The highest activity a human being can attain is learning for understanding, because to understand is to be free.

Martin Joughin (New York: Columbia University Press). " Princeton Princeton University Press 1989. And he had committed the "monstrous deed" contrary the regulations of the synagogue and the views of certain rabbinical authorities (including Maimonides) of filing suit in a civil court rather than with the synagogue authorities—to renounce his father's heritage no less.

Spinoza's philosophical accomplishments and moral character prompted 20th century philosopher Gilles Deleuze to name him "the 'prince' of philosophers". Spinoza lived quietly as a lens grinder turning down rewards and honors throughout his life including prestigious teaching positions and gave his family inheritance to his sister. The Jewish religious authorities issued a cherem (Hebrew: חרם a kind of ban shunning ostracism expulsion or excommunication) against him effectively excluding him from Jewish society at age 23.