The Miracle of Spinoza. Philosophy that Illuminates Our Lives

Spinoza's works revolutionized the field of philosophy. In the distant 17th century, this man anticipated the arrival of the Enlightenment era and the modern form of democracy, became the founder of the historical-critical approach to the interpretation of the Scriptures, and laid the foundations of depth psychology. But above all, Spinoza developed a philosophical system based on the ability to correctly direct one's desires and thus achieve true joy — a system that completely changed our concept of God, morality, and happiness. In many ways, this philosopher was ahead of not only his time but also ours. This is what is called the miracle of Spinoza. The book by the renowned French author Frédéric Lenoir offers a subtle, brilliant analysis of Spinoza's worldview, reflected in his main work, "Ethics" (1675), and other writings, explores the facts of his biography that influenced the formation of his philosophical system, and the relationships with his contemporaries. The book also includes valuable correspondence between the author and Robert Misrahi, one of the leading contemporary researchers of Spinoza's philosophical legacy.