Baruch (_Benedict de) Spinoza, E Quotes

A collection of quotes by Baruch (_Benedict de) Spinoza, E.

Baruch (Benedict de) Spinoza was a renowned philosopher of the 17th century. Born on November 24, 1632, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, he became one of the most influential figures in Western philosophy. Spinoza's ideas challenged traditional religious and philosophical beliefs, making him a controversial figure during his time.

Spinoza's early education focused on Jewish studies, and he was well-versed in Hebrew and Talmudic literature. However, he became critical of dogmatic religious teachings and began questioning conventional notions of God. His dissenting views led to his excommunication from the Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam at the age of 23.

Throughout his life, Spinoza worked in various trades to support himself while dedicating most of his time to philosophical pursuits. He developed a unique philosophical system that aimed to provide a rational understanding of the world, rejecting notions of a personal God and emphasizing the interconnectedness of everything in nature. His major work, "Ethics," published after his death in 1677, presented a comprehensive exploration of his philosophy.

Spinoza's ideas influenced many subsequent thinkers, particularly in the fields of metaphysics, rationalism, and political philosophy. He is often considered one of the forefathers of Enlightenment thought and a precursor to modern secularism. Despite facing significant opposition during his lifetime, Baruch Spinoza's philosophical contributions continue to shape intellectual discourse to this day.

What is called vainglory is self-satisfaction, nourished by

What is called vainglory is self-satisfaction, nourished by nothing but the good opinion of the multitude, so that when that is withdrawn, the satisfaction, that is to say, the chief good which every one loves, ceases. For this reason those who glory in the good opinion of the multitude anxiously and with daily care strive, labour, and struggle to preserve their fame. For the multitude is changeable and fickle, so that fame, if it be not preserved, soon passes away. As every one, moreover, is desirous to catch the praises of the people, one person will readily destroy the fame of another; and, consequently, as the object of contention is what is commonly thought to be the highest good, a great desire arises on the part of every one to keep down his fellows by every possible means, and he who at last comes off conqueror boasts more because he has injured another person than because he has profited himself. This glory of self-satisfaction, therefore, is indeed vain, for it is really no glory.

Baruch (_Benedict de) Spinoza, E

Glory