Selection from – Ethics – Part IV. Of Human Bondage, or the Strength of the Emotions (Page 14)

Spinoza's Words: (men of reason live in harmony and help rather than hurt others)

Every man exists by sovereign natural right, and, consequently, by sovereign natural right performs those actions which follow from the necessity of his own nature; therefore by sovereign natural right every man judges what is good and what is bad, takes care of his own advantage according to his own disposition and endeavours to preserve that which he loves and to destroy that which he hates.

Now, if men lived under the guidance of reason, everyone would remain in possession of this his right, without any injury being done to his neighbour.. But seeing that they are a prey to their emotions they are often drawn in different directions, and being at variance one with another stand in need of mutual help.

Wherefore, in order that men may live together in harmony, and may aid one another, it is necessary that they should forego their natural right, and, for the sake of security, refrain from all actions which can injure their fellow-men. The way in which this end can be obtained should be able to render each other mutually secure, and feel mutual trust, is ... through fear of incurring a greater injury themselves.