Baruch spinoza

Desire is the very essence of man.

Whatsoever is contrary to nature is contrary to reason, and whatsoever is contrary to reason is absurd.

Nothing in the universe is contingent, but all things are conditioned to exist and operate in a particular manner by the necessity of the divine nature.

None are more taken in by flattery than the proud, who wish to be the first and are not.

Sin cannot be conceived in a natural state, but only in a civil state, where it is decreed by common consent what is good or bad.

God is the indwelling and not the transient cause of all things.

Desire is the essence of a man.

To give aid to every poor man is far beyond the reach and power of every man. Care of the poor is incumbent on society as a whole.

All noble things are as difficult as they are rare.

Whatsoever is, is in God, and without God nothing can be, or be conceived.