Poetry On Odds?

Can a poem can be reduced to a statistical discourse?

While not an eclectic Tom Lehrer composition, a scriptural poem’s profound imagery can be reduced to numbers.

For Mr. Leher, his song –The Elements- provides Chemistry Student a tool for memorizing the Periodic Table.

For the Hebrew Bible’s Psalm #1, a numerical calculus is suggested which may deliver a pathway to prosperity. See 1 Kings 2:3. [“Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go.”]

The Premise

Human decision-making, in a large part, involves odds. Both consciously and subconsciously, the Human mind churns statistics to make choices and preferences.

Every day, Humans embrace these probabilities and possibilities to live their lives.

When parents choose the kids’ schools, when children apply for college, and where families purchase a house, the numbers matter.

Parents want good schools for the children to enhance their vocational opportunities. Children seek renown universities that can increase the likelihood of landing great jobs or getting a lofty paycheck. Home Buyers look at low crime areas for safe neighborhoods.

The Psalm

Psalm #1’s relevant passage is “But his desire is in the Torah of the Lord, and in His Torah he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree deeply rooted alongside brooks of water, that yields its fruits in its season and whose leaf never withers; and everything that he does will succeed.” Psalm 1:2-3

In total context Psalm #1 thematically contrasts the good versus the wicked. When isolating this particular passage, it also suggests something else.

The Psalm appeals to humanity’s logic and inherent (yet hidden) employment of statistics.

Irrespective of wickedness, adherence to the commandments, laws and instructions positively impact lives. In essence, the Psalm presents the Torah as an odds-based proven pathway for success.

Conclusion

While a mere hypothesis, researchers who have tackled the religious connection to prosperity. The data encountered was suggestive of a relationship. See Religion and Wealth: The Role of Religious Affiliation and Participation in Early Adult Asset Accumulation, Keister, Social Forces, September 2003.

With this, a reasonable assumption is that a Torah-based morality constitutes a vehicle with favorable probabilities that result in prosperity.

Be well!!

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