Introduction to the Kabbalah

physical presence adds nothing to this praise; indeed, it can easily be a hindrance. This is because bodily presence, through constant familiarity, easily becomes tiresome due to the many things that accompany it—like a foul smell or some sort of filth. original: fætor cænum quoddam; the author contrasts the purity of the mind's work with the perceived "filth" or indignity of the physical body’s needs and decay. Therefore, in the judgment of many who do not doubt that life should be surrendered for the sake of honor, this memory is far preferable. Since it both abounds in honor and allows a man to reign, in a sense, among future generations, it can be considered far superior to this present life, which in itself is clearly without glory. Indeed, anyone who robs a person of this memory could be called his murderer.

Lest I be stained in any way by such a crime toward my most beloved brother, Count Charles—on whom a storm of human calamities recently rushed, killing him for us all too prematurely with its pestilential breath—I felt I must act. original: peſtilenti ſuo afflatu; this "pestilential breath" likely refers to a sudden illness or perhaps the plague, which "breathed" death upon him. Even though he lived for only a very tender age—namely, eighteen years and eleven months—he produced an extraordinary example of learning specimen doctrinæ: a formal demonstration or proof of one's education and scholarship. and virtue, through which a famous memory might easily be secured among posterity. Spurred on by the fresh fervor of his own genius, he had already at that time labored over original: elucubratus ſit; literally "worked by lamplight," implying intense study during the late hours of the night. very many writings on various sciences.

I had to ensure that those works worthy of being read by others did not perish through our neglect. We received these writings from him much like a newborn from a mother who, having died in the very act of birth, miserably leaves the offspring she labored to bring forth in the hands of strangers. I felt they should instead be nurtured to meet their own fortune. However, just as he was snatched away by an unexpected death, I found these writings to be like a premature child. By an untimely accident, they were deprived of the nourishment and embrace of the maternal womb, which they still required for a lasting and strong life...