If the way which I have pointed out as leading to this result (i.e., power over the emotions by which the wise man surpasses the ignorant man) seems exceedingly hard, it may nevertheless be discovered. Needs must it be hard, since it is so seldom found. How would it be possible, if salvation were ready to our hand, and could without great labour be found, that it should be by almost all men neglected? But all things excellent are as difficult as they are rare.
Baruch SpinozaMen will find that they can ... avoid far more easily the perils which beset them on all sides by united action.
Baruch SpinozaI do not know how to teach philosophy without becoming a disturber of established religion.
Baruch SpinozaI make this chief distinction between religion and superstition, that the latter is founded on ignorance, the former on knowledge.
Baruch SpinozaEveryone endeavors as much as possible to make others love what he loves, and to hate what he hates... This effort to make everyone approve what we love or hate is in truth ambition, and so we see that each person by nature desires that other persons should live according to his way of thinking.
Baruch Spinoza