The Ramchal argues that the wisdom within us, the wisdom bestowed upon us from the Divine, needs to be stirred, awakened. And how do we do that? Through articulation, through speaking it aloud. It's like a flame that needs oxygen to burst into life. Without that "oxygen," all that's visible is the potential, the "wisdom" itself.
Think of it this way: You might have a brilliant concept forming in your mind. That's the Chochma, the raw wisdom. But it's only when you start to connect it with other ideas, to analyze it, to truly understand it, that it becomes something more.
This "something more" is Da'at (knowledge) and Tevuna (comprehension). Tevuna, specifically, is that incredible ability of the intellect to weave together two seemingly disparate ideas, creating something new and insightful. And Da'at is the result, the outcome of that beautiful, connective dance. But what fuels this dance? What provides the energy to spark comprehension and ignite knowledge?
According to the Ramchal, it’s the "supernal breath." It's the very act of breathing, of speaking, that activates these higher levels of understanding. Our breath gives life to the wisdom within us, transforming it into something dynamic and powerful.
This idea is supported by the biblical verse from Elihu in Iyov (Job 32:8): "But there is a spirit in man: and the breath (nishmat) of the Almighty gives them understanding." Notice that the verse uses nishmat, which comes from neshima (breath), not neshama (soul). It's a crucial distinction. We see this connection elsewhere, too, such as in Isaiah (30:33), which speaks of “…the breath (nishmat) of the Lord, like a stream of brimstone…”.
The Ramchal emphasizes that it’s not just about aging, about accumulating years. Comprehension isn't something that automatically arrives with birthdays. It's activated by breath, by actively engaging with the wisdom we possess and giving it voice.
So, what does this mean for us practically? It means that if you're feeling stuck, if you have an idea that's just not quite clicking, try talking about it. Explain it to a friend, write it down, even just speak it aloud to yourself. Allow the breath of the Almighty to ignite the flame of comprehension within you. Maybe that articulation is the very thing you need to unlock the Da'at and Tevuna waiting to be revealed.