Hillel the Elder quotes

Hillel the Elder was a renowned Jewish religious leader and scholar, recognized as one of the most important figures in Jewish history. His teachings emphasized humility, compassion, and the importance of lifelong learning. He is remembered for the timeless maxim: "If I am not for myself, who will be for me?" Here are 12 of his quotes:

Be of the disciples of Aaron, loving peace and pursuing peace, loving your fellow creatures and drawing them near to the Law.

Hillel the Elder

In a place where there are no men, strive to be a man.

Hillel the Elder

That which is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation. Go and study it.

Hillel the Elder

He who refuses to learn deserves extinction.

Hillel the Elder

One who increases flesh, increases worms; one who increases possessions, increases worry; one who increases wives, increases witchcraft; one who increases maidservants, increases promiscuity; one who increases man-servants, increases thievery; one who increases Torah, increases life; one who increases study, increases wisdom; one who increases counsel, increases understanding; one who increases charity, increases peace.

Hillel the Elder

A name made great is a name destroyed. He who does not increase his knowledge decreases it.

Hillel the Elder

If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, who am I? And if not now, when? That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow [...] go and learn.

Hillel the Elder

A boor cannot be sin-fearing, an ignoramus cannot be pious, a bashful one cannot learn, a short-tempered person cannot teach, nor does anyone who does much business grow wise.

Hillel the Elder

Do not say, 'When I have leisure, I will study,' because you may never have leisure.

Hillel the Elder

Do not do to others what you would not have them do to you.

Hillel the Elder