The Philosophy Of Baruch Spinoza

The philosophy of Baruch Spinoza is without a question one of the supreme achievements of modern thought. This is but a brief overview of his views on ethics, morality, god, religion, and politics. Here I will provide commentary, but also let him speak to you in his own words.
If you enjoy learning about eastern and western philosophy consider subscribing to the channel. I can promise you that exploring the lives of such great men and women will leave you in turn a little greater than you were before.
I highly recommend reading Will Durant's "The Story of Philosophy." It has been immensely helpful in creating this video, link in the description below.
Instagram: / letstalkphilosophy
Sources:
Will Durant - The Story of Philosophy (www.amazon.com/dp/B00873GLOQ/...)
Spinoza - The Ethics (www.amazon.com/Spinozas-Ethic...)
Music: Flecks of Light from KZbin audio library
Creative Commons Attribution:
Spinoza’s Grave - commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Mother Nature - www.flickr.com/photos/seniju/...
Spinoza’s desk - commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Spinoza Flag - www.flickr.com/photos/robinno...
Spinoza outline - commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Spinoza Bookcase - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sp...
Jewish Persecution - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish...
Spinoza’s house - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baruch_...
Spinoza’s house 2 - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baruch_...
Spinoza’s Grave - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baruch_...
Spinoza Monument - www.flickr.com/photos/24orang...
Spinoza Statue - www.flickr.com/photos/suasso/...
New Zealand Mountains - Author Kiril Dobrev on Videvo.net
#Spinoza #BaruchSpinoza #Philosophy #LetsTalkPhilosophy

[@sakogekchyan7366]

As a Hindu, I have to say that those of us who know of Spinoza feel a deep kinship with him. We call him the western Vedantist.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Interesting I had not heard that before, thanks for sharing!

[@sumitrashankarchamoli8547]

He was a staunch rationalist along with Descartes and Lebnitz

[@kami-og5wf]

Another Hindu Spinoza enjoyer here

[@PercyGold-gb8xb]

@@sumitrashankarchamoli8547 Leibniz was a plagiarist who stole freely from Spinoza. There were others who ripped off Spinoza, many others. But my professor specifically mentioned Leibniz.

[@0004W]

He didn’t believe someone could perform leviathan and lift a mountain on his hand and fly to Lanka 😅…. Only Bhakts blindly believe it

[@Byrdmaniac]

Spinoza's Ethics is definitely one of the most sublime I've come across in all of philosophy. It's amazing how he constructs such a high ethic/virtue in a deterministic and logically necessary world. Religions say to pursue virtue for better rewards, but for Spinoza pursuit of virtue is our very nature and is what gives us true joy and also is what gives us the vision to see circumstances as they're. And he lived his precepts too. The noblest of philosophers. Also, his pantheism bears similarity to Advaita Vedanta, which is so fascinating for a Vedantic like me.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment! He was a fantastic mind who, though hated by many of his day, persisted as the very epitome of his ethic. I think what I appreciate most about Spinoza is that he lived the very Ethics that he wrote. There are truly not many born of his likeness.

[@adrianaslund8605]

One thing that sticks with me with Spinoza is that determinism is a good reason to be responsible. Because nothing you do exists in a vacuum. All of your thoughts have been shaped by previous causes and you are not directly responsible for them but being made aware of this. You understand just how important you are. And that your part in this chain of cause and effect. And with that you can gain a semblance of autonomy. To not just be a victim of fate like many are but someone who takes an informed part in it.

[@EwingAmaterasu]

The prophet of Amsterdam, the philosopher of Joy, the God intoxicated man. As holly as Saint Francis, as wise as Plato, how blessed was this universe to have given spring to such a soul, for he showed us the path towards peace by the intellectual love of God.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Well said friend. He still remains my most loved philosopher, though I enjoy Santayana near as much! The next video will be on him. Thank you for the support, I hope you enjoyed the video!

[@EwingAmaterasu]

Let's Talk Philosophy I have been waiting for years for someone like you to make a video like this. And finally it is here!! Spinoza is also, alongside Plato and Schopenhauer, my favourite philosopher. I admire him so much, I think of him more as a prophet than just a rational thinker. I’m looking forward for your next videos!

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

@@EwingAmaterasu it was also my favorite video to create thus far, I suppose that's why its 15 minutes long haha! Thank you again for your support!

[@peterkhew7414]

There's some parallels between Spinoza and Laozi. Both were escaping from disaster, both wrote books that were a threat to their respective establishment, and both marvel at the mysterious working of Nature, which they recognised as God/Tao.

