Since we started learning Kohelet, I have always found it quite interesting that the Amal and the Neheneh seems to be complete opposites. As we have learned, the Amal puts complete power in the hands of mankind. Nothing in the world is attributed to the work of G-d. The Amal sees everything in the world in relation to man and sees that all change in the world must come from the hands of man. On the other hand, the Neheneh gives total power to G-d. The Neheneh believes man has absolutely no control in the world, and therefore our actions don't matter, just like animals. The Neheneh sees everything in the world as being controlled by G-d, and there is nothing man can do to make a change.
I personally find it quite fascinating that Shlomo found it possible to put himself in these completely opposite mindsets. It is almost as if Shlomo lived several different lives from several different viewpoints. The fact is, all these approaches, no matter how extreme and how opposing to each other, came from the mind of a single person. Can you imagine totally changing your entire attitude and perspective multiple times in search of an answer? Shlomo's journey must have been extensive and exhausting. As he jumps from one extreme to the other, it seems as though Shlomo lived multiple lifetimes. I can't even imagine living life like this. I feel like once I am set in my beliefs and ideas, it can be very difficult for me to change my views. Shlomo seems to have done so constantly.
It's honestly amazing to me and I'm kind of obsessed with this right now. Daaaaaang.
While learning about Shlomo's conflicting ideas, I have thought over and over again, "maybe shlomo has multiple personalities disorder?" Though he does go from one extreme to the next, i think they are all on one end of the spectrum, because Hakol Hevel after all.
ReplyDeleteI had a similar idea in the back of my mind...I was also wondering how it is possible that he had all sorts of conflicting ideas in his head at the same time, yet was such a stable, wise, and reliable leader (at least that's what we've heard). His ideas seem to be bouncing all over the place. It amazes me that he came up with such different ideas and challenged his own suppositions to the extreme. Perhaps this ability allowed him to be the great leader he was, if he constantly double checked his ideas and was not afraid to debunk his previous theories.
ReplyDeleteI agree! I've thought this too. He keeps changing his mind and thinking different things. It doesn't seem like he knows what he wants.
ReplyDeleteI don't think he necessarily believes in all of these ideas. I think his style of writing is like his thought process. He is probably trying to figure out which one he believes in. In doing this you have to present all the possibilities that you can choose from.
ReplyDelete