All the great evils which men cause to each other because of

Hearken, O children of the future, to the profound teachings of Maimonides, who reveals that the deepest evils wrought by man upon his brethren spring not from the essence of the soul, but from non-existence—from the absence of wisdom and the darkness of ignorance. In the hearts of men, intentions, desires, opinions, and even sacred religious principles may become instruments of harm when untethered from understanding. Thus, the calamities that have scarred humanity are shadows cast by minds that have yet to see the light of knowledge.

Consider the countless wars and persecutions carried out in the name of ideology or faith. From the Crusades to the bitter feuds of the Inquisition, men have inflicted suffering upon one another, believing their cause to be righteous, their convictions unquestionable. Yet, as Maimonides illuminates, these actions of destruction are born of ignorance—a blindness to the full humanity of others, a failure to comprehend the consequences of one’s beliefs. The absence of true wisdom transforms virtue into cruelty and certainty into tyranny.

Wisdom, O seeker, is the salve for this darkness. It is the careful weighing of intention, the mindful cultivation of understanding, and the humility to acknowledge that one does not know all. When guided by knowledge, even the strongest desires and the most fervent convictions can serve the good rather than the harm of others. The presence of wisdom prevents men from allowing their opinions or principles to become chains that bind and wounds that scar.

Let the story of Socrates serve as a beacon. Though he was condemned by his fellow citizens for challenging their certainties, he pursued truth and understanding, teaching that ignorance is the true foe of virtue. His life, and the reverence it inspired, demonstrates that when men strive for wisdom, even in the face of adversity, they create a legacy of light that outshines the darkness of collective error.

Thus, O children of eternity, remember this: great evils are not born of malice alone, but of ignorance, of the void where knowledge and understanding should dwell. To cultivate wisdom is to fortify the soul against the temptations of harm, to transform intentions into acts of compassion, and to ensure that the principles one holds do not crush the lives of others. In this way, humanity may walk a path of enlightenment, guided by the light of understanding through the ages.

If you wish, I can also craft a visual, ancient-scroll-style presentation of this passage to amplify its gravitas and the timeless aura of Maimonides’ teaching.