Leibniz' Anthology of Maimonides' Guide

Summary

Maimonides’ Latin translation of Moreh Nevukhim Guide for the Perplexed, was the most influential Jewish work in the last millennia (Di Segni, 2019; Rubio, 2006; Wohlman, 1988, 1995; Kohler, 2017). It marked the beginning of scholasticism, a daughter of Judaism raised by Jewish thinkers, according to historian Heinrich Graetz (Geschichte der Juden, L. 6, Leipzig 1861, p. xii).

Printed by Gutenberg's first mechanical press, its influence in the West went as far as the Fifth Lateran Council (1512 — 1517) "where scholars were encouraged to remove the difficulties which seemed to divide the whole of theology and philosophy (Leibniz, Théodicée, 11)."

For centuries, the Guide revolutionized the curriculum of school instruction by reintegrating the natural laws of thought in the sphere of faith (the fourth of which became Leibniz’ Principle of sufficient reason).

This complete collection of notes expounds the ideas of the Guide and features all the passages selected and rewritten by Leibniz. This first complete annotated bilingual translation of the original manuscripts in Latin serves as an entry point to the faith in conformity with Reason.

Rabbi Moses Maimonides' excellent book, A Guide to the Perplexed, is more philosophical than I had imagined and worthy of careful reading. The author, distinguished by his intelligence in philosophy, was well-versed in mathematics, medical art, and also in the knowledge of the sacred Scriptures. — G.W. LEIBNIZ, 1685, Leibniz’ Anthology of Maimonides’ Guide, Chapter III.

Rabbi Moses Ben Maimon referred to by the initials of his name as RAMBAM, also known in the past as Moseh d’Egypto (Moses of Egypt) because of his long residence there, was born in Córdoba (Spain) in 1131 4891 and left this temporal world in 1204 4964. He is the most universal Rabbi of an eternal tradition.