Think Least of Death

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The seventeenth-century Dutch-Jewish philosopher Baruch Spinoza is renowned for his heretical views on God and radical determinism, but he is increasingly recognized as a moral philosopher. In his philosophical masterpiece, he explores fundamental questions that prompt reflection on personal values: What is truly good? What constitutes happiness? How does virtue relate to happiness and human flourishing? A central claim in his work is that "the free person thinks least of all of death," emphasizing that true wisdom focuses on life rather than death. For Spinoza, a free life is characterized by joy, where one prioritizes what is truly important and is untroubled by harmful passions like hate and envy. He advocates for treating others with benevolence, justice, and charity, enjoying worldly pleasures in moderation. The ethical principles he outlines are closely tied to his metaphysical views, illustrating that understanding human nature and its cosmic context is essential for grasping his ideas on values, happiness, and flourishing. This engaging exploration makes Spinoza's complex philosophy accessible to contemporary readers seeking insights into morality and guidance on living well, even from a thinker once deemed scandalous by his contemporaries.