“All happiness or unhappiness solely depends upon the quality of the object to which we are attached by love.”

— Baruch Spinoza, On the Improvement of the Understanding, I, 9, trans. W. Hale White

About Baruch Spinoza

1632 – 1677

Dutch philosopher, author of the "Ethics".

“All things excellent are as difficult as they are rare.”

“A free man thinks of death least of all things; and his wisdom is a meditation not of death but of life.”

“Extreme pride or dejection indicates extreme ignorance of self.”

“Love the little trade which thou hast learned, and be content therewith.”

“They who know the truth are not equal to those who love it, and they who love it are not equal to those who delight in it.”

“Something the heart must have to cherish, must love and joy and sorrow learn.”

“Seize the moments of happiness, love and be loved! That is the only reality in the world, all else is folly.”

“He knew she was there by the joy and fear that overwhelmed his heart.”

“Pleasure and love are the pinions of great deeds.”