How do I into Spinoza? Is it necessary that I read Descartes

nobody reads spinoza, especial not titans of german letters

read infinite jest instead. more insightful

Yeah you should read Descartes. Also look into Giordano Bruno.

>>8417114
You just do it. Descartes could be a nice prelude but it's not necessary at all.
If you find a nice book with an historical introduction, that'd help you get on the book.

>>8417123
>>8417336
retards.

"It may really be said: You are either a Spinozist or not a philosopher at all."
Hegel

Spinoza is garbage

>>8417888
Retard

Reading a philosopher without knowing the major influences is pointless

>>8417114
i would be acquainted with descartes but i don't think you necessarily need to read his works, just read his SEP article or something so you know the historical context and what issues/debates he's tackling (the most important for understanding spinoza is d's mind/body dualism, which spinoza critiques as a monist)

>>8417955
Actually I'm sorry, I don't know what went through my head, this message was supposed to be for the first reply and I've added you in.

Sorry about it budd'
But reading Giordano Bruno as well might be excessive, the only thing he needs to know is that he influenced Spinoza in his representation of the universe as infinite and his death probably made Spinoza even more repulsed by Jewish religion and religions. When Spinoza was asked to back off with his ideas, he probably knew that he might suffer the same fate as Giordano but he didn't flinch.

>>8417988
Ageeed, but Bruno's thought gives an interesting perspective on Spinoza's worldview if you want to become a true Spinozist. Yates' book on Bruno gives a decent outline of his views, with a bit of occult thrown in for good measure.