I make this chief distinction between religion and superstition, that the latter is founded on ignorance, the former on knowledge.
Baruch SpinozaThe virtue of a free man appears equally great in refusing to face difficulties as in overcoming them.
Baruch SpinozaAnyone who seeks for the true causes of miracles, and strives to understand natural phenomena as an intelligent being, and not to gaze at them like a fool, is set down and denounced as an impious heretic.
Baruch SpinozaThose who are believed to be most abject and humble are usually most ambitious and envious.
Baruch Spinoza