[@johnclifford2371]

Fantastic, Spinoza works should be a prerequisite in all schools.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

I agree! But I am afraid the world hasn't quite mounted to him yet. My next video will be on George Santayana. In my opinion the most profound philosopher in the past 150 years! Thank you for your support my friend.

[@lewisalmeida3495]

Belief in freewill is delusional, there's a way to improve one's understanding. To understand Spinoza, the mind must

[@williamthomas2278]

@@LetsTalkPhilosophy looking for the link to Sanataya is their a link? Love this series

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

@@williamthomas2278 This should do, kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmfUinWZZ6d0bM0

[@AR-px1ty]

John 1: 1: In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God and the Word was God. The Word is the Laws of physics that govern the universe and nature. Spinoza and Eisntein knew and understand it perfectly in that sense.

[@satnamo]

Even god is behind das word g!

[@sagnikgangopadhyay4687]

This is the western version of Advaita Vedanta of Shankaracharya. Substance is the sat-chit-ananda (pure existence-consciousness-bliss) Brahman and Mode is Maya. The entire universe is but an illusion that arises and settles in consciousness.

[@mabodomoca]

Great, insightful content on a man who was, above all, true to himself throughout his short life.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

The greatest of philosophers, I can think of no other who has influenced my philosophical ideal! Thank you for watching!

[@elizabethj8510]

During Spinoza's lifetime, it wasn't only the Roman Catholic Church which would consider his work as heresy. Protestants, particularly in the Dutch Republic, would take exception as well.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Indeed, a minor oversight that I should have included.

[@suppiluiiuma5769]

Thanks for touching on Spinoza's work. He is among my favourite philosophers. I have now subscribed having discovered this great channel.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

I also rank him among my favorite, thank you for taking the time to watch and subscribe!

[@satnamo]

Me too

[@russellbudlong3521]

I could easily sit for an hour to have you expound on this subject.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Thanks Russell, Always appreciate your support! Next video will be on perhaps the greatest philosopher of the 19th century (Personal preference of course). He may not spin magnificent metaphysical tempests like Spinoza, but he is rich in the concrete. Keep an eye out for it!

[@russellbudlong3521]

@@LetsTalkPhilosophy Your to-the-point clarity causes one to wish that you were not so brief.

[@tomt9776]

Great Video!!! 🤯

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

@@tomt9776 thank you Tomas! I appreciate your support and am glad you enjoyed it.

[@johnhamann5861]

How about two hours? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKu8YXt7ish-ea8

[@thaigolden9382]

I have a presentation on Spinoza and this helped a lot. I love his way of thinking. Thanks 🙏🏾

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

That is awesome, I always enjoy hearing that my work has made a difference! Good luck on your presentation, I'm sure you will do great.

[@lewisalmeida3495]

Belief in freewill is delusional, there's a way to improve one's understanding. To understand Spinoza, the mind must

[@parulrajwanshi3282]

Your work is amazing! Quality and crispness. Thanks and keep up the greattttttt work!

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

I appreciate your support and am glad your are enjoying the videos!

[@lewisalmeida3495]

Belief in freewill is delusional, there's a way to improve one's understanding. To understand Spinoza, the mind must

[@retired3437]

Every world leader and politician should study Spinoza.

[@Bilboswaggins2077]

I think you should make a video on Gilles Deleuze one day. His idea of Desiring Production is radical and seems to draw a lot from Nietzsche and Spinoza

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

He is added to my list, long though it may be I plan to get to as many as I can. Recently I have been away so contributing time to the channel has been near impossible, but I have recently returned and am in a great position to begin creating again. Thanks for taking the time to watch my videos and I hope you find them useful!

[@brookejordan7137]

fantastic video, super helpful intro to spinoza's ethics :)

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Awesome!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Spinoza is my personal favorite philosopher; I think the Ethics are something everyone should sink their teeth in. Thank you for your support!

[@hectormorales5211]

For some people pain is pleasure, and for the most of us before pain we experience pleasure.

[@thunbergmartin]

Having recently spent time reading the genealogy of morals, and from your video, I was struck by how certain parts resonate in Nietzsche; given the end of your video I was suppose there might be some merit to that thought. Regardless, I really enjoy going through the canon of philosophy, and with the pleasure of being able to do it at my on leisurely pace; I feel like a kid, unraveling presents, discovering mysteries, parallels and mutations of thought, and then letting them tumble around my useless brain, for really know purpose other then pleasure. I picked up an introduction to Spinoza from a thrifshop the other day, just got through the introduction, and looking forward to delving deeper, thank you for the introduction. Hope you are doing well!

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Good to hear from you Martin! I am excited to hear that you are taking the time to discover Spinoza, his philosophy is most certainly my favorite. I also understand your feeling of finding new philosophies to read through and them being like unwrapped presents. It is one of my passions in life to go to the used book store and find new philosophy books that I may not have yet. Cheers friend!

