This seven-page undergraduate paper examines the philosophy of Spinoza in terms of how, as a man necessarily seeks his advantage, he can attain happiness, civility and philanthropy. The author examines The Ethics and discusses Spinoza’s response that even though people necessarily seek personal advantage, they can attain happiness, civility and philanthropy through developing knowledge of God. This is the highest good attainable by human beings, and in Spinoza’s view, provides people with a perspective on life that can prevent them from being enslaved by their passions and fears, persuade them to accept their destiny, and enable them to live happy lives of devotion to civility and philanthropy.