Only that thing is free which exists by the necessities of its own nature, and is determined in its actions by itself alone. – Baruch Spinoza
To give aid to every poor man is far beyond the reach and power of every man. Care of the poor is incumbent on society as a whole. – Baruch Spinoza
Those who are believed to be most abject and humble are usually most ambitious and envious. – Baruch Spinoza
I would warn you that I do not attribute to nature either beauty or deformity, order or confusion. Only in relation to our imagination can things be called beautiful or ugly, well-ordered or confused. – Baruch Spinoza