FLUXLIST: Spinoza Found and Lost

[Allan Revich]

Spinoza Found and Lost   All these kinds of perception We deduce one thing from another as follows:   I say "I finally resolved,"I therefore debated whether it would notBy sensual pleasure the mind is enthralledIn the case of fame the mind is still more absorbed, When I saw that all these ordinary objects of desire Further reflection convinced meThere are many examples of menAll these evils seem to have arisenBut love towards a thing eternal One thing was evident,I will here only briefly state what I mean by true good,However, human weakness cannot attain to this orderThis, then, is the end for which I strive,We must seek the assistance of Moral PhilosophyBut before all things, a means must be devised Yet, as it is necessary   (2) To speak in a manner intelligible to the multitude, and to    comply with every general custom that does not hinder the    attainment of our purpose.  (3) For we can gain from the multitude    no small advantages, provided that we strive to accommodate    ourselves to its understanding as far as possible: moreover,    we shall in this way gain a friendly audience for the reception    of the truth.   Having laid down these preliminary rules,Reflection shows that all modesPerception arising from mere experiencePerception arising when the essence Lastly, there is the perception arisingAll these kinds of perceptionWe deduce one thing from another