“ , the free man shows as much virtue, when he declines dangers, as when he strives to overcome them. ”
Baruch Spinoza, Ethics (1677). copy citation
| Author | Baruch Spinoza |
|---|---|
| Source | Ethics |
| Topic | danger virtue |
| Date | 1677 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by R. H. M. Elwes |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/3800/3800-h/3800-h.htm |
Context
“But blind daring and fear are emotions, which can be conceived as equally great (IV. v. and iii.) : hence, no less virtue or firmness is required in checking daring than in checking fear (III. lix. note) ; in other words (Def. of the Emotions, xl. and xli.) , the free man shows as much virtue, when he declines dangers, as when he strives to overcome them. Q.E.D.
Corollary.—The free man is as courageous in timely retreat as in combat; or, a free man shows equal courage or presence of mind, whether he elect to give battle or to retreat.
Note.—What courage”
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