Benedict Spinoza – key citations:
Theologico-Political Treatise
Wherefore this eternal covenant of the knowledge of G-d and love is universal, as is clear, moreover, from Zeph iii. 10, 11; no difference in this respect can be admitted between Jew and Gentile, nor did the former enjoy any special election beyond that which we have pointed out.
At the present time, therefore, there is absolutely nothing which the Jews can arrogate to themselves beyond other people.
As to their continuance so long after dispersion and the loss of empire, there is nothing marvelous in it, for they so separated themselves from every other nation as to draw down upon themselves universal hate, not only by their outward rites, rites conflicting with those of other nations but also by the sign of circumcision which they most scrupulously observe.
Spinoza, (Theologico-Political Treatise,
Elwes Translation, Dover Paperback p. 55)
Political Treatise
…government which attempts to control minds is accounted tyrannical, and it is considered an abuse of sovereignty and a usurpation of the rights of subjects, to seek to prescribe what shall be accepted as true, or rejected as false, or what opinions should actuate men in their worship of Gd. All these questions fall within a man’s natural right, which he cannot abdicate even with his own consent.
….every man’s understanding is his own, and that brains are as diverse as palates. P. 257
No, the object of government is not to change men from rational beings into beasts or puppets, but to enable them to develop their minds and bodies in security, and to employ their reason unshackled; neither showing hatred, anger, or deceit, nor watched with the eyes of jealousy and injustice. In fact, the true aim of government is liberty. P. 259
It is far from possible to impose uniformity of speech, for the more rules strive to curtail freedom of speech, the more obstinately are they resisted… p 261
Spinoza, Political Treatise, Elwes Translation, Dover Paperback.