Rene Descartes Quotes

France, Philosopher
March 31, 1596 – February, 11, 1650.

René Descartes (31 March 1596 – 11 February 1650) was a French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist. A native of the Kingdom of France, he spent about 20 years (1629–1649) of his life in the Dutch Republic after serving for a while in the Dutch States Army of Maurice of Nassau, Prince of Orange and the Stadtholder of the United Provinces. He is generally considered one of the most notable intellectual figures of the Dutch Golden Age.

Also known as Mathematician, Scientist

Intuition is the undoubting conception of a pure and attentive mind, which arises from the light of reason alone, and is more certain than deduction.

Rene Descartes
- Mind
- Light
- Intuition
How do we know that anything really exists, that anything is really the way it seems ot us through our senses?

Rene Descartes
- Way
- Exists
- Senses

The only thing we have power over in the universe is our own thoughts.

Rene Descartes
- Power
- Universe
- Thoughts
Neither divine grace nor natural knowledge ever diminishes freedom.

Rene Descartes
- Freedom
- Knowledge
- Grace
Hence reason also demands that, since our thoughts cannot all be true because we are not wholly perfect, what truth they do possess must inevitably be found in the thoughts we have when awake, rather than in our dreams.

Rene Descartes
- Truth
- Perfect
- Thoughts
And as it is the most generous souls who have most gratitude, it is those who have most pride, and who are most base and infirm, who most allow themselves to be carried away by anger and hatred.

Rene Descartes
- Pride
- Gratitude
- Anger
He who hid well, lived well.

Rene Descartes
- Hid
Thus each truth discovered was a rule available in the discovery of subsequent ones.

Rene Descartes
- Truth
- Rule
- Discovered

Few look for truth; many prowl about for a reputation of profundity by arrogantly challenging whichever arguments are the best.

Rene Descartes
I think; therefore I am.

Rene Descartes
- I Think
There is nothing more ancient than the truth.

Rene Descartes
- Truth
- Ancient