I need to watch out for this..

This was originally published as subscriber email in 2022:

One time during an interview, we were discussing the level of responsibility that comes with speaking or writing publicly, and I acknowledged that I tend to be susceptible to gullibility when faced with eloquence.

For example:

A few years ago, I was listening to an online lecture by a speaker I admired deeply. I remember thinking:

"She's so articulate and knowledgeable, that she could probably give a talk about the Earth being flat and I'd be convinced."

That thought startled me, because I suddenly realized how vulnerable that made me: if someone could earn my trust so easily, in this case through scholarship and pedagogy, then I could be in position where I'd be swayed enough to compromise my intellectual honesty.

More recently, I was listening to an audio book by an author whose writing style I adore, but whose political, religious, and ideological positions run aggressively counter to my own. I had a similar thought, about how compelling beautiful, passionate language can be, and how difficult it can be to separate the medium from the message. 

(I know there is is an approach that would say: "This is why it's important to be careful what you consume. And I agree with that. But I also believe that in order for my opinions to be well-rounded and informed, I need to also hear and consider opposing perspectives. So I try to balance not wanting to live in an echo chamber with curating a life curriculum that aligns with my values and goals. Easier said than done.)

In this week's Torah portion, there's a political figure who has the gift of charisma. He knows what to say to whom and how, offers knowledge and logic to bolster his views, and even boasts pedigree and wealth. He seems to promote such appealing values- like spiritual equality and the sanctity of the individual. He challenges the leadership and the status quo, ostensibly to create space for more people to shine. I always get uncomfortable when I read the Korach story, because I feel like I'd have been seduced by his arguments. (Although I'm not entirely sure; I find the combination of ego and popularity to be a turnoff, so... idk.)

Once in high school, I was on some committee (I don't even remember what it was for), and I suggested an idea that I felt would have offered a more fair distribution of options. Another student in the group replied:

"Elisheva- that sounds like communism. Great in theory; awful in practice."

Equality has such a nice ring to it.

And there are many contexts where it's vital, and I'm incredibly grateful for it.

Yet the world isn't naturally designed that way across the board.

We're not all born with the same minds, talents, families, resources, or opportunities.

We don't all have the same goals or missions.

If we were all the same, none of us could self-define, self-express, or contribute meaningfully.

Total equality can actually snuff out individuality.

(A trendy distinction is to focus on equity vs equality, but that's often used as an over-correction with the same goal of achieving some version of outcome-equality.)

The thing about people like Korach is that they know the right words to say to appeal to the emotionality of the masses.

"You deserve the same as everyone else- everyone is a leader!"

But that's not what they really mean.

What they mean is:

"If my ego can seduce your ego, then I can lead by convincing you to believe what I believe, and then your following me makes you feel like a leader too."

And that can prove destructive to both the individuals and the group.

The word Korach also means "ice" and "bald."

He was cold and slick and smooth.

There was another Torah personality who was described as scholarly and smooth: Jacob/ Yaakov was called "ish chalak," as contrasted with his hirsute twin.

The word for smooth there is also the word for "portion."

Being smooth and slick with ego can lead to self-serving manipulation.

But being smooth, humble, and honest, recognizing that each of us is simply a portion of humanity, not its center, breeds integrity.

The gift of eloquent language is a powerful force for inspiration and motivation.

It's all about what we do with it.

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