Common Quote by Maimonides
“Now I wonder what our knowledge has in common with God's knowledge according to those who treat God's knowledge... Is there anything else common to both besides the mere name? ...there is an essential distinction between His knowledge and ours, like the distinction between the substance of the heavens and that of the earth.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophical Treatise: Guide for the Perplexed, Moses Maimonides, 1190
Human knowledge differs fundamentally from divine knowledge, akin to the separation between heaven and earth.
In simple terms: Human and divine knowledge are fundamentally different.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits of human understanding.
Themes
theology
philosophy
knowledge
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- religious study
- ethical debates
- interfaith dialogue
- education
Key Concepts
epistemology
divine attributes
Questions to Reflect On
- Can humans ever truly grasp divine knowledge?
- What common ground exists between faith and reason?
A Different Perspective
Human knowledge may still intersect with divine concepts.
![“WHEN reading my present treatise, bear in mind that by "faith" we do not understand merely that which is uttered with the lips, but also that which is apprehended by the soul, the conviction that the object [of belief] is exactly as it is apprehended. If, as regards real or supposed truths, you…” quote by Maimonides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fbb/maimonides-2639_articles_when-reading-my-present-treatise-bear-in_78488.jpg)
![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
