Quote by Alberto Manguel

“To counter a depression such as this, Maimonides recommended tending to the five senses 'for the purpose of quickening the soul.' Hearing was to be nourished 'by listening to stringed and reed-pipe music,' seeing 'by gazing at beautiful pictures,' smelling 'by strolling through beautiful gardens,' feeling 'by wearing fine raiment,' and tasting 'by eating highly seasoned delicacies.' Such things, Maimonides judged, 'are not to be considered immoral nor unnecessary,' These recommendations give us a rare glimpse into the private man and allow the question of whether, under the stern guise of his role as adviser and legislator, Maimonides could enjoy good food and the smell of jasmine in a garden for their own sake. Cairo was not Córdoba, but it would do. Intellectual pursuits, both religious and scientific, he tells us, were of help to lift a little the dark clouds.”

Quote by Alberto Manguel