Where could I look for guidance? My own life? Because of my blue-collar background and Jewish heritage, I was inclined to defend the underdog — to provide extra help to the less fortunate. But was that right? Frustrated, I met with my friend Rabbi William Hamilton of Temple Kehillath Israel, one of Boston’s oldest and most respect synagogues. He explained that some of life’s most complex, unfathomable mysteries had not answers — that the Jewish texts deliberately avoided providing simplistic solutions when no explanation would suffice.” - Kenneth Feinberg, What is Life Worth
Why do we think the big decisions are so complicated? Why do we think that life is not so straightforward? Am I being reductive by. thinking it is?
Kenneth sought answers from ancient wisdom because he was looking for a playbook on how to decide. When a playbook exists, learn from the past. When no playbook exists, ask yourself What outcomes can I tolerate? Choose the path with the most tolerable outcomes.
Ultimately, that’s what Kenneth did.
