Benedict de Spinoza
From Memory Alpha, the free Star Trek reference
Baruch (later Benedict) de Spinoza was a 17th century Human philosopher and author. His books, including Ethics, were written in Latin.
Starfleet Academy lieutenant instructor James T. Kirk was an enthusiast of Spinoza's thought, but his student Gary Mitchell considered it to be "longhair stuff." Only fifteen years into their friendship did Mitchell's opinion of the Dutchman change : "Once you get into him he's rather simple though. Childish, almost. I don't agree with him at all." (TOS: "Where No Man Has Gone Before")
