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Single Idea 16198

[from 'The Ethics' by Baruch de Spinoza, in 15. Nature of Minds / A. Nature of Mind / 1. Mind / b. Purpose of mind ]

Full Idea

The essence of our mind consists solely in knowledge.

Gist of Idea

Knowledge is the essence of the mind

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675], V Pr 36 n)

Book Reference

Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Ethics, Improvement of Understanding, Letters', ed/tr. Elwes,R [Dover 1955], p.265


A Reaction

This is in a context of discussing the human relation to God. See Keith Hossack's 'The Metaphysics of Knowledge' for an exploration of this idea. (@BenedictSpinoza came up with this one)