What Baruch Spinoza thinks about government
Dutch philosopher (1632 to 1677), born in Amsterdam's Portuguese-Jewish community; died in The Hague; author of the Ethics and the Theological-Political Treatise.
Baruch Spinoza did not write this page.
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1 dated position, c. 1670, in their own words. Our reading of what Baruch Spinoza has said — not written or endorsed by them.
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Our readingLaws in every government should restrain people by hope of a desired good rather than by fear
Their wordsSecondly, laws should in every government be so arranged that people should be kept in bounds by the hope of some greatly desired good, rather than by fear, for then everyone will do his duty willingly.
↗Theologico-Political Treatise, Part 1 (1670; R. H. M. Elwes translation)gutenberg.org All 20 from this book