Full Idea
By 'good' I understand everything which we are certain is a means by which we may approach nearer and nearer to the model of human nature we set before us.
Gist of Idea
By 'good' I mean what brings us ever closer to our model of human nature
Source
Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675], IV Pref)
Book Reference
Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Ethics', ed/tr. White,WH/Stirling,AH [Wordsworth 2001], p.163
A Reaction
Unusual, and I'm not sure I understand it. His ideal largely concerns the intellect ruling the emotion