Full Idea
It is the purpose of the state ...to allow people's minds and bodies to develop in their own way in security and enjoy the free use of reason ...Therefore the true purpose of the state is in fact freedom.
Gist of Idea
The state aims to allow personal development, so its main purpose is freedom
Source
Baruch de Spinoza (Tractatus Theologico-Politicus [1670], 20.06)
Book Reference
Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Theological-Political Treatise', ed/tr. Israel,Jonathan [CUP 2007], p.252
A Reaction
The core of Spinoza's political thinking. This strikes me as being as close to communitarianism as to liberalism.