In the state of nature, wrong-doing is impossible ; or, if anyone does wrong, it is to himself, not to another. For no one by the law of nature is bo… - Benedictus de Spinoza

Certain critics from the democratic camp, inclined to operate with the help of indirect evidence, have looked upon the “ironic” attitude of the author to the compromise leaders as the expression of an undue subjectivism vitiating the scientific character of his exposition. We venture to regard this criterion as unconvincing. Spinoza's principle, “not to weep or laugh, but to understand” gives warning against inappropriate laughter and untimely tears. It does not deprive a man, even though he be a historian, of the right to his share of tears and laughter when justified by a correct understanding of the material itself.

The mind of God is all the mentality that is scattered over space and time, the diffused consciousness that animates the world.

الإنسان الحر لا يفكر في الموت إلا أقل القليل؛ فحكمته تسوقه إلى إمعان التفكير
في الحياة، لا الموت.