As I continue to read of the life and works of Baruch Spinoza, the one thing that jumps out at me again and again is this man's inner courage and fortitude. In an age in which religious identity was paramount, he freely eschewed all of them! I can see why many consider him the first modern philosopher.
He grew up a Jew, but was excommunicated for life in his early 20s. Excommunication in those days was a lot more severe than it is now. Not only was a person thrown out of the "church family", but no one -- including the individual's own family -- from your religion was allowed to talk nor contact the person in any way, shape or form. It was like being exiled to a remote island, yet staying in the same geographical space.
Try wrapping your head around that. How would you feel if, one day, it was decreed that you could no longer interact with your immediate and extended family? All your friends -- even your best friend -- turned a cold shoulder your way. Neighbors and acquaintances crossed to the other side of the street when they saw you approaching.
Most of us would become unglued! We wouldn't know what to do with ourselves. Many would return to the authorities to beg for forgiveness, including mouthing whatever words or sentiments the authorities wished to hear.
Back in Spinoza's day, this was what usually happened. Excommunication was used as a tool to force the sheep back into the flock! Most individuals were excommunicated for a set period of time in the hope that total community shunning would convince them of the evil of their ways.
How did Spinoza react to this severe punishment for asking probing questions? He embraced it! He declared that excommunication had set him free to pursue an authentic life in the pursuit of knowledge. It allowed him the opportunity -- one he took full advantage of -- to bring a wondrous philosophy to the world.
He grew up a Jew, but was excommunicated for life in his early 20s. Excommunication in those days was a lot more severe than it is now. Not only was a person thrown out of the "church family", but no one -- including the individual's own family -- from your religion was allowed to talk nor contact the person in any way, shape or form. It was like being exiled to a remote island, yet staying in the same geographical space.
Try wrapping your head around that. How would you feel if, one day, it was decreed that you could no longer interact with your immediate and extended family? All your friends -- even your best friend -- turned a cold shoulder your way. Neighbors and acquaintances crossed to the other side of the street when they saw you approaching.
Most of us would become unglued! We wouldn't know what to do with ourselves. Many would return to the authorities to beg for forgiveness, including mouthing whatever words or sentiments the authorities wished to hear.
Back in Spinoza's day, this was what usually happened. Excommunication was used as a tool to force the sheep back into the flock! Most individuals were excommunicated for a set period of time in the hope that total community shunning would convince them of the evil of their ways.
How did Spinoza react to this severe punishment for asking probing questions? He embraced it! He declared that excommunication had set him free to pursue an authentic life in the pursuit of knowledge. It allowed him the opportunity -- one he took full advantage of -- to bring a wondrous philosophy to the world.
Hey -- I'm surprised I didn't know about Spinoza. What a lovely person. Bertrand Russell is another thinker who I've thought a lot about. Thanks for bringing Spinoza up.
ReplyDeleteSpinoza indeed is, along with Socrates, probably the most courageous of the great philosophers.
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