Baruch Spinoza

"Further conceive, I beg, that a stone, while continuing in motion, should be capable of thinking and knowing, that it is endeavoring, as far as it can, to continue to move. Such a stone, being conscious merely of its own endeavor and not at all indifferent, would believe itself to be completely free, and would think that it continued in motion solely because of its own wish. This is that human freedom, which all boast that they possess, and which consists solely in the fact, that men are conscious of their own desire, but are ignorant of the causes whereby that desire has been determined."

41 likes

Source: Baruch Spinoza (2014). “The Road to Inner Freedom: The Ethics”, p.76, Open Road Media

About the author

Baruch Spinoza

Baruch Spinoza

Philosopher, Rationalist

Baruch Spinoza was a 17th-century philosopher known for his work 'Ethics', which laid the groundwork for modern rationalism and a unique understanding of God and nature.

All quotes by Baruch Spinoza →

Same author

More quotes by Baruch Spinoza

See all →
Baruch Spinoza Philosopher, Rationalist

"The more you struggle to live, the less you live. Give up the notion that you must be sure of what you are doing. Instead, surrender to what is real within you, for that alone is sure....you are above everything distressing."

Read quote