Reply To: College, Secular Studies & Judaism

anon: It is from the Mussar Seforim.

The nimshol is there’s nothing wrong with going to work, but to spend the gift of life that Hashem gives us for such a short time in this world selling cars or programming computers or whatever we need to do to make a living, is insane. It may be necessary, but it’s still insane. We have so little to live in this world (we should all live to 120 years, but compared to eternity in the afterlife, 120 years is nothing), and its our only chance to collect Torah and Mitzvos — how crazy is it to busy ourselves with other things?? But we have to? OK, we have to. At the very least, let us realize that we do so out of necessity and that making a living necessitates our leading a life which, when you consider what we’re on this world for and the opportunities that exist ONLY while we are here, is insane. Let’s at least realize that.

IOW it isn’t the person who is insane, but rather the fact that is is unfortunately necessary to spend so much time on work rather than Torah that is nuts. The biggest negative effect is the amount of time it takes one away from the real things in life (Torah.) At least recognize this fact, even if you cannot help it.