“In the mind there is no absolute or free will but the mind is determined to wish this or that by a cause which is likewise determined by another cause and this last by another and so on to infinity”
— Baruch Spinoza
Simplified Meaning:
Everything we think we want is influenced by something else. Our desires are shaped by events, other people's actions, and our past experiences. For instance, think about choosing a career. You might think you chose your profession freely, but your choice could be influenced by your family's expectations, financial needs, or experiences you had as a child. It's like a chain reaction where each decision is linked to previous ones. Recognizing this can help us understand our motivations better and maybe make more thoughtful choices. By being aware that our decisions are interconnected with countless factors, we can start to reflect on what truly drives us.
Related tags
Causality Cause and effect Determinism Free will Infinity Mind Philosophy Predestination SpinozaFEATURED QUOTES