Although I don’t like the constant solicitation to Subscribe, I think the philosophy being offered and the freedom this channel exercises to publish it, is a vital part of free speech and I’m concerned that, much like Spinoza faced in his own time, our freedoms of thought and speech are under attack by the powerful right now during these modern times.

Fear and Hope, two motivating passions… and that Spinoza points out that sadly Fear is the greater of these two. Fear that immigrants are invading America. Fear that white people are the victims of racism. Fear that if we think with reason that god will punish us. Fear of death… isn’t that the foundation of it all? Fear of Death! The whole industry of religion is built on it. Thank god, religion at least gives some credit to the value of virtue and good behavior but it can quickly abandon those values in favor of those that favor social conformity and faith in a charismatic figure that tells its believers that they are better than everyone else… as long as they remain loyal to and never question or challenge the authority of that leader. So, doesn’t that sound like a cult? Yes, but it’s only a cult if it’s the other guy. My cult is the Truth 😅 The issue here is not whether Spinoza is the Truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. The issue is that he was actively seeking the truth to the best of his abilities and was courageous enough to express them.