Single Idea 4851

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / A. Egoism / 1. Ethical Egoism]

Full Idea

As reason makes no demands contrary to nature, it demands that every man should love himself, should seek that which is useful to him.

Gist of Idea

Reason demands nothing contrary to nature, and so it demands self-love

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675], IV Pr 18)

Book Reference

Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Ethics, Improvement of Understanding, Letters', ed/tr. Elwes,R [Dover 1955], p.201


A Reaction

Maybe nature seems to demand self-love, but I don't see why reason should demand it, only why reason should not deny it. There is no point in denying something unavoidable. However, if we don't love ourselves, no one else is likely to.