Author Name: Stephen Nadler

Pulitzer Prize finalist Stephen Nadler offers a compelling account of what Spinoza can teach us about life's big questions.

In 1656, after being expelled from the Jewish community for his “damned heresies” and “abominable deeds,” the young Baruch Spinoza left his family’s business to devote his life to philosophy. His reputation was tarnished throughout Europe for his views on the Torah and miracles, as well as for his advocacy of freedom of thought. His radicalism obscured the primary reason behind his conversion to philosophy: to answer humanity’s most pressing question: How can we live a good life?

This book is a unique introduction to Spinoza's moral philosophy and ideas that remain relevant to our contemporary lives. It explores Spinoza's vision of the ideal human being, the "free man," who, driven by reason, lives a life full of pleasure and dedicated to improving his life and the lives of those around him.

He rises above negative emotions, treats other free people with compassion and justice, aspires to the highest good, enjoys the pleasures of the world but with moderation, for “a free man seldom thinks of death,” says Spinoza, and his wisdom is contemplation of life, not death.

Stephen Nadler is a gifted author who has given us a remarkable account of Spinoza's answer to the question of what makes our lives good. – Clare Carlisle

This is a helpful interpretation of Spinoza's ideas on morality, death, and human nature. – Kirkus Review

A rich study that aims to draw lessons from Spinoza's philosophy on the concept of the free human being, this rational model constantly striving for power and virtue. Spinoza's offering represents a timeless, optimistic statement of what a human being striving for truth can achieve. - New Yorker