'Spinoza is my favourite of the classic European philosophers.

'His greatest work, The Ethics, contains some wonderful insights into the human condition. He wrote in the 17^th Century, at the time of the rise of Modern Science, and was trying to reconcile the then-new idea of scientific determinism (the notion that everything, including human actions, has a scientific explanation) and the old idea of human freedom.

'The model of human nature he constructed is in many ways very standard. Hobbes, the Utilitarians and many other philosophers end up with the same 'we seek pleasure, we avoid pain' model. Spinoza endowed this rather simplistic model with a grace and profundity that no other philosopher has matched (except, possibly, Lao Tzu).

'Spinoza's basic answer to the basic determinism vs. freedom dilemma is to say that as we acquire understanding, both of ourselves and of the external forces that act upon us, we acquire freedom. As we acquire this understanding, we become more 'at cause' and less a creature of external circumstance. This brings us ever more joy in our lives. 'There can never be too much joy,' he wrote. 'It is always good.'

'Spinoza understood, way ahead of his time (Freud was a great admirer of his, as was Nietzsche), that the desire to do harm to others is prompted by our own fears and weaknesses. He argued that the ideal human society is one based on the principles of equality, mutual human respect and respect for other living beings. In such a society, human beings would flourish and live positively rather than exist in the perpetual shadows of fear and defensiveness.

'In the final chapter of his book, he talks about the ability of the essential spirit ('conatus') to transcend death.

'Unlike many philosophers, preachers, expounders of impressive doctrines etc., Spinoza led his life according to his principles. He earnt a quiet, honest living as a lens-manufacturer (a high-tech trade in his time). He dealt with prejudice and misfortune with equanimity, good humour and forgiveness.

'Are there any other fans of this gentle giant of Western philosophy?'

CW

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