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Single Idea 17226

[from 'The Ethics' by Baruch de Spinoza, in 25. Social Practice / E. Policies / 5. Education / c. Teaching ]

Full Idea

There is nothing by which a person can better show how much skill and talent he possesses than by so educating men that at last they will live under the direct authority of reason.

Gist of Idea

The best use of talent is to teach other people to live rationally

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675], IVApp 09)

Book Reference

Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Ethics', ed/tr. White,WH/Stirling,AH [Wordsworth 2001], p.218


A Reaction

Speaking as a retired philosophy teacher, I think this is an excellent idea, but then I would, wouldn't I? What if you turn a nice warm-hearted friendly young person into a chillingly detached heartless reasoner?