Baruch Spinoza, (1632-1677) Dutch philosopher of Sephardi Portuguese origin Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Comment on this quote Share via Email Print this Page [1-8] of 8 Baruch Spinoza quotesBaruch Spinoza QuotesBaruch Spinoza Laws directed against opinions affect the generous-minded rather than the wicked, and are adapted less for coercing criminals than for irritating the upright.~ Baruch Spinoza Only free men are thoroughly grateful one to another.~ Baruch Spinoza Laws 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 Spinoza The ultimate aim of government is not to rule, or restrain, by fear, nor to exact obedience, but contrariwise, to free every man from fear, that he may live in all possible security; in other words, to strengthen his natural right to exist and work without injury to himself or others. No, the object of government is not to change men from rational beings into beasts or puppets, but to enable them to develope their minds and bodies in security, and to employ their reason unshackled; neither showing hatred, anger, or deceit, nor watched with the eyes of jealousy and injustice. In fact, the true aim of government is liberty.~ Baruch Spinoza He alone is free who lives with free consent under the entire guidance of reason.~ Baruch Spinoza Peace is not an absence of war, it is a virtue, a state of mind, a disposition for benevolence, confidence, justice.~ Baruch Spinoza Academies that are founded at public expense are instituted not so much to cultivate men's natural abilities as to restrain them.~ Baruch Spinoza The most tyrannical governments are those which make crimes of opinions, for everyone has an inalienable right to his own thoughts.~ Baruch Spinoza Share on Facebook Tweet Email Print