# Baruch Spinoza — Beyond Good and Evil character guide

> Baruch Spinoza in Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Spinoza

**First appearance:** 0002-i-prejudices-of-philosophers

## Who they are

Dutch philosopher discussed for his rationalism and concept of God.

## In the story

### [Chapter 5](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beyond_good_and_evil_se/chapters/5)

His philosophy is described as using mathematical 'hocus-pocus' as armor (mail and mask) to disguise personal timidity and vulnerability, presenting it as an invincible Pallas Athene.

### [13](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beyond_good_and_evil_se/chapters/13)

Cited as an example of inconsistency for positing the instinct of self-preservation as a superfluous teleological principle.

### [Chapter 25](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beyond_good_and_evil_se/chapters/25)

Cited as a 'compulsory recluse' whose foundational ethics and theology are presented as examples of refined vengeance and poison-brewing born from persecution.

### [V: The Natural History of Morals](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beyond_good_and_evil_se/chapters/v-the-natural-history-of-morals)

Referenced for his recommended destruction of emotions through analysis, cited as an example of a moral system of 'expediency mixed with stupidity.'

### [Morals as Timidity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beyond_good_and_evil_se/chapters/198)

Exemplifies the destruction of emotions through analysis and vivisection, a naive recommendation for moral conduct.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beyond_good_and_evil_se/characters/spinoza
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beyond_good_and_evil_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/beyond_good_and_evil_se/characters