[@lewisalmeida3495]

Belief in freewill is delusional, there's a way to improve one's understanding. To understand Spinoza, the mind must

[@intoxicatingmooneyes9150]

I know exactly how u feel!🥰

[@danbreeden5481]

Some have identified Spinoza's ideas as not pantheism but Panentheistic view of God

[@kitrichardson2165]

@@lewisalmeida3495 I used to think so also until the concepts of quantum physics outlined a world where things were not necessarily causally related.Nietzsche stated once that “anyone who doesn’t see that the world is as mechanical as a Clock is a blockhead“ And that made perfect sense when I read it but things have changed in the world since these philosophers made their claims.

[@davidgoud2012]

This is such a refreshing video. Watched it a couple of times and it is so nourishing. Bravo. 👍✌️🍷🍷

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Thank you for the kind words David, I hope that you were able to take something valuable away from it!

[@swordpen6351]

Great content Brett! I am starting my own KZbin channel and upload videos about philosophy, but still need to learn alot about videomaking. Your channel will be a great source of inspiration!

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Awesome, good luck! It is definitely no easy feat.

[@willmannon9185]

Fantastic video. Keep it up!

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Thank you for your support, I am grateful! I am also glad you enjoyed the video, Spinoza is a great mind and my favorite philosopher.

[@crusherjones6809]

This is a truly beautiful and lovely video. Great work! Subbed.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Thank you! I am very grateful that you took the time to watch the video and comment, It means more than you could know. I hope that I can continue to build this channel so that it reaches more individuals like you! Again thank you for the kind words, my next video will be on George Santayana. If you enjoy the philosophy of Spinoza I think you will very much enjoy that of George Santayana!

[@crusherjones6809]

@@LetsTalkPhilosophy I have not yet dived into Santayana! Right now I'm just trying to get into bits and pieces as I continue my studies.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Awesome, good luck! I think you will find no greater gift than the knowledge that the these great men and women bestow upon you.

[@user24350]

Great video, almost certainly the best on KZbin about Spinoza.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@hectormata449]

I received an A.A. in Phycology/philosophy 50+ years ago and learned about the pre-Socratics, Plato and the allegory of the cave, Aristotelian ethics, Freudian psycho-analysis, etc., but nothing about Spinoza. I think that if I could have exchanged all that for a course devoted to Spinoza I would have had a better understanding of the world and society in general.

[@joecassius1173]

Thank You. I've subscribed. Just about to start my Spinoza path.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

I appreciate your support and am excited to hear that you are looking into his work! As subjective as it may be; I think you will find yourself satisfied and fascinated. Research his life as well, you will find that unlike many others his life thoroughly conformed to what he taught. Not many like him have walked this earth.

[@joecassius1173]

@@LetsTalkPhilosophy Funny. Just reading Freud, talking about speech and word-blunders. Freudian Slips. And when I first read your message I saw 'conformed' as 'comforted.' I immediately pictured a cosy thought-room, of candlelight and book. Ha. Bliss. Just wild. So what Spinoza biography would you recommend?

[@paulfletcher-yi2ji]

Most Excellent Thank you

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Of course, thanks for watching!

[@andreysimeonov1661]

Great video. Keep walking. I will check all your videos. Your channel are awesome.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Thank you for the support and encouragement, I appreciate it! Always glad to have individuals such as yourself as a part of this community!

[@TheGuiltsOfUs]

I'm glad Spinoza existed!

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Along with Durant, I would place Spinoza with those who most directly reinforced my love of philosophy; so, I will happily agree with your statement!

[@CoStudiox]

Beautiful work.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Thank you!

[@elkiness]

Thank you very much! I've been interested in Spinoza for a very long time (I'm 73), but have never delved deeply into his thought and achievements. So I'm skimming the surface first here on KZbin. After your fine video, (just subscribed!) I feel almost ready to try to read ''The Ethics''--is there a book your would recommend to help me on this path? Will Durant? I would gladly hear an hour video of yours!

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Thank you for the kind words and support! Spinoza is my philosopher of choice for my nightly readings, he gives us not only a fascinating philosophy, but also a life in step with his words. I believe the first step in reading The Ethics is understanding the terminology of Spinoza, once that hurdle is cleared you should read the Ethics once through to get a feel for his style and meaning. Once you have read the Ethics and are thoroughly confused pick up some commentary on it. I choose Durant because I love his style and trust his accuracy, but there are many books that delve deeper into his philosophy; for example Jonathan Bennett gives us "A Study of Spinoza's Ethics" which I found helpful, though a bit dry. Once this has been finished you should read the Ethics again, you will find it much more comprehensive than the first read! Good luck and I hope to see you in future videos!

