The Whole World in One Idea

“Rabbi Ishmael was one of the most prominent and excellent among the fathers of the Talmudical literature…. To Ishmael, common observation as well as innate principles proved the truth of his belief. First, no atom of matter, in the whole vastness of the universe, is lost; how, then, can man’s soul, which comprises the whole world in one idea, be lost? Secondly, in all nature death is but a transformation; with the soul it is the portal to a new and higher realm. Thirdly, our thoughts and feelings, emanating from the soul, are not of an earthly nature.”

Polano, H. The Talmud. Selections from the Contents of That Ancient Book ... Also, Brief Sketches of the Men Who Made and Commented upon It. Frederick Warne and Company, 1876, ["Rabbi Ishmael, the High Priest"].