I am fascinated by Spinoza's pantheism, but admire even more his contributions to modern thought because he is the first philosopher to deal with the soul and the body as one, not two separate things

Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas. ... [By seeking] logical beauty spiritual formulas are discovered necessary for the deeper penetration into the laws of nature.

... a person who is religiously enlightened appears to me to be one who has, to the best of his ability, liberated himself from the fetters of his selfish desires and is preoccupied with thoughts, feelings, and aspirations to which he clings because of their superpersonal value.

Enjoying the joys of others and suffering with them-these are the best guides for man.

Do you believe in immortality? No, and one life is enough for me.

I know that philosophically a murderer is not responsible for his crime, but I prefer not to take tea with him.

...Intelligence and character of the masses are incomparably lower than the intelligence and character of the few who produce something valuable for the community.