[@mattdobbs-dr2rt]

Interesting facts 👌

[@kitrichardson2165]

I had so many problems with the snippets of his philosophy, where there are many real world examples which seem to fly in the face of edicts best applied to himself. But he does give us something to strive for.

[@AlchemicalForge91]

Excellent video. Thank you

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Thank you for taking the time to watch and subscribe!

[@sylviaowega3839]

Great video, and a great pleasure to listen to as a Spinozist myself!

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Thank you for taking the time to comment, it is always refreshing to see modern day Spinozists. It is a difficult philosophy to understand and downright frustrating at times, but if you persist you will find, in my opinion, one of the treasures of the modern age. Its content is buttressed by the fact that he lived the Ethics he wrote, something that is to infrequently present in the history of philosophy. Cheers friend!

[@sylviaowega3839]

@@LetsTalkPhilosophy Thanks for the reply! Spinoza did indeed live his own philosophy, and was the most humble and authentic out of all the philosophers. I also know that once one truly understands his “Ethics”, he truly becomes enlightened and learns to not hate, or resent anyone for those who have wronged them as no one is the sole author of their actions. His philosophy transcend all history and time.

[@reynalindstrom2496]

Thanks! Love from Sweden

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Cheers friend, thank you for the support!

[@potenvandebizon]

Great video!

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed the video!

[@adrianaslund8605]

I think you should read about Spinoza because he's a timelessly good and superintelligent guy who lived in a world so alien to us. And he had insights on emotions and religion that are still relevant today.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

An incredible man, there surely were not many like him throughout history.

[@daveespinoza1319]

Great works from Spinoza.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Thank you for taking the time to watch, keep an eye out for my next upload, it will be on Spinoza!

[@bear7015]

I found your video enlightening, and it strikes me that Spinoza came to many of the same conclusions about life as classical Taoism.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Thanks for watching David, sorry for my late reply; I have been away recently and have not had the opportunity to create.

[@TheGiantMidget]

This is exactly what i thought when i read the ethics as i had read tao te ching at the same time going back and forth between the two

[@bernardforand4078]

I'm in awe. To find a lost Love once again...

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

The greatest philosopher of modern times, in my opinion that is!

[@tangent1439]

I had many spinozas idea independently of this video.....and many bright minds out there had as well and many in the future will. Maybe not exactly but pretty the same

[@flovv9357]

Many rational thinkers will come to the same or similar conclusions about the true nature of reality/God.

[@mhaielopre5484]

Im amaze by the genius of Spinoza. I wonder how he discovered or how did he knew this truth.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

By long hours of quiet thinking and study. As for his truths they were likely developed throughout his life. He took from many and wove them into a beautiful tapestry. What I admire most in Spinoza is that he not only wrote philosophy, he lived it as well. Thank you for taking the time to watch!

[@AliTwaij]

Very good Thankyou

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Thank you for taking the time to watch!

[@joenesley5544]

I recommend reading the works of Jonathan Israel on the legacy of Spinoza. Saying that Lessing rekindled his relevance is very misleading. Israel contends that Spinoza is the foundation of what we consider modernity. Spinozism was the fuel for the Radical Enlightenment, and whose motivation for activism led to the many democratic revolutions of the 18th and 19th Centuries.

[@uer-px1kd]

You can really see spinozas influnce on nietzsche lol great video!

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Like twins!

[@patmac104]

Well done

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Thank you, I hope it was insightful!

[@user-mt9pk4uf9b]

Hi there! I really enjoyed the statement at about 4:24 regarding communicating in a comprehensible manner. I pulled the complete works in english and can't source it though. :( Can you tell me if that's a spinoza quote or an analysis of someone else? the source would be great, thanks!

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Sure it is from "Spinoza's Ethics and De Intellectus Emendatione" from (Everyman's Library No. 481) page 231.

[@sikandersalahuddin]

For more material on Spinoza please listen to CBC Ideas podcast on Spinoza

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@jasonchahine5228]

Keep making videos please

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

No worries, trying to get back into creating more regularly, though work has been making it difficult. I will do my best Jason, thank you for sticking around and watching the videos despite my frequent absence!

[@pardus5045]

Causes lead us to a desire. Causes lead us to how to satisfy the desire. So how can we have freewill?

[@venrakkhita]

great paintings..... so good to see the paintings of the past.... so much better than AI.

