Leonid Goldin | Twilight of Reason

Have you seen a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Proverbs 26:12

Finding a reasonable solution and improving a situation is not always possible, even with extensive knowledge and effort. However, creating new problems through thoughtlessness or moral blindness is always possible, everywhere. And logic, experience, and good intentions are not always an obstacle to this.

Foolishness from a high podium

One of the wildest, most unthinkable examples of this is Senator Chuck Schumer’s press conference on the terrorist attack on Jews in Australia during the Hanukkah celebrations. The senator, a veteran of big politics, head of the Democrats in the Senate, with a reputation as a seasoned diplomat, began his speech as follows: “And first of all, of course, as I always say, no matter what: ‘The Bills! They beat the Patriots today.'” (Football league teams.)

In the press and social media comments: “blunder,” “tactlessness,” “cynicism,” “loss of reason”… A more accurate definition would be moral idiocy. During the election campaign, Mamdani Schumer was busy with everything else, mainly fighting Trump, but the problem of electing an outspoken anti-Semite as mayor did not exist for him. This cannot be justified, but Schumer’s logic is understandable: he will soon have to fight to maintain his position in a city gripped by anti-Semitic ideology. The Jews will support him anyway; otherwise, it will be worse — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez or someone like her.

In the current atmosphere, a politician in white clothes will not win. After the tragedy in Australia, Mamdani visited the grave of Rebe Schneerson, visited synagogues, Ihram Omar called the attack in Australia horrific and unthinkable, and Ocasio-Cortez discovered she had Jewish blood. Many people, Jews and non-Jews alike, believe that this is not hypocrisy or cynical mimicry, but evidence of the rebirth of anti-Semites. Schumer is playing his game, but it is doubtful that it will help him.

When speaking to Jews, Schumer often reminds them that his surname translates from Hebrew as “defender” or “guardian.” He is known for his talent for never missing an opportunity to promote himself, get on the front page, and appear on prime-time television. We met by chance 30 years ago on the way to some gay event in Chelsea, where I was sent by Weinberg, the publisher of Novoye Russkoye Slovo. It was not difficult for Schumer to understand that I was just another immigrant from the post-Soviet wave, and he was clearly not enthusiastic about the conversation, but when he found out that I was from a newspaper, he changed his tone to a friendly and interested one.  Perhaps no politician has as much experience dealing with the press as Schumer. And here is a mistake that a school activist would not make.

Although the wild absurdity of Schumer’s speech is incomprehensible, it does not contradict his deep essence as a person who sees the world and people only as a field for his election campaign.

Miriam Adelson is a political activist of a completely different kind. She is a medical scientist, the most famous Jewish philanthropist, an uncompromising supporter of Israel and a fighter against anti-Semitism, and a major Republican donor. She recently hosted a summit in New York where prominent American and Israeli politicians and experts realistically discussed the situation of Israel and Jews in the modern world.

Miriam was the star of Hanukkah at the White House and said in her speech that she would give $250 million to Trump’s next election campaign and that Alan Dershowitz should be invited to justify the possibility of a third term. It would be difficult to imagine a greater gift to anti-Semites. Old anti-Semitism fed on the legend of the Jews’ responsibility for the death of Christ. The new anti-Semitism, since the days of The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, is that Jewish money rules the world. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar expressed the conviction of all anti-Semites about who rules the sun and the stars: “It’s all about Benjamin, baby,” she explained publicly at a press conference. (Portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the hundred-dollar bill).

Anti-Semites have incomparably more resources and supporters than Jews. Qatar, one of the many sponsors of anti-Israel terror and anti-Semitism, has invested more money in the media and universities and has more influence than Jews. Qatar gave Trump a plane worth more than all Jewish donations. But the myth of Jewish omnipotent money dies hard, and Adelson’s statement, however you explain it, is a significant boost to anti-Semitic propaganda. Trump, who is accused on all sides of violating norms and laws, felt it necessary to state his position: he is not above the Constitution and is not considering a third term.

And to Dershowitz, her friend, Miriam did a disservice. Gone is his former glory as the best lawyer and constitutional expert, a professor, a welcome guest at any university. He struggled to cope with his involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein affair, whom he met when the financier, at the height of his fame and recognition by the greats of this world, suggested that his guests bring the smartest person they knew to his birthday party. Truly, sorrow comes from intelligence.

Now he is under constant attack from his former colleague, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, for his ties to Qatar and his closeness to Epstein. Both are incredibly intelligent, educated, brilliant speakers and writers, supporters of Israel and Trump, and unyielding fighters against anti-Semitism.

