I would like to thank my partner Jon Rubin for all his help, support and patience. This is not only for taking away the sad encounter that is referencing but also for all our interesting discussions and his thoughts and ideas about the book. Whilst not directly involved in the book, I would also like to acknowledge the joyful encounter that is the Melbourne Spinoza Reading Group: Peter Barden, Justin Clemens, Bryan Cooke, Joseph Hughes, Joeri Mol, Chris van Rompaey, Lara Stevens and Timothy Laurie and, of course, Jon Rubin. I would also like to acknowledge my old friend, Tom Huggon, playing on Skype.