[@walkabout16]

In the realm of reason, where Spinoza delves, Ethics, a tapestry, where the mind shelves. Baruch's gaze, in the philosopher's lair, Contemplating free will, in the intellectual air. Illusion or truth, the question takes flight, In Spinoza's verses, where insights alight. Determinism whispers, in the philosopher's creed, The dance of necessity, where choices concede. Spinoza's lens, in the Ethics's embrace, Free will's illusion, in the philosopher's space. Causation's rhythm, a deterministic song, In the cosmic ballet, where destinies throng. A Cartesian rebel, Spinoza's path, In the labyrinth of thought, where echoes hath. Freedom's illusion, in the mind's grand plan, Ethics unfolds, in the philosopher's span. Necessity's dance, in the intellectual sphere, Choices entwined, where illusions veer. Spinoza's pen, a quill so wise, In the verses of Ethics, where insight lies. Nature's order, in the philosopher's gaze, Deterministic echoes, in the mind's maze. Free will's illusion, a thought profound, In the corridors of reason, where Spinoza is found. In the Ethics's scripture, where truths are spun, Spinoza's legacy, in the philosophical run. Free will, a specter, in the mind's illusion, In the dance of causation, where destinies fusion.

[@limiteduser7755]

I don't understand anything that means I haven't enough knowledge. So now I will acquire enough knowledge.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

I would put Spinoza among the most difficult to understand among the great philosophers, even to this day many philosophical battles have been fought over the meaning of his work. Cheers and I applaud your love of knowledge!

[@danbreeden5481]

Ground of all being

[@Aaron-bd9sj]

This is excellent. Though Spinoza is more of a panentheist comparable to Vedanta than a pantheist. That said, excellent video.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Thanks Aaron for the insight, I am glad you enjoyed the video!

[@suppiluiiuma5769]

The thing about pantheism and panentheism, from my perspective is that the latter is more nuanced. To the pantheism, existence is called God and to the panentheist God is called existence : the same way a pot can be called clay, but not all clay can be called a pot: the one is the source of the other. Both however, see reality itself as absolutely Divine, and don't make a distinction between God and existence.

[@sagnikgangopadhyay4687]

​@@suppiluiiuma5769 you used a classic vedantic example. 😊😊

[@potenvandebizon]

A nice quote from spinoza: The vilest hypocrites, urged on by that same fury which they call zeal for God’s law, have everywhere prosecuted men whose blameless character and distinguished qualities have excited the hostility of the masses, publicly denouncing their beliefs and inflaming the savage crowd’s anger against them. And this shameless license, sheltering under the cloak of religion, is not easy to suppress. (TTP 18/5)

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Thank for sharing, one of many wonderful passages from the TTP.

[@MrAton123]

Can you make more about Spinoza?

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

It may be a crime not to! Not sure when I will come back around to another video on Spinoza, but I will get to it, thanks for all your support!

[@oo88oo]

Durant is great. I’m glad you showed pictures of him. But what about Ariel?

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

I hold Ariel in high regard, though the source which I took from Durant was not from the story of civilization, but the story of philosophy. This individual work was not credited to both, though I am sure she was instrumental in helping him in one way or another. I am happy to see others who hold Dr. Durant and Ariel in high regard, truly one of the greats of our time.

[@manirich5622]

Hey Hai, Talking about the philosophy is Rare, But You came Up with a Video, may I know What made you to like Philosophy and Why you are interested about Baruch Spinoza.. Thank You.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Hey Mani, thank you for your kind words! Philosophy came to me quite unexpectedly, I was actually reading a book about Cyrus the Great, who wasn't exactly a philosopher, but instead a lover of knowledge and benevolent king. After reading that book I had endeavored to learn more about different individuals that were like him, so I went to the meditations of Marcus Aurelius, I suppose you could say that was my first foray into philosophy. From there I read all the stoics, most notably Seneca, then I came to Will Durant which covered so much more and opened the door to so many great philosophic minds. Spinoza always stuck out to me as his life thoroughly conformed to what he taught, in other words he was as far from a hypocrite as you can get, which I admire. His morals also seemed to me a good balance between that of Nietzsche, Socrates, and Christ/Buddha. His teachings have impacted me more than just about any other, so for that I am greatly indebted to him.

[@manirich5622]

@@LetsTalkPhilosophy Thanks For the Reply Bro, Iam From India and I like Philosophy, Knowing about you made me To Like You. Have A Good and Happy Life Dude♥️

[@briankleinschmidt3664]

Spinoza is a giant in history, and people should know about him. What he said about the state is reminiscent of Plato - that it should be administered by philosopher kings. It is correct, but philosophers don't bring enough guns and money to the table.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Nor, I would say, do they typically wish to be in positions of government. There is, of course, exceptions to this. I am happy to hear that you enjoy Spinoza's work, sadly he is not as popular as I believe he should be, cheers!

