Single Idea 4856

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / b. Living naturally]

Full Idea

Man acts absolutely according to the laws of his nature, when he lives in obedience to reason.

Gist of Idea

To live according to reason is to live according to the laws of human nature

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675], IV Pr 35)

Book Reference

Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Ethics, Improvement of Understanding, Letters', ed/tr. Elwes,R [Dover 1955], p.210


A Reaction

This is pure stoicism, and shows that Spinoza is in many ways the culmination of the seventeenth century stoic revival (e.g. in the art of Poussin). I love the idea that right reason and nature are in perfect harmony. I wonder why?