Wisdom from the Daf -- Pesachim 66b

Here is some practical wisdom that the Talmud placed within its discussion Pesach sacrifice:

Said R. Jehudah in the name of Rabh: "He who is arrogant, if he be one of the sages his wisdom leaveth him, and if he be a prophet his power of prophecy forsaketh him.

Resh Lakish said: A man who becomes angry, if he be a sage his wisdom leaveth him, and if he be a prophet his power of prophecy forsaketh him.

Today, there is often very little interest in this type of advice. Rather, one is supposed to express their anger and have pride in themselves. I believe that there is profound wisdom within these recommendations. Our haughtiness and anger can so easily cause us to lose sight of the true value of those in front of us and simply blame them for everything that is wrong.

Whether it is the progressives blaming the neo-conservatives, or the neo-conservatives blaming the progressives -- they all are seeing their own anger and pride and failing to see the other.

The Talmud text is from this online translation, though for my daily reading I use the wonderful and helpful translation from Artscroll -- The Schottenstein Edition Talmud Bavli.