Philo of Alexandria, a fascinating Jewish philosopher who lived way back in the first century, grappled with this very idea. And in a text known as The Midrash of Philo 16, he unpacks the profound significance of oneness.
He begins by pointing out that something good can emerge from a multitude. Think about it: a single act of kindness can ripple outwards, touching countless lives. One person performing a helpful deed, one person receiving it – both are singular in their role, right?
But Philo isn't just talking about numerical oneness, that simple "one comes before two" kind of thinking. He's diving into a deeper concept: a creative virtue, a unifying force that allows many beings to come together in harmony. He uses vivid imagery: a flock of birds moving as one, a herd of animals grazing peacefully, a chorus singing in perfect unison, an army marching with shared purpose, a nation united by common values. All these diverse elements, these "many members," form a single community, bound together by affection, "as by a kiss." It's a beautiful image, isn't it?
The key here is that shared purpose, that unifying "kiss." When things are disconnected, when there's no principle of union, that's when things fall apart. Philo sees duality – that initial split from oneness – as the beginning of discord. It’s like the first crack in a mirror, shattering the reflection into countless distorted pieces.
But there's hope! Philo argues that even two people, if they live as if they were one, united in purpose and spirit, can achieve a pure and radiant virtue, untouched by wickedness. This kind of unity creates strength and resilience. Think of Ruth and Naomi, inseparable in their devotion. Or the many stories of steadfast friendships in the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible).
It’s when good and evil are mixed, when there’s internal conflict and division, that Philo sees the "principle of death." It’s a stark warning about the dangers of internal discord and the importance of striving for wholeness.
So, what does this all mean for us today? Perhaps it's a reminder to seek out those unifying forces in our own lives – the connections that bind us to others, the shared values that give us purpose, the inner harmony that allows us to face the world with strength and clarity. To strive for oneness, not just in number, but in spirit. Maybe, just maybe, that's the secret to a life of radiant virtue.