The Spinoza Problem

Interesting Facts

• The book combines elements of fiction and philosophical inquiry, making it unique in its genre.
• One of the main characters is Baruch Spinoza, a renowned 17th-century philosopher whose ideas greatly influenced the development of Western thought.
• The book also features Alfred Rosenberg, one of the ideologues of Nazi Germany, creating an unusual and tense interaction between two historical figures.
• The author uses parallel storytelling, alternating chapters about the lives of Spinoza and Rosenberg, allowing for a deeper understanding of their worldviews and internal conflicts.
• The book explores themes of religion, ethics, freedom, and tolerance, raising questions that remain relevant in today's world.
• Irvin Yalom, being a psychotherapist, brings a deep understanding of human psyche and motivations to the narrative, making the characters particularly vivid and multifaceted.