Machshava:

Sexuality 

Collections: R' Shvat Ain Aya- Rav Kook's commentary on the Aggadeta of Masechet Shabbat

References: Succah: 52A  

Description

This famous, controversial & often misunderstood gemara that R. Yehuda HaNasi, a descendant of the Davidic family, opined that King David didn't sin with Batsheva, because he was biased. Rav Kook shows both sides of the issue, even bravely dealing with a Freudian-like idea that leadership qualities are connected with positive libido as well as social intelligence, as lehavdil sometimes seen in some great modern leaders who often misuse this trait. Rav Kook deals here as well with the importance of intellectual honesty and rising above bias, even towards our Tanachic Heroes, and also seemingly offers here a new explanation to "Whoever is greater than his friend, has a greater [sexual] desire" (Sukkah 52).