The supreme mystery of despotism, its prop and stay, is to keep men in a state of deception, and with the specious title of religion to cloak the fear by which they must be held in check, so that they will fight for their servitude as if for salvation.
Baruch SpinozaSurely human affairs would be far happier if the power in men to be silent were the same as that to speak.
Baruch SpinozaLaws which prescribe what everyone must believe, and forbid men to say or write anything against this or that opinion, are often passed to gratify, or rather to appease the anger of those who cannot abide independent minds.
Baruch SpinozaIn the state of nature, wrong-doing is impossible ; or, if anyone does wrong, it is to himself, not to another.
Baruch Spinoza