The endeavor to understand is the first and only basis of virtue.

Quote by Baruch Spinoza

Topics: Baruch Spinoza Quotes

Freedom is absolutely necessary for the progress in science and the liberal arts

Freedom is absolutely necessary for the progress in science and the liberal arts

Do not weep; do not wax indignant. Understand.

Do not weep; do not wax indignant. Understand.

I have made a ceaseless effort not to ridicule, not to bewail, not to scorn...

I have made a ceaseless effort not to ridicule, not to bewail, not to scorn...

Hatred is increased by being reciprocated, and can on the other hand be destroyed by...

Hatred is increased by being reciprocated, and can on the other hand be destroyed by...

He alone is free who lives with free consent under the entire guidance of reason.

He alone is free who lives with free consent under the entire guidance of reason.

Sin cannot be conceived in a natural state, but only in a civil state, where...

Sin cannot be conceived in a natural state, but only in a civil state, where...

Be not astonished at new ideas; for it is well known to you that a...

Be not astonished at new ideas; for it is well known to you that a...

For peace is not mere absence of war, but is a virtue that springs from,...

For peace is not mere absence of war, but is a virtue that springs from,...

Sin cannot be conceived in a natural state, but only in a civil state, where...

Sin cannot be conceived in a natural state, but only in a civil state, where...

Happiness is a virtue, not its reward.

Happiness is a virtue, not its reward.

Will and intellect are one and the same thing.

Will and intellect are one and the same thing.

God is the indwelling and not the transient cause of all things

God is the indwelling and not the transient cause of all things

One and the same thing can at the same time be good, bad, and indifferent,...

One and the same thing can at the same time be good, bad, and indifferent,...

Fear cannot be without hope nor hope without fear.

Fear cannot be without hope nor hope without fear.

For peace is not mere absence of war, but is a virtue that springs from,...

For peace is not mere absence of war, but is a virtue that springs from,...

Happiness is a virtue, not its reward

Happiness is a virtue, not its reward

Desire is the very essence of man

Desire is the very essence of man

The greatest pride, or the greatest despondency, is the greatest ignorance of one's self.

The greatest pride, or the greatest despondency, is the greatest ignorance of one's self.

Blessedness is not the reward of virtue but virtue itself.

Blessedness is not the reward of virtue but virtue itself.

Desire is the very essence of man.

Desire is the very essence of man.