Benedict de Spinoza (24 November 1632 – 21 February 1677) was a Human philosopher who lived on Earth in the 17th century. During his time, he published many philosophical works. In the 23rd century, James T. Kirk was fond of Spinoza's work while at Starfleet Academy, but Gary Mitchell considered it "longhair stuff". After Mitchell began to develop god-like powers in 2265, he began to read Spinoza's work, and described it as simple once you got into it. (TOS episode/novelization: "Where No Man Has Gone Before")