Rabbi Shmuley is always at the center of events. He is always ready for public and legal debate, not only with anti-Semites, but also with Jews who have lost their moral compass. Even Ben Shapiro has not escaped his harsh criticism. Today, he is a prophet like Jeremiah. Every day, he receives numerous threats of violence, has been repeatedly attacked in America and abroad, and his opponents are trying to bankrupt him and make him homeless. Among them are Jewish billionaires, and the conflicts are beyond comprehension. How did Shmuley, yesterday’s super-celebrity, everyone’s friend and comrade, end up living like this?

The latest evidence of chaos and discord in Jewish life is the controversy between Mort Klein, president of the Zionist Organization of America, and Elliot Cosgrove, rabbi of the Conservative synagogue on Park Avenue. In a speech at a meeting of the American Zionist Movement, Cosgrove spoke out against intolerance in the Jewish community toward different political views. This is a strange statement, as fierce disputes among Jews have always prevailed over unanimity since ancient times, and today they have reached a toxic and absurd level. Cosgrove cited as examples the disagreements over the creation of a Palestinian state and Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria. Mort Klein strongly opposed such pluralism, which he said amounts to capitulation to terrorists after October 7 and deprives Jews of their right to their historic lands, which are vital to the security of Israel and the Jewish diaspora, when anti-Semitism will force them to seek refuge.

Dr. Cosgrove, a true intellectual with the most elite synagogue in Manhattan, has long tried to avoid political issues that cause sharp divisions in the congregation. When hundreds of rabbis signed letters condemning Trump, I asked if he was among them. He clearly did not like the question and evaded answering it. But on the eve of the election in New York, he stated firmly that Mamdani was a serious threat to Jews.

When members of the synagogue suggested inviting Klein to give a lecture, Cosgrove said that would only be possible if Klein recognized the possibility of a Palestinian state, which ZOA has fought against throughout its history. It is difficult to imagine greater chutzpah than American Jews trying to decide for the Jews of Israel on whose land they can live, when and with whom to fight, how much terror and threats to endure, and when to make suicidal concessions. The Palestinians have almost the entire world on their side, two billion Muslims, while Israel stands alone. But with friends like Jewish liberals, Israel and all Jews in the diaspora don’t need enemies. In a public conflict that has no meaning on anything, Jewish leaders have more personal ambitions than practical sense.

In the current situation, non-Jews often defend Jews better than Jews themselves. A striking example is Elise Stefanik, a member of Congress from New York. It was she who, at congressional hearings, secured the resignation of the presidents of elite universities for rampant anti-Semitism and persecution of Jewish students. She demanded accountability and condemnation of anti-Semites in Congress. I recently heard her speak at a meeting of the Zionist Organization of America, where she announced her candidacy for governor of New York. She promised to stop Mamdani and anti-Semitism in a state where hatred of Jews has become the norm and political capital.

Stefanik is young, a brilliant, confident speaker, full of energy, highly educated, the hope of the Republicans; everything pointed to a brilliant career. But then she announced that she was giving up the fight for the governorship and her work in Congress. For friends and enemies alike, it was a bombshell, a sensation. The New York Times tried to explain that her closeness to Trump was toxic, that she had become disillusioned with Trump, and that this was the reason for her decision.

Whatever the reason, what she and the Jewish activists and sponsors who had placed their hopes in her thinking just a few days ago, since nothing new or dramatic had happened during that time? Did they fail to take into account the atmosphere in New York, the scale of resistance, and overestimate their capabilities? How could such a miscalculation have been made? It looks like desertion, a moral default.

When the community fails 

It would be half as bad if the failures of consciousness were limited to individuals, even those with high IQs and status. But the real trouble is that the Jewish people, recognized even by anti-Semites for their intelligence, understanding of reality, and ability to find rational solutions in difficult circumstances, are today divided and often hold beliefs and convictions that are destructive to Jews.

In a democracy, collective intelligence, knowledge, and experience, freedom of opinion, and a balance of opposition should protect against catastrophic mistakes, manifestations of selfishness, and vanity, from which no one is immune. In America, there are a great many Jewish events with authoritative speakers, appeals, demands, and resolutions, but little benefit from them.

The World Zionist Congress is intended to be a forum for unity and joint searches and solutions. Since the inception of the Congress, anti-Semites have viewed it as a Jewish cabal—a global backstage where secret plans are developed to establish worldwide Jewish control. And although in real life anti-Semitism and intifada are spreading globally, and Jews are divided and unable to resist hatred, the myth of Jewish unity and omnipotence lives on.

