February 24, 2012

Technical civilization

"Technical civilization is the product of labor, of man's exertion of power for the sake of gain, for the sake of producing goods. It begins when man, dissatisfied with what is available in nature, becomes engaged in a struggle with the forces of nature in order to enhance his safety and to increase his comfort. To use the language of the Bible, the task of civilization is to subdue the earth, to have dominion over the beast."
"How proud we often are of our victories in the war with nature, proud of the multitude of instruments we have succeeded in inventing, of the abundance of commodities we have been able to produce. Yet our victories have come to resemble defeats. In spite of our triumphs, we have fallen victims to the work of our hands; it is as if the forces we had conquered have conquered us."
Abraham Joshua Heschel, The Sabbath, page 27

February 11, 2012

The Sabbath

The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel is one of the most beautifully articulated books I've read. The depth and breadth of Heschel's insight flow in almost poetic prose. His thorough understanding and personal embrace of Sabbath unwrap for the reader a concept that for many has been merely a source of legalistic obligation, or a much elusive time of rest. The philosophical separation of time and space as described in this book is mind opening, and provides a worldview that has the power to transform one's life. One can feel the peace of Sabbath while reading! I'll definitely be re-reading this book many times