WHAT IS “GREEK WISDOM?
” Rashi (Menachot 64b) defines Greek wisdom as “things hinted at” (remizot). Likewise, the Rambam (in his Commentary on the Mishna) calls it “hints and riddles.” This seems to refer not to standard wisdom, the sciences and humanities, but rather to some secret, esoteric wisdom. The Rivash (#45) was asked to define Greek wisdom, “whether it refers to those famous books about the natural world and about what is beyond it (physics and metaphysics)?” He responded that they are not included in the decree. In his opinion, “‘Greek wisdom’ means to speak in Greek in a way that the common folk will not understand, using riddles and obscure language…” (However, he raises the possibility that it still might be fitting to avoid studying Greek scientific works for another reason, “Do not stray after idols.”) With regard to modern times: The Rambam writes that Greek language and wisdom has been forgotten: “This matter has, no doubt, been lost, and does not exist today in the world …” (Commentary
