Selection from – Ethics – Part II. On the Nature and Origin of the Mind (Page 7)
Spinoza's Words: human mind is part of the infinite intellect of (Deus sive Natura))
Corollary.—Hence it follows, that the human mind is part of the infinite intellect of (Deus sive Natura) thus when we say, that the human mind perceives this or that, we make the assertion, that (Deus sive Natura) has this or that idea, not in so far as he is infinite, but in so far as he is displayed through the nature of the human mind, or in so far as he constitutes the essence of the human mind; and when we say that (Deus sive Natura) has this or that idea, not only in so far as he constitutes the essence of the human mind, but also in so far as he, simultaneously with the human mind, has the further idea of another thing, we assert that the human mind perceives a thing in part or inadequately.
Note.—Here, I doubt not, readers will come to a stand, and will call to mind many things which will cause them to hesitate; I therefore beg them to accompany me slowly, step by step, and not to pronounce on my statements, till they have read to the end.
Comment:
Spinoza knows that this may be a hard swallow and begs us to be patient. He refers to (Deus sive Natura) as "he." Perhaps I should have changed it to "it."
He implies that when he says that (Deus sive Natura) has an idea he does not mean (Deus sive Natura) has a brain but that the idea exists in the human brain as it is part of (Deus sive Natura).