Auto-biography

In class, we looked at different sources that discuss the life of Shlomo Hamelech. In Melachim Aleph, we are told that G-d asks Shlomo what he wants from him. Shlomo replies that he wants the ability to tell the difference between good and bad in order to judge the nation. Hashem cannot give him this ability, but instead gives him a wise and understanding heart, and additionally, wealth and honor. Hashem promises to give Shlomo a long life if he follows his mitzvot like Dovid Hamelech, his father.

In a way, this story of Shlomo Hamelech reflects the story of Gan Eden. The test given by G-d to
Adam and Chava was designed to show that G-d was in control and man was beneath him. It gives the message that only G-d truly has the power to distinguish between good and evil. Similarly, Shlomo Hamelech asks for the ability to know the difference between good and bad, when G-d is the only one who knows this. Therefore, Shlomo Hamelech is essentially asking for the ability to be like G-d, which is absolutely unacceptable.

Before actually looking inside Kohelet, we discussed whether we thought Shlomo would include his own experiences in his philosophical book. It was a question of whether Shlomo would have written an auto-biography, or instead opted to keep his own experiences and life story out and just create a purely philosophical work.

This made me think about the idea of auto-biographies. Many people choose to write autobiographies. The question is: why? Why do these people choose to put their entire life out there? Why do people want to have everyone know all their business?

Celebrities, in particular, often write auto-biographies. Since they are always in the public eye, people tend to make judgements about the way these celebrities live their lives. Especially if there is some kind of scandal, the public tend to blow it up, discuss their view on the topic, and gossip. If you pick up any trashy magazine by the checkout aisle in Kroger, you are sure to see an incredible amount of gossip on the latest celebrity drama.

What we see on TV or in magazines may not always be the truth. Perhaps the reason that celebrities so often choose to write autobiographies is that they wan't to set the record straight. Writing an autobiography gives them a chance to have a voice, to let people know what the truth is, and maybe influence the way the public views them. For this reason exactly, it might have been helpful if Shlomo chose to write an auto-biography. It would be his opportunity to defend himself, voice his opinions on his experiences, or perhaps even apologize or show regret for the way he acted.