Becoming a Mensch: Timeless Talmudic Ethics for Everyone

Becoming a Mensch: Timeless Talmudic Ethics for Everyone

by Ronald Pies Professor of Psychiatry
Becoming a Mensch: Timeless Talmudic Ethics for Everyone

Becoming a Mensch: Timeless Talmudic Ethics for Everyone

by Ronald Pies Professor of Psychiatry

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Overview

Becoming a Mensch is a "user's guide" to becoming a better person, taking readers through a process of personal growth by means of modern-day vignettes that draw upon the Talmud's ancient wisdom. By examining character traits such as "kindness and compassion," "self-mastery and self discipline," and "humility and flexibility," readers of any or no faith learn what it takes to become a "mensch" —- a decent and honorable human being. Readers are introduced to the greatest sages of the Talmudic era and many modern masters of ethical behavior. Becoming a Mensch is not only a guidebook for personal growth —- it is also a useful guide for parents who want to foster the ethical development of their children.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780761852964
Publisher: Hamilton Books
Publication date: 11/04/2010
Pages: 150
Product dimensions: 5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Ronald Pies, M.D. is a professor of psychiatry and lecturer on bioethics and humanities at SUNY Upstate Medical University and professor of psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine. Pies is author of Everything Has Two Handles: The Stoic's Guide to the Art of Living (Hamilton Books), The Ethics of the Sages (Rowman & Littlefield), several psychiatry textbooks, a collection of short stories, Zimmerman's Tefillin, and a collection of poems, Creeping Thyme. He lives outside Boston and pursues independent studies in Judaic ethics.

Table of Contents

Introduction v

1 A Brief Tour of the Talmudic Territory 1

2 Kindness and Compassion 5

3 Generosity and Charity 10

4 Self-Mastery and Self-Discipline 19

5 Moderation and "The Middle Way" 26

6 Humility and Flexibility 34

7 Forgiveness and Apology 41

8 Justice and Retribution 48

9 Respect for Self and Others 59

10 Attentive Listening and Understanding 69

11 Acquiring Knowledge and Wisdom 74

12 Caution and Prudence 83

13 Discussing and Criticizing Others Fairly 89

14 Honesty and Integrity 97

15 Trustworthiness and Fidelity 103

16 Gratitude and Contentedness 111

17 Politeness and Tact 117

18 Honoring and Revering Parents and Teachers 124

Afterword 133

Appendix 1 Selective Chronology of Sages and Principal Evens in Land of Israel 135

Appendix 2 Glossary of Terms 137

References 141

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