The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest minds of past centuries.
Rene DescartesRead
Now therefore, that my mind is free from all cares, and that I have obtained for myself assured leisure in peaceful solitude, I shall apply myself seriously and freely to the general destruction of all my former opinions.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects Descartes' desire to break free from preconceived notions and think critically.
Rene Descartes emphasizes the importance of clearing one's mind of previous beliefs to engage in genuine reflection and reasoning. He suggests that in a state of peaceful solitude, free from distractions, one can more effectively question and ultimately redefine their own opinions and knowledge, highlighting a significant aspect of philosophical inquiry—self-examination and the willingness to embrace doubt.
Themes
PhilosophySelf-ExaminationReflectionThoughtOpinionsSolitude
In practice
Example use cases
In a philosophy class discussing the importance of critical thinking.
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.
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Mathematics is a more powerful instrument of knowledge than any other that has been bequeathed to us by human agency.
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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.
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