Think less about death.. Spinoza: how we live and how we die

In 1656, after being expelled from the Jewish community due to "his cursed heresies" and "his heinous acts," the young Baruch Spinoza left his family's business to dedicate his life to philosophy. His reputation was tarnished across Europe because of his views on the Torah and miracles, and also because of his defense of freedom of thought. This radicalism overshadowed the main reason behind his turn to philosophy, which was to answer the most urgent questions of humanity: how can we live a good life? This book is a unique introduction to Spinoza's ethical philosophy and his ideas that remain relevant to our contemporary lives. It explores Spinoza's vision of the ideal human "the free person" who lives, driven by reason, a life full of pleasure and dedicated to improving his life and the lives of those around him. He rises above negative emotions, treats other free individuals with compassion and justice, seeks the highest good, enjoys worldly pleasures but in moderation. For "the free person rarely thinks of death," says Spinoza, and his wisdom contemplates life, not death. "Steven Nadler is a talented author... he provided us with an impressive presentation of Spinoza's answer to the question of what makes our lives good." Clare Carlisle "This is a helpful interpretation of Spinoza's ideas about ethics, death, and human nature." Kirkus Review