back to ideas for this text


Single Idea 17225

[from 'The Ethics' by Baruch de Spinoza, in 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 3. Virtues / d. Courage ]

Full Idea

Flight at the proper time, just as well as fighting, is to be reckoned as showing strength of mind in a man who is free; that is to say, a free man chooses flight by the same strength or presence of mind as that by which he chooses battle.

Gist of Idea

In a free man, choosing flight can show as much strength of mind as fighting

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675], IV Pr 69)

Book Reference

Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Ethics', ed/tr. White,WH/Stirling,AH [Wordsworth 2001], p.213


A Reaction

I wonder why showing 'strength of mind' is a virtue?