I have been looking at what is "the correct way to live"-I am NOT talking about this in connection with the Bible at the moment,that will come at the end. If I look at how the philosophers (non jewish) lived their lives they did things like observing the world,philosophic contemplation,activities that contribute to intellectual development,personal growth and self mastery,pursuing knowledge so they make better choices in life,music,other knowledge,develop their faculties,nurture talents and tastes and relationships,teaching liberal arts,-how or does this align with the Torah as the way to spend our time.Does the Torah encompass all these things .Or does Torah contradict it.

Shalom, Thank you for getting back to us again. All the things you mentioned are certainly in line with living a full Torah life, and attaining higher levels of holiness and perfection. For example, many of our greatest Rabbis were scientists (for example the Ralbag (Gersonides)). Many were philosophers (Rambam). Some emphasized connecting to nature (the Baal Shem Tov). Some were deeply involved in literature (Rabbi Aaron Liechtenstein). Rav Kook writes that the fine arts, for example, is a holy endeavor. And on and on – literally unending examples of very religious and holy Jews who lived a full Torah life and part of that life was through the wide worldly endeavors they undertook. So, not only are these activities allowed – they are actively encouraged when undertaken as part of a full life connected with G-d. As it says in Mishlei 3:6 “In all your ways acknowledge him” – which is understood to mean that one can and should connect to G-d in “all your ways”. I hope this is of some help.