Leo Strauss: "Jerusalem and Athens"
Leo Strauss’s essay "Jerusalem and Athens" is one of his most influential works, tackling what he considered the fundamental tension of Western civilization: the conflict between Revelation (Jerusalem) and Reason (Athens). Strauss argues that the West does not have one single root, but two, and that these two roots are in a state of "irreconcilable opposition." The Core Conflict: Obedience vs. Inquiry At the heart of the essay is the distinction between two different ways of life: Feature Jerusalem (The Bible) Athens (Greek Philosophy) Foundation Faith and divine revelation. Reason and independent inquiry. Highest Virtue Obedience to God's law. Wisdom through the pursuit of truth. Starting Point Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Wonder/Doubt is the beginning of wisdom. The "Good Life" A life of holiness and trust in the Unknowable. A life of contemplation and self-reliance. 1. The Biblical Perspective (Jerusalem) Strauss analyzes the beg...