Jews were asked when life begins. For them it's when they finally

In the words of Evan Sayet, "Jews were asked when life begins. For them it's when they finally graduate medical school." This quote speaks with both humor and profundity, offering a unique perspective on the value of education and the path to adulthood. Sayet uses this lighthearted observation to reflect on a culture that places immense value on the journey of education and intellectual pursuit. For those who grow up in communities that hold learning and achievement in high esteem, milestones such as graduating from medical school become symbolic of one's true entry into adulthood and the responsibilities that come with it. The quote also hints at the profound connection between intellectual growth, personal development, and cultural expectations.

The ancients revered the acquisition of knowledge as the ultimate form of growth. In ancient Greece, philosophers like Socrates and Plato believed that true wisdom and understanding came not from age, but from the rigorous pursuit of truth through education. For them, to be educated was to be fully human, as knowledge was not just a means to personal success, but a way to live justly and fulfill one’s duties to society. Similarly, in the Jewish tradition, the pursuit of learning, especially in the fields of medicine and theology, was seen as a sacred calling. The idea that life truly begins once a person reaches this milestone reflects the deep respect for education as a transformative force.

Consider the story of Maimonides, one of the most revered figures in Jewish intellectual history. Born in Cordoba, he became a leading physician, philosopher, and Torah scholar in the Middle Ages. Maimonides exemplified the importance of education in Jewish culture, dedicating his life to both the healing of bodies and the cultivation of minds. His works in medicine and philosophy have stood the test of time, influencing not only Jewish thought but also Western philosophy and medicine. For Maimonides, intellectual and medical mastery was intertwined with a sense of personal duty. The life he began was one dedicated to learning, and his education marked the moment he truly came into his own as a leader and a healer.

In a more modern context, the notion that life begins when one has completed their education or achieved a significant intellectual milestone is still present. Doctors, particularly, experience this moment when they graduate from medical school—an arduous process that takes years of dedication and sacrifice. For many in the Jewish tradition, a medical degree does not merely represent a profession, but an honor and a duty to their community. This is more than just the acquisition of skills; it is the embodiment of legacy, the passing down of knowledge that is rooted in tradition and commitment. The moment one graduates from medical school, having passed through this rigorous process, marks a profound shift from student to master—symbolizing the beginning of their journey to serve humanity.

The lesson Sayet conveys is that life, as seen through the eyes of the Jewish tradition, is not just a matter of birth but of personal development. It speaks to the belief that true adulthood and maturity are not achieved simply through age, but through the process of learning, mastering, and ultimately contributing to society. This is reflected in the value placed on education and the transformation it brings. Just as Socrates believed that the unexamined life was not worth living, so too does the Jewish perspective view the journey of education as integral to fulfilling one’s purpose in life.

In our own lives, we should reflect on how we define growth and maturity. Like the ancients, we may come to understand that education is not just a series of academic steps but a lifelong journey toward wisdom, service, and self-realization. Every lesson, every challenge, and every milestone achieved is a building block that shapes our character and our ability to serve others. Whether in medicine, science, or any other field, the commitment to learning becomes a transformative force that shapes our identity and purpose.

Let us take this wisdom and apply it to our own lives. As we pursue knowledge, let us not only focus on the outward achievements but also recognize the deeper growth that accompanies the process. Let us honor the legacy of those who came before us, like Maimonides and Socrates, who saw education as a path to duty and service. In doing so, we honor the true beginning of life—not simply as the moment of our birth, but as the moment when we choose to learn, grow, and contribute to the betterment of the world.