Ethics (Penguin Classics)

Another book that I am sure I was not able to fully understand; but - "Nothing exists from whose nature some effect does not follow." Taken from that perspective I am glad to have encountered the writings of this great philosopher. A definite '2nd' read is in order; hoping the the cumulative effect for me will be that I am able to understand more of this important work.

Spinoza's "Ethics" is first and foremost a practical philosophy for everyday living. And for the deep sense of acceptance and joy I experienced during and after reading it - I can say it was definitely worth the read. It's also, however, a work of sustained philosophical brilliance. A philosophy of immanence, in which economy of principles prevails as an attempt is made to explain existence through one single thing - Substance/God/Nature, three words for this one thing. There is no Cartesian mind/body dualism here, but instead a philosophy that seeks to show how to mind and body are united. I could go on and on, but suffice it to say the book is great and challenging thoughtscape.For all serious scholars of philosophy or people looking to say yes to existence - this book was meant for you.

If you’re just getting started reading philosophy like me. This will be pretty difficult. I purchased a primer just after this, I would recommend you buy philosophy 101 and read that to get the basics before venturing into this. if you’re well-versed in philosophy, then of course, you could go straight to it.

Readers of Spinoza’s Ethics might be surprised by the heavy influence of scholastic terminology and thinking relied upon in the text. Intellect, will, substance and other bulwarks of medieval thought feature prominently in Spinoza’s system.A further surprise is that Spinoza proceeds mostly according to a Euclidean model. Influenced by Descartes, Spinoza thinks that the universe can be understood by axioms and deductions just as in a geometric proof.This is, of course, all intellectual history. Spinoza reasoned that the Jewish God could not exist because, being infinite, it makes no sense to conceive of him creating a finite universe. Thus, the universe itself must be necessary and infinite, with no real distinction between it and the deity.But, if there’s anything astrophysics is certain of it is that our universe is far from necessary. We can easily imagine other universes, governed by different rules that could have been just as real as our own. Since Spinoza builds so much of his system on a necessary universe it seems like this is an Achilles heel in his thought.But he still makes for engaging reading. His book is really a shorter summa a la the writings of the great works of the Middle Ages. From the nature of God, to the nature of the universe, to the secret to the virtuous and happiest life, Spinoza’s system is all encompassing. Highly recommended to all readers interested in the transition from medieval to modern philosophy.

Spinoza was ahead of his time, the man had great insight.

If you want to read a book that touches on the essence of every aspect of existence, start here. The format of this book is intimidating, but it is accessible to anyone. It is meant to be read intently. Spinoza breaks down common experience to demonstrate how pure reason leads to an understand of Nature, revealing the wonder of the mundane.

You can’t go wrong with Spinoza but in this book the dude is pretty heavy duty. I'm not that bright but I’m sure most folks who are into philosophy will dig it

You don’t need to remotely agree with Spinoza to understand his genius. This book is a must read for anyone interested in philosophy.