Rabbi Akiva's Philosophy of Love
About this book
This book explores the philosophy of love through the thought and life of Rabbi Akiva ben Joseph. Readers of the Talmud are introduced to Rabbi Akiva through the iconic story of his love for his wife Rachel. From this starting point, Naftali Rothenberg conducts a thorough examination of the harmonious approach to love in the obstacle-laden context of human reality. Discussing the deterioration of passion into simple lust, the ability to contend with suffering and death, and so forth, Rothenberg addresses the deepest and most pressing questions about human love. The readings and observations offered here allow readers to acquire the wisdom of love—not merely as an assemblage of theoretical arguments and abstract statements, but as an analysis of the internal contradictions and difficulties revealed in the context of attempts to realize and implement harmonious love.
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Information
Table of contents
- Acknowledgements
- Contents
- Chapter 1 Introduction: The Sage of Love
- Part I To Love and to be Loved
- Chapter 2 From Her Love
- Chapter 3 The Sage, Desire and Temptation
- Chapter 4 Love to the Last Breath
- Part II Philosophy & Praxis of Love
- Chapter 5 Song of Songs
- Chapter 6 Harmony in Love
- Chapter 7 “Love Your Fellow” as the Foundation of Human Socialisation
- Chapter 8 Optimism
- Chapter 9 The Orchard of Love
- Bibliography
- Index