[@csillafeketenebardos918]

Spinoza then, Ken Wilber today, both are fantastic

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

I am familiar with Ken Wilber and have heard good things about his work, though I have not yet gotten the chance to read one of his books in full. I will have to move him up my list. Thank you for taking the time to watch the video!

[@dirkbastardrelief]

Which of Spinoza's forms of knowledge corresponds to A Priori knowledge?

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

That would be the 4th kind.

[@S13E31]

❤❤❤❤

[@InfiDale3476]

Superb subtle shot at Spinoza 😂

[@Rico-Suave_]

Watched all of it twice 15:18

[@adrianaslund8605]

There's a Swedish thinker that is kind of overlooked and he's probably among the most interesting scandinavians next to Kierkegaard. Emanuel Swedenborg. Insights he had included that he believed strongly as we now know that humans originated from africa and came up with a concept very similar to the neuron. He also impressively drew a jet turbine in an argument with a friend over whether humans would ever be able to fly. His reinterpration of the bible "Arcana Caelestia" is pretty interesting. But while Spinoza was said to be "god intoxicated" despite coming of more as a spiritual agnostic neo stoic. Swedenborg was absolutely shitfaced. He had full blown visions. His interpretation of the Tower of Babel was that when men tamed religion with the purpose of exerting power through rituals and institutions(in real life many of the first cities in the world where built around temples like the tower) it will inevitably lead to schisms as new tribes with new interpretations bud off and fight their former brothers. He imagined god to be all loving and all forgiving. Heaven and hell was both states of mind and realms of spirits. And in the afterlife hell was a plane of existence in the far hinterlands. Going to hell you would go to a place tainted with the spirits of people as low and/or evil as you. But god would never willingly send you there. Many of his followers in America was much like the Quakers involved in abolitionism. He would disagree with Spinoza on pretty much everything as he among other things where abit closer to Rosseau than Hobbes. He did not imagine the state of nature like Hobbes but believed that simple people and even non christians(regarded as savages by most europeans) who lived close to nature and cared for one another and their community could in practice be better christians and closer to god and the heavenly mind than professed christians. Or in general settled peoples who waged wars for territory and enslaved one another.

[@williamthomas2278]

The prophets aren't dead and they continue to this day. Spinoza is just another example of the continued understanding of the Mysery that we Humans strive to know

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Interesting point of view, thanks for taking the time to share!

[@tapuit1]

Spinoza did not live all his life in Amsterdam. His last place of residence was in The Hague

[@roehlanobriones3179]

I didn't know that Jonathan Pryce was a great philosopher.

[@CleverMonkeyArt]

Nice. So, we MAY have free will, but since we are also subject to drives, fears, desires and the effects of personal histories, all of which we are mostly unaware, that is, lacking self-awareness, we are also prisoners, not knowing that the cell door behind us is wide open while we stare up at the small window in the wall showing a small piece of the sky.

[@robinharwood5044]

We really should call him "Benedict", not "Baruch". "Benedict" was the name he used and was published under. It is the name he was known by for most of the years since his death. "Baruch" was the name he was given in the synagogue when he was a baby, and the name under which he was cursed, reviled, and excommunicated by the synagogue. I think it is an insult to him not to use the name he chose.

[@elumayo4090]

17th century Netherlands was far from dominated by the catholic church, they were reformed calvinists at that time.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Awesome, thank you for the correction!

[@elumayo4090]

@@LetsTalkPhilosophy Thanks for the great video

[@thesleepingpolicemen]

Are all the great philosophers white and European (looking)? With due respect to Spinoza, Lao Tzu (4th/6th century BC), from what I can tell, alluded to similar thought when it came to nature and spirituality.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

I would say not, In regards to what an individual regards as "great" in a philosopher more has to do with the cultural, rather than the racial, background of the philosopher. There are profound philosophers of all cultures and creeds; I enjoy western philosophy, most of these men/women happen to be Caucasian. I continually search and attempt to broaden my scope, most recently into the Indian philosophers, but I create videos in respect to those I know most intimately. My time is limited to devote to creating videos and it takes me a while to research, record, and edit them. I will eventually get to each culture as I read them and am always excited to discover new great minds, wherever they may arise. If we define what is great as what is most influential, I see no other objective way to rank them, I would have to give the title to those philosophers of European, Chinese, Middle eastern, and Indian lineage; perhaps not in that order, but of that scope. Though I am not versed in the history of philosophy in respect to the African continent, so they may be just as influential, I simply just do not know at this time. Thanks for taking the time to watch the video, I hope this answer was somewhat helpful in your former question. As to the latter I would agree that Spinoza and Laozi have similarities in their metaphysical doctrine.

[@milescomet]

no captions?????

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Sorry about that! It is on my list of things to get to, I do need to get on it, thank you for the reminder though!

