more from Baruch de Spinoza

Single Idea 4859

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 3. Pleasure / f. Dangers of pleasure]

Full Idea

Pleasure is only bad in so far as it hinders a man's capability for action.

Gist of Idea

Pleasure is only bad in so far as it hinders a man's capability for action

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675], IV Pr 59)

Book Reference

Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Ethics, Improvement of Understanding, Letters', ed/tr. Elwes,R [Dover 1955], p.227


A Reaction

This seems to be the incipient epicureanism found in enlightenment figures who are drifting towards atheism (of which his contemporaries accused Spinoza). Sadism? Grief is good pain. I'm too happy to be cruel.