Conatus: The Striving of a Living Being

The chapter's central question

Each thing strives to continue its existence as long as possible, and this effort is its real essence. To humans, conscious conatus appears as desire. Joy is an emotion of transition to greater perfection and capacity for action, while sadness is a transition of diminished capacity. Emotions are a map that shows the direction in which the forces of life change.

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The core engine of Spinoza's philosophy is the Latin word 'Conatus'. Conatus is ‘the fundamental life force through which all existing things constantly strive to preserve and expand their own existence.’

Just as a stone continues to fly in the direction in which it was thrown, and weeds grow through the asphalt toward the sunlight, humans also try to preserve their capacity for life and demonstrate greater power.

� Spinoza's definition of joy and sadness is extremely scientific.

• Joy (Laetitia): It is the feeling I feel when my capacity for activity (conatus) ‘leaps forward’ from a smaller state to a greater state.

• Tristitia: It is the pain felt when one's capacity for action is suppressed or hindered and one is 'shrinked to a smaller state.'

In the end, the real reason we are sad is because the life energy within us is suffocated by the other person's harsh words or failures.

Context and nuance

Spinoza's 『Ethica』 places God, nature, humans, emotions, and freedom in one system through the geometric form of definitions, axioms, theorems, and proofs. Emotions are not exceptions to the laws of nature, but rather the idea of ​​change and the increase or decrease in human capacity for action.

Conatus should not be reduced to self-preservation, which seeks to become stronger than others. Human abilities grow in appropriate relationships, so cooperation and friendship are not the opposite of conatus, but important ways of realizing it. To me, a good relationship does not allow me to do everything alone, but allows me to think and act more.

Do not oversimplify it this way

Spinoza’s ‘understanding’ should not be used as a technique to rationalize others’ mistakes or endure hurts. Understanding the causes can help you set boundaries more accurately and even change your environment. We must also avoid intellectual omnipotence, which assumes that one bright thought immediately erases strong emotions. Spinoza says that an emotion can only be suppressed by a stronger opposing emotion.

Philosophy in life

Have you ever felt black inside and lost all strength in your body all day because you hated and were jealous of someone?

Conatus Checklist: Honestly evaluate whether my current actions (browsing social media, criticizing others) are increasing (joy) or eroding (sadness) my ability to exist.

Primary-source guide

Primary guide: Ethics III, definitions of the affects; Ethics IV–V on bondage and freedom.

Pathos Editorial · Reviewed 2026-09-12