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Response #2: Spinoza’s philosophy emphasized freedom and liberalism, valuing truth outside of established religious institutions for the first time. Shorto reminds the reader why Spinoza is truly influential: by setting the stage for modern individualism and separation of church and state.

Quote #2: “It was in this moment of world historic growth, and amid consistent attacks from the Orangist/Calvinist party against the Dutch Republicans, that Spinoza put aside the great, deep, and arcane work of philosophy he was embarked (his ethics) in order to write a frankly political book” (180).

Response #1: This quote discusses the seemingly effortlessness of the journey to America. I think it’s important that New York was named New Amsterdam because with them, the settlers brought all of Amsterdams liberal values and ideals, which evidently shaped the political and social climate of New York today.

Quote #1: “The colonists set out making the vastness theirs. The easiest way of doing this was naming it” (Shorto 191).