“I have striven not to laugh at human actions, not to weep at them, nor to hate them, but to understand them.”
— Baruch Spinoza · 1632 – 1677Source: Tractatus politicus, Introduction (1677) · Check the source
Verified attributionWhat we know
- What is documented
- The Latin formula appears in the Introduction to Spinoza’s Tractatus politicus and is presented there as his method of study.
- What remains uncertain
- Attribution to Spinoza is secure, but the line is often loosely translated and sometimes misassigned to other works.
Understanding the quote
Spinoza states a research method: suspend mockery, lament and hatred, and seek causal explanation for human acts. Phrased in the Introduction to the Tractatus politicus, it reflects his rationalist, deterministic approach to the passions.
In the original · Latin
Non ridere, non lugere, neque detestari, sed intelligere!
The story behind it
The original Latin line non ridere, non lugere, neque detestari, sed intelligere is Spinoza’s wording, though it’s often quoted in many English paraphrases.
Going further
- The era
- In the 17th century, early Enlightenment thought pushed for natural explanations of human behavior.
- The thinking
- Practically, Spinoza’s view means asking what causes people to act (needs, circumstances, passions) instead of instantly blaming them.
- Key word
- Intelligere: to understand causes rather than to condemn.
- Who quoted it
- Friedrich Nietzsche echoes the formula in The Gay Science, showing its philosophical reach.
Three challenges to live it
In the app, you pick the one that fits your day, and in the evening you say how it went.
Write for 15 minutes a causal account of a recent action that annoyed you: describe circumstances, possible desires and fears without judging.
Spinoza recommends replacing mockery and hatred with causal understanding; focused writing makes you trace the passions and conditions behind behavior.
Ask someone you disagree with to explain what motivates them; listen for 10 minutes without interrupting and ask two clarifying questions.
Spinoza urges studying human causes: sustained, nonjudgmental listening uncovers motivations and passions instead of feeding contempt.
Pick a common social behavior today and read two short sources (article, excerpt) that explain its causes; note three shared causal factors.
Spinoza recommends a methodological, evidence-based study of passions: consulting sources helps surface real causes instead of emotional reactions.
How would seeking causes instead of blame change a recent conflict in your life?
Report an error
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