reb gedaliah aharon kenig: limits of the mind

We are called by the name Man (Adam) by virtue of our intellect and wisdom. It is impossible to separate intellect from the concept of Man. Without intellect, the concept of Man does not exist, since knowledge is what defines Man. Because of this, we possess a will and desire to know everything. Therefore, Man and intellect are one and inseparable. In this light, Rebbe Nachman writes in Likutey Moharan 62: "The truth is that it is a great mitzvah to sharpen the intellect in order to understand perfectly and completely what God has limited to the human mind." It is important to pay attention to exactly what Rebbe Nachman expresses in his golden language. He writes, "...what God has limited to the human mind." This means that man's intellect is limited. The obligation upon man to sharpen his intellect is only according to his ability, i.e., his measure and limit. He should not attempt to reach beyond this limit. If he does, it will result in what is called "breaking of the vessels." The idea of "breaking of the vessels" means destruction and collapse. The mind of man is like a vessel made to receive the light of the intellect in measure. But if we go beyond the measure, this vessel, the mind, comes to a breaking point, collapses and is ruined. It then loses the ability to receive anything more.