The recent World Zionist Congress in Jerusalem brought together representatives from 43 countries, 2,500 participants, 203 from Israel, and 153 from the United States. Liberals and centrists accounted for 35-40%, and right-wingers for 30-35%. The reports and discussions lasted three days, with key, highly topical issues on the agenda. The reaction of anti-Semites is predictable and inevitable. But even among own, the prevailing view was that unity is a euphemism that everyone understands in their own way. The Jerusalem Post published a review of the Congress entitled “World Zionist Circus.”

The most heated debate was over the appointment of Netanyahu’s son, Yair, as vice-chairman of the Congress. The position is not a well-paid one, nor is it particularly prestigious, but a scandal erupted with accusations of nepotism. Yair Netanyahu was rejected after two weeks of negotiations. What is surprising about this when, in the midst of a national disaster, the Israeli prime minister goes to court three times a week to justify a friendly gift of champagne and cigars. It is well known that drinking and smoking are harmful… The absurdity of Israeli justice and the level of awareness and responsibility of Netanyahu’s opponents are obvious and raise no questions. But does Netanyahu, with his intelligence and experience, really not understand that a politician of his rank cannot have friends, especially in the current crazy atmosphere?

In Israel, Jewish history and many years of living in conditions of terror, hatred, and slander are the decisive factors in shaping public consciousness. Despite all the differences, it is not ideology that determines everything, but the real conditions of life in the country and the world.

In America, the main influence on the minds and hearts of Jews is a widespread commitment to liberal illusions and the Democratic Party, which has become a refuge for anti-Semites. Most Jews belong to the reformist branch of Judaism, which is Judaism in name only. In fact, reformism distorts many fundamental tenets of Judaism. The Torah teaches a realistic understanding of the world and people, but many Jews have come to believe in paradise on Earth through appeasing their haters with gifts and education, and election campaigns.

The pathological state of the Jewish collective consciousness is clearly manifested in Trump derangement syndrome. This is no longer a metaphor. Psychotherapist Jonathan Albert writes convincingly about clinical obsession, anger, fear, obsessive and panic states, depression, and insomnia associated with the image of Trump. People cannot help thinking about Trump, even when they try to shift their attention elsewhere. This is increasingly becoming a collective psychosis rather than a political ideology. Trump is not the cause, but the trigger that provokes deep personal unhappiness, insecurity, and fear.  Trump is not a person—he is a symbol of chaos, loss of control, the embodiment of evil in the world. Protests against Trump, in which Jews actively participate, are crusades against the Antichrist.

Trump is an unbearable burden on the psyche of his haters, but he also plays a psychotherapeutic role. It is easier to think about Trump than about real antagonisms and threats in the country and the world, global anti-Semitism and the Holocaust, and to hope that the next election will provide the right president and restore universal well-being and fellowship. It is incomprehensible that many Jews, voting for the anti-Semite Mamdani, his ilk, and those who paved the way for them into big politics, reject Trump, who has done more for Jews than any other American president. “Every Jew who votes for Mamdani is either self-hating or stupid,” “Every Jew who votes for the Democrats hates his religion and everything related to Israel,” says Trump. The diagnosis is indisputable and is confirmed daily.

Aberration of consciousness and conscience

Mistakes and slips of the tongue can be the subject of psychoanalysis and have consequences for careers and relationships, but should not be overestimated. Jewish intellectuals and leaders are no more stupid than others. Their mistakes and misdeeds are not unique and are typical of the human race, but more visible, as this has been the fate of the Jews since biblical times.

Folk wisdom, religion, and psychology attempt to answer the question of why intelligent people often make mistakes that stupid people would not make. There are folk idioms: “The mind is a palace, but the key to it is lost,” “When God wants to punish, he deprives of reason.”

People are imperfect. The forefathers Abraham and Sarah, Moses, the liberator of the Jews from slavery, Solomon, the wisest of the wise, and David, the founder of Jerusalem, made many mistakes and sins – esse homo, nothing human is alien to them. In the New Testament, absolutely all people are sinners, even the apostles. It is unlikely that anyone can avoid mistakes, saying something inappropriate or untimely, especially a public figure whose life is in the spotlight and whose every word resonates.

Dostoevsky wrote: “The mind is a scoundrel,” “A smart person can justify anything, but a stupid person can only justify some things, and even then with difficulty.” An extraordinary IQ is often consciously used for malicious purposes. Bare intellect, unrestrained by morality, is more dangerous than the simplicity of the average person.

But often, even with the best of intentions, high intelligence can lead to the most foolish situations. A great physicist who uncovers the secrets of the universe does not see what is happening in society. A top manager who runs corporations is unable to create normal relationships in his family. A writer who deeply reveals the thoughts and experiences of his characters does not understand the people in his immediate environment. And for psychologists, more often than for those who have never heard of Freud, life is chaos and disaster…

The nature of the mind is contradictory. High intelligence allows one to see the complexity of the world, further and deeper, more sides and nuances, and when determining a decision and a course of action, many options and inevitable doubts and uncertainties arise. But in other cases, a powerful mind often breeds self-confidence, overestimates capabilities, and suppresses restraining symptoms. Paradoxically, intellectuals, accustomed to being the center of attention, find themselves in more ridiculous situations more often than reserved people of limited intelligence.

