Spinoza Sees into the Future When Twitter Reigns

“The love of esteem [Gloria] which is called empty [vana] is acquiescentia in se ipso that is encouraged only by the opinion of the multitude. When that ceases, the acquiescentia in se ipso ceases, i.e. (by p52s), the highest good that each one loves. That is why he who exults at being esteemed by the multitude is made anxious daily, strives, sacrifices and schemes [quotidiana cura anxius nitatur, faciat, experiatur], in order to preserve his reputation. For the multitude is fickle and inconstant; unless one’s reputation is guarded, it is quickly destroyed. (E4p58s)”

Cited in Clare Carlisle, Spinoza’s Religion (Princeton University Press, 126).

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *