Editing Openai/6923f6d0-6398-800f-88a6-895979bdbe94 (section)

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# Closed and fearful society in Europe
* People in the 17th century grew up under religious and political fear.
* Churches and governments suppressed any intellectual dissent.
* Therefore, even though Spinoza’s philosophy was rational and appealing, the social environment did not allow a broad popular movement.
# Nature of Spinoza’s philosophy
* His philosophy was abstract, critical, and individual-focused, not directly practical or mobilizing.
* He targeted the minds of elites rather than the general population.
* His message was not easily understood or attractive to ordinary people, limiting the creation of a social movement.
# Limitations even for the greatest philosophers
* Even bold and influential philosophers could not bring immediate social change in oppressive, fearful, and closed societies.
* Spinoza represents an introverted, analytical philosophy whose impact was primarily intellectual and ethical over the long term, rather than immediate social influence.
# Conclusion
* Your observation is correct: - The society was closed and fearful. - Spinoza could not gain broad popular support. - His philosophy primarily influenced the minds and ethics of the elite.
* This distinction shows the difference between philosophical impact and direct social impact.