Full Idea
No one will ever be able to transfer his power and (consequently) his right to another person in such a way that he ceases to be a human being.
Gist of Idea
No one, in giving up their power and right, ceases to be a human being
Source
Baruch de Spinoza (Tractatus Theologico-Politicus [1670], 17.01)
Book Reference
Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Theological-Political Treatise', ed/tr. Israel,Jonathan [CUP 2007], p.208
A Reaction
Spinoza disdains natural rights, but this is a modest (and pretty uncontroversial) concession.
Related Idea
Idea 19916 The order of nature does not prohibit anything, and allows whatever appetite produces [Spinoza]