[@bukabarane]

Türkçe ya da kürtçe alt yazı nasıl ekleyeceğim ya :(

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

I attempted to translate this as best I could, but are you asking how you might add subtitles in your language to this video. If that is the question, I am not actually sure. I will have to look into it and get back to you. Sorry about the inconvenience my friend.

[@bukabarane]

@@LetsTalkPhilosophy thank you very much. I don't know english. Can you add Kurdish or Turkish subtitles. Take good care of yourself my Friend :))

[@menace2societies]

Baruch Spinoza’s ethics explantion too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/poeoloughc6qa5Y

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

The more the merrier! One can never know to much about Spinoza.

[@steffendudley8214]

Cadence.

[@Psychol-Snooper]

This is such a visually busy video.

[@paxinviscis8245]

Why is Spinoza not thought in primary Schools, instead of lets say the industrial revolution as an example?

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

I would enjoy seeing that, though I am unsure if our children could grasp the intricacies of Spinoza at such a young age. I imagine myself in primary school and could not imagine trying to grasp the Ethics. But perhaps this is because I was not brought up in its presence. Thank you for taking the time to watch the video!

[@AR-px1ty]

The substance or essence of God is the God particle or Higgs boson. He knew the Higgs boson or God particle even before we ever invented the Large Hadron collider.

[@jizzyjjarold150]

What would spinoza say when he hears, as zizek has echoed, (and im paraphrasing) 'we do not seek happiness in the form of comfort or absence of pain. True pleasure is gained in spite of pain.' Like when artists puts themselves through a period of creative frenzy which is painful, uncomfortable and soul-draining. Nietzsche is a prime example (if you consider him an artist in the sense that he creates) What would Spinoza say about his idea of pleasure then? I disagree that it is the absence of pain. I mean, just ask a bdsm lover?

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

I suppose pain can be described as that which is subjectively unpleasant and brings about a negative personal outcome, usually temporarily. For Spinoza pleasure and pain are simply states which one flows either closer to or further away from with emotions as the vehicle. While one may experience pain during training for a sport, the pleasure of winning that sport because of your past sufferings would lead to a greater happiness, but one may also experience a greater pleasure from the suffering of the training because of the sense of accomplishment they feel. I should expect that there is a limit to the pain you are willing to go through to achieve a particular goal or gain a particular level of pleasure, this also being very subjective; (i.e. I would not agree to have my legs removed so that I could win a bar hanging contest as the pain would far outweigh any pleasure I would get from winning such a menial contest). Also, one person's pleasure may be another's pain. I can assure you that I feel nothing but pain when my wife has control of the music in the car, while she is receiving the utmost pleasure from it. But I am not completely sure how Spinoza would respond to Zizek and would have to give it much more thought, it is quite late currently and am writing down what comes immediately to mind from your inquiry. I hope this was not too discursive and brought a modicum of clarity, thanks for taking the time to ask a thoughtful question!

[@JorgeLuisMeraz-gb4qi]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@adrianaslund8605]

Emanuel Swedenborg also had this idea that a heavenly mind does not love reason but reasons out of love. I think its similar to Kants "do not use others as a means to an end but only the end in itself". Don't fall in love with your theories, your inventions and your constructs for their own sake. And when honoring god in everything you do. Your'e not creating monuments in honour of a heavenly tyrant like god is like an Ozymandias. But honoring everyone and everything including yourself. Which is not just self flagellation or something but will give you true and lasting satisfaction here on earth. A famous Swedenborgian was Johnny Appleseed. Who just went around all of america planting appleseeds so that everyone can have apples to eat. Kind of a kook but you get the idea. Swedish clergy in my experience are in general humble and kind, not hostile and judgemental. And engages alot in charity in the third world. Swedenborg might have had a hand in that.

[@livingroom1381]

Isn't his philosophy just the School of Taoism/Daoism? I don't see any difference between his view points and Lao Tze's.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

There are similarities as with most philosophic beliefs, though I do not believe them to be near identical. Which aspects do you find them to be the same? Perhaps somewhat in their conception of "God" and in their approach to the passions/emotions?

[@TheGuiltsOfUs]

No

[@mikebaz5079]

if the function of the state was to free the individual to flourish in peace then democracy which apparently Spinoza championed has failed

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

It is true that he found democracy to be the most reasonable of the forms of government attempted, but he also knows its flaws. He thinks only that it allows its citizens to have freedom of judgment and reason, not of action. The voice of the majority still has the force of law. And when eventually demagogues get elected into office the law becomes less than democratic. All states fail eventually, and I think while he may have championed democracy, he knew it was no exception.

[@mikebaz5079]

@@LetsTalkPhilosophy I d argue that even the freedom of judgement and reason are not afforded by democracy, witness for example the current propaganda and cnsrshp over the double bad sniffles; likewise no demagogue is needed to turn democracy sour, democracy invariable turns into a repressive regime once citizens start voting themselves benefits; it s not a flaw, it s a feature

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Interesting take, thank you for the insight! I agree that there are many "features," if you will, that cause democracy to shift to something less than ideal. In my knowledge of governmental systems, which is by no means doctoral level, democracy is our best option to date for countries with a large population. You have spiked my curiosity, what would you champion as the best form of government? Does population size change which form of government best works out?

[@JuanHernandez-bd1un]

Pursuit of virtue is not inherent in man. We are not born with it.

[@chindico]

If you respect him, call him Benedict .His name was Benedict De Spinoza, not Baruch. He changed his name, from Baruch to Benedict, after he was excommunicated, so as not be associated with any religion....

[@doring4579]

😊🌎⏳🙏♥️

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Thank you!

[@TiOZAO1966]

He presented absolutely nothing that Hermeticism, original Buddhism, and the neo platonists hadn't already explained in way more depth. Thank you for letting me know I should not waste my time on yet another modern "philosopher"!

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

It pleases me that I could be of such help!

[@TheGuiltsOfUs]

Nonsense

[@choggerboom]

The end of state, is not to turn men into beasts and machine.. Oh, America. You must know this. You must change. Don't let such greed blind us. We starve, as a nation, for education like this.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

If history would have itself repeated as it has in the past I fear we may be heading toward some form of revolution; of what form it take I simply do not know. The age of information has transformed much, and how it will impact such things as revolution is still to be seen; however human nature, in my opinion, does not change. America has lost much of its social cohesion which has degraded the impact of public opinion on maintaining order. Likewise the family has been weakened by the individualistic instincts which grow as industry grows. America is a complex melting pot which, without patriotism, becomes splintered and disconnected easily secondary to the multitude of cultures and religious beliefs. Let us hope for progress, if not in this nation then perhaps the next can take from America's mistakes.

[@miloradvranjesevic5136]

Osim uni veržùmà svèsti postojì i universum podsvešti . Bhagavad gita = Tora .Pobèdjuje Pòdsvest . Uvek !!!

[@adrianaslund8605]

The last "true christian" as Will Durant put it.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Yes indeed, a wonderful individual!

[@kiberenigestsebez6633]

What is the benefit of philosophy in the 21 st century? Science technology and medcine replaced philosophy

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

I believe that to be for each to discern for themselves, as for me I would say to continually gain a greater perspective on life. As someone who works in the health field I do not see why they must be in conflict. One can be a scientist and a philosopher and gain equally valuable information from each. But if you find one gives you all you need then I see no issue with that path either, cheers and good luck friend!

[@AMogus-jr6qk]

What a weird take

[@flovv9357]

Medicine replaced philosophy? Hmm...interesting.

[@TheGuiltsOfUs]

To accept Spinoza's ontology means that there is no creation by prime matter (Plato), emanation (Plotinus), or Ex nihilo (Abrahamic). Theological doctrines based on such faulty ontological positions should be dismissed. Ontology > theology

[@KennyHBCA1]

I wonder if Darwin knew of his work

[@jamesvanderhoorn1117]

1:30 Spinoza had to fear the Calvinists, who ruled the roost in Holland, not the Pope!

[@JeffCaseyTV]

Spinozas understanding of G-D is inherently Jewish. It’s wrong to say it’s Spinozas G-D. But it is important to say hecdiverged in many places. The core idea that G-D is the accumulation of everything in a single unit is a Jewish concept.

[@kpllc4209]

Actually, it is more Greek

[@ahgray63]

That is the same with the Bible. Have to read and understand the whole. Most people do not; they skim and read little parts and do not understand the greater Biblical narrative.

[@LetsTalkPhilosophy]

I have no doubt of that, both for the critisizers, the followers, and probably even the ecclesiastics.

[@PoFFizdaMan]

The fact that you think there is a "narrative" shows how little YOU know about the bible.

[@ahgray63]

Education?

[@ahgray63]

Poffo Ortiz hit a nerve?

[@phillipkapler8319]

Spinoza is just another of the supposed "enlightened thinkers, whose mind was so muddled that he somehow did not see the necessary contradiction in embracing determinism but asserting that existence exhibits teleology, our thoughts and choices matter. As creatures in such a determined existence, morality and rules for living make utterly no sense. Just more proof that the more tangled the mind of the writer, the more those disposed to subscribe to his worldview conclude that he must be a genius, if only because he is so incoherent. I regret the experience, but I am able to advise you as a result, Don't waste your time reading Spinoza. Start instead with the Psalms.