Goethe is saying that Spinoza taught him to free his mind from the influence of others. To find his own feelings and his own conclusions and then act upon them. In other words, let your love flow, and do not let it be influenced by the idea of the love you may get in return. We could apply that very idea to election speeches. Would Goethe make a speech based on the admiration he would get from others? Of course not! Nor would he say what others want him to say. You understand? You get that point?”
