While the 19th-century figure Sigmund Freud is widely regarded as the father of psychology as a formal science, the study of the human mind—and its clinical treatment—dates back much further. Ancient medical texts offer a surprisingly deep understanding of the human psyche. In ancient Arabic medicine, the psychological dimension of health was referred to as the Ruach or “Spirit” (paralleling the Greek Pneuma or the Chinese Qi).
Historically, the connection between the spirit and the physical body was an inseparable part of medical practice; doctors treated both as one. Recently, while diving into ancient manuscripts for my doctoral research during a particularly sweltering Israeli summer, I revisited a fascinating passage by Maimonides (the Rambam) that provided a profound perspective on this connection.
The Management of Health
I found this passage in a letter written by Maimonides in Egypt at the dawn of the 13th century, titled The Regimen of Health (Hanhagat HaBriut). Like all his medical works, it was originally composed in Arabic. While the letter was addressed to Al-Afdal, the son of the legendary Sultan Saladin, historians believe Maimonides wrote it with a wider audience in mind, intending it to serve as a guide for generations to come. Indeed, it was later translated into both Hebrew and Latin, becoming a cornerstone of medieval medicine.
Among the wealth of lifestyle advice in the letter, there is a specific chapter dedicated to mental well-being and the “management” of the soul. This chapter is dense and nuanced; fully grasping it requires a background in medieval medicine or, at the very least, extensive commentary. However, even brief excerpts offer powerful insights.
Maimonides opens the chapter by emphasizing that the state of the mind has a direct, visible impact on the physical body. He illustrates this with a simple observation: take a strong man with a clear, pleasant voice and a radiant complexion. If he receives sudden bad news, his countenance instantly falls, his “glow” vanishes, his posture stoops, and his voice may become thin or hoarse. He may even physically fall ill from the shock. Conversely, a person who is physically weak can see their body strengthen, their face brighten, and their energy return instantly upon hearing news that brings great joy.
From the 13th Century to the Modern Clinic
Maimonides’ core message is clear: physical vitality and mental resilience are mirrors of one another. Even after 800 years, he remains a master teacher. In our modern clinics, we see patients daily with physical symptoms that cannot be resolved without addressing the underlying emotional state.
Even when dealing with the most “physical” of systems—the digestive tract—dietary changes alone are often insufficient. While the gut is certainly affected by what we eat, many gastrointestinal issues are fueled by stress and mental strain. In these cases, a new meal plan isn’t the whole answer; the patient must address the “management of their spirit” to truly heal.
A Framework for Peace of Mind
At the conclusion of the chapter, Maimonides examines the circumstances that deplete our mental strength and, by extension, our physical health. He categorizes almost all human anxiety into two buckets: things that were (the past) and things that will be (the future).
1. The Past: Maimonides notes that grieving over what has already happened—such as a financial loss or the death of a loved one—is ultimately futile. He argues that mourning a past loss is as unproductive as mourning the fact that we are born as humans rather than angels or stars. Obsessing over the unchangeable leads only to “shortness of spirit” and future distress.
2. The Future: Regarding the future, he reminds us that everything we fear is a mere possibility, not a certainty. Just as we tend to dwell on the possibility of a negative outcome, it is equally logical—and far healthier—to cultivate confidence in a positive outcome, as both are equally possible.
Practical Wisdom for Daily Life
We can all apply Maimonides’ logic to improve our quality of life. When faced with a source of worry, ask yourself:
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Is this in the past, where I have no power to change it?
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Am I fearing a future event that may never actually happen?
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If the event is in the past, or if the future outcome is beyond your influence: let it go. There is no utility in worrying about what cannot be otherwise.
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In cases where you do have the power to influence the future: take action.
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Once you have done what is within your power, leave the rest alone.
Whenever I encounter a personal or professional hurdle, I try to return to these words. They remind me to protect my spirit from stumbling over issues that are simply out of my control.
