | ||
# Rabbi Aharon Feldman (The Juggler and The King, pp. 14-17) details how the parable of Rabba Bar Bar Chana in Bava Batra 73a bemoans the futility and corruptness of the | # Rabbi Aharon Feldman (The Juggler and The King, pp. 14-17) details how the parable of Rabba Bar Bar Chana in Bava Batra 73a bemoans the futility and corruptness of the menTallity of hedonism, specifically with regards to physcial pleasure. Specifically, the desire is for physical pleasures and emotional pleasures such as power, honor, and vengeance. The "juggler" in the parable attempts to satisfy and entertain himself by mastering these two areas. Until the day of his death or boredom he juggles between sensory excitement and appeasement of the ego. The parable ends with the juggler being caught by God and granted his due punishment.<ref>The midrash (Kohelet Rabba 6:1:6) speaks about how the soul can not find satisfaction with all of the pleasures in the world and craves spiritual fulfillment.</ref> | ||
# Rav Dessler (Strive for Truth, first chapter of v. 2) also writes how some people become trapped in the illusion of materialism or the rat race of society. It has the horrific potential of causing a person to sink to the level that he becomes a mascot for the yetzer hara. | # Rav Dessler (Strive for Truth, first chapter of v. 2) also writes how some people become trapped in the illusion of materialism or the rat race of society. It has the horrific potential of causing a person to sink to the level that he becomes a mascot for the yetzer hara. | ||
# Without the correct attitude, materialism is addictive and person will never truly satisfy his desire for more money and pleasure. <ref>Kohelet 5:9, Kohelet Rabba 1:34, Sanhedrin 107a</ref> | # Without the correct attitude, materialism is addictive and person will never truly satisfy his desire for more money and pleasure. <ref>Kohelet 5:9, Kohelet Rabba 1:34, Sanhedrin 107a</ref> | ||