Aberrations of consciousness and morality occupy a prominent place in the theory of cognition and psychology. David Robson’s popular book Why Smart People Make Dumb Mistakes examines the concept of the “intelligence trap.” The author sees the reason for this in cognitive biases, when smart people see other people’s mistakes but not their own. They often find it difficult to be part of a team or even have friends because of their demonstrative superiority, intolerance of others’ weaknesses, and intense competition with their peers.

The main obstacle to rational thinking is not stupidity, lack of knowledge and information, external resistance, or the complexity of the world order, but the whole of Freud: the Id, Ego, and Superego. Or, more simply and accurately, according to Vysotsky: “I don’t care, I really want to.”

The idealization of man and humanistic philosophy appeared only in the Renaissance and reached absurdity in the liberal worldview, according to which there is light and good in every person, and darkness and evil are conditioned by the environment and upbringing. The ancient world did not even idealize the gods, let alone human reason and morality. The Stoics were the most severe in their assessment of human nature and believed that people were insane. The world has not produced a greater misanthrope than Heraclitus of Ephesus: people are cattle, they sleep while awake, they fear the truth, and they are incapable of understanding the truth. Diogenes walked around Athens with a lantern during the day, looking for a human being, but found none.

Contemporaries compete in their love and praise of humanity, but some continue the harsh traditions of antiquity. The most popular contemporary philosopher, Slavoj Žižek, claims that 99% of people are boring idiots; one would like to think that this is an artistic exaggeration. I know a lesser-known doctor of philosophy who believes that Žižek’s assessment is complimentary; one in 100 is not so bad, but in reality, it is worse.

Antiquity judged female intelligence particularly harshly. And even in modern times, Nietzsche said, “When you go to a woman, don’t forget your whip.” Zoroaster is still widely quoted today, although men and women have switched places. The book Smart Women, Bad Choices, by clinical psychologists Dr. Connell Cowan and Dr. Melvin Kinder, has gained widespread popularity. It identifies two dozen types of men that women should avoid at all costs. If you exclude everyone on this list, I don’t know who will be left. George Clooney and Tom Cruise would not pass such a strict selection process.

But the situation is not so tragic. What is bad for one woman is often a godsend for another. According to a Greek legend recounted by Plato, humans were originally androgynous beings who were intelligent, strong, and whole, but they imagined themselves to be equal to the gods, for which Zeus split them in half. Since then, everyone has been searching for their other half.

It is believed that over the centuries, people have become smarter, more educated, found consultants—psychologists, life coaches, read thousands of books on marriage and parenting, armed themselves with Prozac and the latest technology in the search for partners, and are all free to choose, but the family is in crisis, there is war and gender change, everyone is right, and everyone is unhappy. And if we believe humanists that humanity is a family of nations, then here too there is progress all around, but chaos and crisis in minds and living conditions.

The mind has limits and does not determine history. Therefore, one should not overestimate the achievements of knowledge and fall into despair over mistakes. “The secret things belong to the Lord, but those that are revealed to us.” (Deuteronomy 29:29)

Intellectual speculation without norms and boundaries suppresses intuition, which often suggests better solutions than cold analysis and logic. In the current age of information, supercomputers, and artificial intelligence, there has been a growing interest in subconscious processes, which Americans call gut feeling. Among the serious studies on this topic are Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow, Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink, Kari Klein’s The Power of Intuition, and Rada Granovskaya’s Intuition and Artificial Intelligence. The main idea is that logic analyzes parts, while intuition provides a holistic view.

Intuition occupies a central place in Kabbalah. It is not just a hunch, but the ability to see the world in its entirety, bypassing logical, divisive analysis. People, often non-Jews, far from Judaism, very rational and practical, politicians and businessmen, visit the grave of Rebbe Schneerson, seek blessings from Kabbalists Isaac Ginsburg, Abraham Leader, and Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto.

Trump often says that he relies more on gut feeling than on expert assessments and recommendations. This approach has proven successful against his army of opponents, armed with intellectual servants, statistics, polls, and analytics. The Soviet experience is also telling, when, during the collapse of the system, gangsters and party and Komsomol officials were quicker to figure out where the country was headed than the academic elite. While we were discussing and writing, the question of property and power was decided according to the concepts of thieves-in-law. Our Western colleagues were no more perceptive.