The Good in the Bad Inclination
About This Entry
This striking passage begins with the basic rabbinic idea that people have two inclinations—one good and one bad—but concludes that the bad inclination is “very good.” Why? The inclination toward evil, it seems, is a motivating factor for economic productivity, marriage, and procreation.
Naḥman [taught] in the name of R. Samuel: Behold, it was very good (Genesis 1:31). This refers to the good inclination. And behold it was very good. This refers to the evil inclination. And is the evil inclination really very good?! Rather, were it not for the evil inclination, a man would not build a house or marry a wife, and he would not have children. And so Solomon says, [All toil and skillful production are (the result of)] jealousy between man and his fellow (Ecclesiastes 4:4).
Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 2: Emerging Judaism.
You may also like
Philo on Soul and Body
The Seven Spirits
Testament of Reuben 2:1–9
Mastering the Emotions
4 Maccabees 2:15–24
Evil and Satan
b. Kiddushin 81a–b
The Martyrdom of a Mother and Her Seven Sons
2 Maccabees 7:1–41
The Martyrdom of the Eldest Son
4 Maccabees 9:10–25
This striking passage begins with the basic rabbinic idea that people have two inclinations—one good and one bad—but concludes that the bad inclination is “very good.” Why? The inclination toward evil, it seems, is a motivating factor for economic productivity, marriage, and procreation.
Related Guide
Hellenistic and Rabbinic Moral Psychology
You may also like
Philo on Soul and Body
The Seven Spirits
Testament of Reuben 2:1–9
Mastering the Emotions
4 Maccabees 2:15–24
Evil and Satan
b. Kiddushin 81a–b
The Martyrdom of a Mother and Her Seven Sons
2 Maccabees 7:1–41
The Martyrdom of the Eldest Son
4 Maccabees 9:10–25