On the Improvement of the Understanding

(Treatise on the Emendation of the Intellect)
Baruch Spinoza
Translated by R. H. M. Elwes
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
First part of method:
Second part of method:
(This notice to the reader was written by the editors of the Opera Postuma in 1677. Taken from Curley, Note 3, at end)
I. (2) To speak in a manner intelligible to the multitude, and to comply with every general custom that does not hinder the attainment of our purpose. (3) For we can gain from the multitude no small advantages, provided that we strive to accommodate ourselves to its understanding as far as possible: moreover, we shall in this way gain a friendly audience for the reception of the truth.
II. (17:4) To indulge ourselves with pleasures only in so far as they are necessary for preserving health.
III. (5) Lastly, to endeavor to obtain only sufficient money or other commodities to enable us to preserve our life and health, and to follow such general customs as are consistent with our purpose.
I. (2) Perception arising from hearsay or from some sign which everyone may name as he please.
II. (3) Perception arising from mere experience--that is, form experience not yet classified by the intellect, and only so called because the given event has happened to take place, and we have no contradictory fact to set against it, so that it therefore remains unassailed in our minds.