In His Great Work, Ethics, the Renowned 17^th Century Philosopher

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The Answer is The question of whether Spinoza is right in his assertion from Ethics, "A free man thinks of death least of all things, and his wisdom is a meditation of life, not of death," is a philosophical inquiry that invites subjective interpretation and personal reflection. Spinoza's statement, found in Part IV, Proposition 67 of his work, reflects his rationalist and pantheistic views.

Spinoza believed that everything is a manifestation of a single, underlying substance, which he called 'God' or 'Nature.' He argued that true freedom comes from understanding the nature of reality and living in accordance with the laws of nature. For Spinoza, wisdom is the intellectual love of God/Nature, and it leads to a way of life that is characterized by rationality and emotional balance.

According to Spinoza, a free person—someone who understands the nature of reality and lives in harmony with it—would not be preoccupied with the thought of death because they would recognize that death is a natural part of life. Instead, they would focus on living a life of virtue and reason, which is the essence of wisdom. In this sense, the free person's meditation on life is an affirmation of their existence and their place in the natural order, rather than a fear or preoccupation with the end of life.

Whether Spinoza is "right" depends on one's philosophical perspective. Some may agree with his view, finding that a focus on living well and in accordance with reason is indeed the path to freedom and wisdom. Others might argue that contemplating death is also a part of wisdom, as it can provide perspective on life's priorities and the transient nature of human existence.

Ultimately, the validity of Spinoza's claim is a matter of personal belief and philosophical alignment. It invites us to consider our own views on life, death, freedom, and wisdom, and to reflect on how these concepts shape our understanding of what it means to live a good life.

In His Great Work, Ethics, the Renowned 17^th Century Philosopher

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In His Great Work, Ethics, the Renowned 17th Century Philosopher

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In His Great Work, Ethics, the Renowned 17^th Century Philosopher

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