The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest minds of past centuries.
Rene DescartesRead
The greatest minds, as they are capable of the highest excellencies, are open likewise to the greatest aberrations; and those who travel very slowly may yet make far greater progress, provided they keep always to the straight road, than those who, while they run, forsake it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Great minds can achieve excellence but are also prone to errors; steady progress on the right path is often more valuable than quick progress off course.
This quote by René Descartes highlights the duality of intelligence and the human experience. It suggests that while those with great intellects have the potential for both remarkable achievements and significant mistakes, individuals who may not be as fast or as brilliant can still accomplish more by consistently adhering to a principled approach. Descartes emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus on the 'straight road,' encouraging a slow but steady journey towards success rather than succumbing to the temptations of rapid advancement that may lead to errors.
Themes
ProgressSuccessWisdomAberrationDedicationIntellect
In practice
Example use cases
This quote would be great to include in a motivational speech to inspire perseverance and dedication in a challenging project.
More from Rene Descartes
All quotes →If we possessed a thorough knowledge of all the parts of the seed of any animal (e.g. man), we could from that alone, be reasons entirely mathematical and certain, deduce the whole conformation and figure of each of its members, and, conversely if we knew several peculiarities of this conformation, we would from those deduce the nature of its seed.
Rene DescartesRead
Mathematics is a more powerful instrument of knowledge than any other that has been bequeathed to us by human agency.
Rene DescartesRead
Before examining this more carefully and investigating its consequences, I want to dwell for a moment in the contemplation of God, to ponder His attributes in me, to see, admire, and adore the beauty of His boundless light, insofar as my clouded insight allows. Believing that the supreme happiness of the other life consists wholly of the contemplation of divine greatness, I now find that through less perfect contemplation of the same sort I can gain the greatest joy available in this life.
Rene DescartesRead
I am accustomed to sleep and in my dreams to imagine the same things that lunatics imagine when awake.
Rene DescartesRead
The greatest minds are capable of the greatest vices as well as of the greatest virtues.
Rene DescartesRead
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