Provides a coherent picture of reality, and a guide to the meaning of an ethical life. This book follows a logical format, it defines in turn the nature of God, the mind, the emotions, human bondage to the emotions, and the power of understanding. Published shortly after his death in 1677, Ethics is undoubtedly Spinozas greatest worka fully cohesive philosophical system that strives to provide a coherent picture of reality and to comprehend the meaning of an ethical life. Following a logical step-by-step format, it defines in turn the nature of God, the mind, human bondage to the emotions, and the power of understanding, moving from a consideration of the eternal to speculate upon humanitys place in the natural order, freedom, and the path to attainable happiness. A powerful work of elegant simplicity, Ethics is a brilliantly insightful consideration of the possibility of redemption through intense thought and philosophical reflection. First time in Penguin ClassicsEdwin Curley''s translation is considered definitiveInlcudes an introduction outlining Spinoza''s philosophy and placing it in context