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Rabbi Adi Steinsaltz: “Sophistication”

Sophistication forces the most basic things not only out of our discourse, but even out of the very process of thought.

Sophistication demolishes the possibility of conducting a simple conversation, making a simple statement, or touching the fundamentals of existence.

The abundance of explanations and points of view that is the hallmark of sophistication blinds us to the simple knowledge of what is right and what is wrong, what is truth and what is falsehood.

We forget the meaning of simple words such as “I hate,” and “I love.”

Instead, we get dragged into a heap of complex, convoluted talk that is completely detached from reality, from genuine experiences and emotions.

After sophistication has done its work, there is no longer a need to deny or ignore the basics.

Sophisticated people no longer believe in, or understand, anything.

–Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz