Timeless Torah

Once again we turn to this week’s Ethics of our Fathers for an insight into human nature and the proper attitude one should have in life. Our chapter begins with these four questions as posed by the ancient sage, Ben Zoma. “Who is wise? Who is strong? Who is rich? And who is honorable?”
Contemporary society has already made clear its response. The wise are those who can teach. The strong are those with the power to dominate others. The wealthy are those individuals with many possessions. And the honorable are those who receive our acclaim and praise.
Fortunately for us Ben Zoma offers another perspective, one that radically alters what we view as truly important. Let us hear what he has to teach. "Who is wise? He who continues to learn from everyone; Strong? He who subdues his own impulses; Wealthy? He who is satisfied with his lot; And honorable? He who honors others.”
In truth, Ben Zoma is not the first to critically judge these four goals of human striving. The prophet Jeremiah quoting G-d already exclaimed, “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom; let not the strong man glory in his strength; let not the rich man glory in his riches....”
Does Ben Zoma mean to differ with the prophet who had declared these achievements to be hollow and meaningless? Surely not! Ben Zoma merely bids us to pause and consider our understanding of these ideals? These qualities are illusory and vain when our superficial thinking believes them to be something a person has. Our Mishnah points out that these four attainments should actually signify what a person is. For these attributes to have any true value they must be created within yourself. They must add to your character, not your portfolio.
So often, when being introduced to someone new our first question is, "So what does s/he do?" as if that were the true barometer of a person's intrinsic value. In fact, our jobs, wealth, strength, position, and our popularity are transient and fleeting.
Also, if we were to accept society's standard, and wisdom meant your being a teacher, then you would have to rely on others willing to be your students. Your strength would only be measured against others' weaknesses and your wealth would only be accrued because others had deemed your services worthwhile enough to pay. If society's achievements then must be bestowed by others, they can also be taken away by others.
How sad that the world has not come to the conclusions of Ben Zoma. If we did, people might perhaps stop worrying about what they have and start concentrating on who they are.