Baruch Spinoza

Holland
24 Nov 1632 // 21 Feb 1677
Philosopher

Quotes

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Emotion, which is suffering, ceases to be suffering as soon as we form a clear and precise picture of it
Those are most desirous of honor and glory who cry out the loudest of its abuse and the vanity of the world
In refusing benefits caution must be used lest we seem to despise or to refuse them for fear of having to repay them in kind
He whose honor depends on the opinion of the mob must day by day strive with the greatest anxiety, act and scheme in order to retain his reputation. For the mob is varied and inconstant, and therefore if a reputation is not carefully preserved it dies quickly
Avarice, ambition, lust, etc., are nothing but species of madness
Men will find that they can prepare with mutual aid far more easily what they need, and avoid far more easily the perils which beset them on all sides, by united force
Man is a social animal
He, who has a true idea, simultaneously knows that he has a true idea, and cannot doubt of the truth of the thing perceived
The order and connection of ideas is the same as the order and connection of things
Nothing exists from whose nature some effect does not follow
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On Anger: "For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind."
Essays
On Destiny: "Our destiny exercises its influence over us even when, as yet, we have not learned its nature: it is our future that lays down the law of our today."
Human, All Too Human
On Friendship: "A crowd is not company; and faces are but a gallery of pictures; and talk but a tinkling cymbal, where there is no love."
Essays