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Jewish World Review
March 29, 2005
/ 18 Adar II, 5765
Bridging the Gap between Mind and Heart
By
Jonathan D. Schick
How can we account for the incredible gap between the noble and the immoral? And while it is true that "most people" aren't faced with such extreme cases, all humankind face contradictions between their true beliefs and their everyday actions
http://www.JewishWorldReview.com |
In the classic film "Chinatown", Noah Cross, a corrupt powerbroker, is confronted with a terrible sin he had committed years ago. Instead of contrition, he brazenly declares:
"I don't blame myself. You see, most people never have to face the fact that at the right time and right place, they're capable of doing almost anything."
What is truly fascinating about this quote is that within a different context, it could be taken to mean an entirely opposite idea. A human being, endowed with a divine soul, can indeed do "almost anything" ennobling, wondrous and life-changing. We are indeed capable of greatness.
Yet, the human soul is a study in paradoxes. And, sometimes these paradoxes are extreme: In the case of Noah Cross, he at first displays paternal compassion for his daughter, and then commits an unspeakable crime against her.
How can we account for the incredible gap between the noble and the immoral? And while it is true that "most people" aren't faced with such extreme cases, all humankind face contradictions between their true beliefs and their everyday actions.
The answer lies in the ability to bridge the gap between one's mind and heart. One may intellectually, even passionately, believe in a certain value or ideal. Yet, if this belief isn't fully integrated into one's heart, the seat of emotions, one's actions may fall short of one's ideals.
A recent news item told of an ethics lecturer, who, promptly after finishing his discourse, headed to a brothel using a stolen credit card.
The 19th century philosopher Rabbi Yisrael Salanter pithily stated that "the distance between the mind and the heart is greater than the distance between the ends of the earth."
Simply put, knowledge is one thing, putting it into action is quite another. The speeding driver knows that she is at greater risk for a serious accident, but that awareness only penetrates the heart after the accident takes place.
Thankfully, there are less dangerous ways to change the pattern of one's behavior, to bridge that chasm between mind and heart, intellect and emotion.
One way is through introspection. Spending a mere 15 minutes of one's day in quietude, reviewing one's overarching values and charting a course for tomorrow.
The ethical leader possesses a depth of meaning and purpose that infuses his day with focus. Although invariably there will be slight derailments between mind and heart, a consistent daily time of reflection can bridge the gap.
Every weekday JewishWorldReview.com publishes what many in uplifting articles.
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Jonathan D. Schick is the founder and director of The GOAL Project. He is a dynamic leadership consultant and nationally known speaker. He holds an appointment as adjunct professor at the University of North Texas, and is a frequent lecturer at the Center for Nonprofit Management in Dallas. Comment by clicking here.
© 2005, Jonathan D. Schick
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