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32 of our ancestors with faithfulness and impartiality; neither palliating their vices, nor exaggerating their virtues; that posterity might avoid the former, and imitate the latter. Genesis Rabba, § LXXXVII.

The Honor Due to Whatever is Truly Useful

once asked his son Raba, why he did not attend the lectures of Rabbi Hisda. "Because," replied the son, "he only treats of temporal and worldly concerns." "What," said the father, "he occupies himself with that which is necessary for the preservation of human beings —and this you call worldly affairs! Trust me, this is among the most estimable of studies."

Shabbat, 82a.