Baruch de Spinoza is a 17th century European philosopher who thought deeply about the nature of God. His surprisingly modern ideas stirred a lot of controversy in the Amsterdam where he grew up.

"In 1656, I was excommunicated from the Jewish community in Amsterdam. I was banished, never to return. My ideas were too radical, too dangerous. I questioned the nature of God and the scriptures. So, I took on the name Benedictus and lived a modest life, grinding lenses for optical instruments, a trade that allowed me the solitude and means to pursue my philosophical endeavors."

Interview facilitated by ChatGPT and Claude

Voicing and soundscape constructed with ⁠⁠Elevenlabs⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠Grand_Project⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠

Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen

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