The Need to be Noticed

As we embark on this blog, we should, for the sake of honesty, confess to one of our chief motivations: the need to be noticed. As the philosopher-president John Adams pointed out, of all the passions and propensities of man, none is more essential, or more remarkable, than the passion for distinction.

Adams continues: "A desire to be observed, considered, esteemed, praised, beloved, and admired by his fellows, is one of the earliest, as well as keenest dispositions discovered in the heart of man... Wherever men, women, or children, are to be found, whether they be old or young, rich or poor, high or low, wise or foolish, ignorant or learned, every individual is seen to be strongly actuated by a desire to be seen, heard, talked of, approved and respected by the people about him, and within his knowledge." (John Adams, Discourses on Davila),

While others have found man's chief motivation to be sexual desire, the drive for power, and man need for meaning in life, Adams considers the passion for distinction to be at the root of emulation, ambition, jealousy, envy and vanity. But the desire for the congratulations of others is not necessarily bad; without it, Adams speculates, few scholars would have the motivation or dedication to make the sacrifices necessary to succeed in their chosen fields. Curiosity and pure love of learning can only take you so far.

Tosafot appear to take a similar view: "A person should always be involved in Torah study even shelo lishmah, for from involvement shelo lishmah comes involvement lishmah." (Pesachim 50b). Tosafot, in Berachot 17a, interprets shelo lishma as "for the sake of honor". While study shelo lishma may not be the highest level of study, it is certainly a beginning!