In my youth I knew a young Jewish scholar. He had at that time few attainments, but his mind was quick and he could speak intelligently on even obscure topics. The depth and breadth of his knowledge was remarkable.
His prodigious curiosity ranged many disciplines, and I sincerely believed that the world, which produced such a man endowed with such gifts, would surely profit by him.
Together we studied the science of politics. He secured his degree and went on his way. But my faith in this science was shaken. In its innermost chamber I peered behind the curtain and saw its armless ancient idol balanced on a crooked foundation. In despair I abandoned that pursuit, ridiculed by those who worshiped at the altar of this fraudulent god.
During this time I abandoned all things, even reason. But I returned at last and discovered by chance that the scholar I once knew had bartered the gold of his youth for the alchemy of his studies. He now received payment for imparting this science to students such as we were once.
Learning this, I bit the lip of disbelief and said these words for his benefit.
“Your mind is strong and noble. You are perceptive. Your intellectual qualities are real. You possess a treasure house of knowledge. You understand readily what others only with difficulty grasp. Why then do you waste this mind with small thoughts, applying your skill to twaddle? Your pursuits are beneath you.
“Among those I have known, you have been the most intelligent. Yet I would not call you the wisest. Too many marionettes play this part; you without sense play their part in turn. The king does not wear shackles; he does not bedeck his prisoners in robes of honor. Is this the end to which you have been purposed? Is this the end to which great intellect brings you?
“By your name, you are called a free man. Exercise that freedom. Yet if in the comfort of inconsequential thoughts you expend your allotted time, what will they say of the gifts you were granted? They are never given to those unworthy of them, except that we make ourselves unworthy of them, forgetting our duty to them. It is a struggle to deserve what we are given, knowing that we neither earned nor merited our gifts. Remember what Arjuna learned: "Do not let the reins slip from your hand. Rise up, without desire, and fight."
“You may not count me a friend. But I have never given friendlier counsel.”
When I relayed these words to him, his face became sour and he accused me likewise for wasting my life and more meager intellect on worthless metaphysics and philosophical meanderings. To this accusation I assented, saying, “Everything you say about me is true. I cannot deny it. But the wise have said:
To deny my virtue is no testament to yours.
The truth of my failure does not falsify yours.
The snake with a broken back may stay still strike.
The lantern with polluted oil may still burn."
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