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

In the matter of a difficult question it is more likely that the truth should have been discovered by the few than by the many.

Rene Descartes
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

For each of us there is a set limit to our intellectual powers which we cannot pass.

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

Rene Descartes
He who hid well, lived well.

Rene Descartes
- Hid
I accept no principles of physics which are not also accepted in mathematics.

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

Rene Descartes
- Truth
- Rule
- Discovered

Neither divine grace nor natural knowledge ever diminishes freedom.

Rene Descartes
- Freedom
- Knowledge
- Grace
There is nothing more ancient than the truth.

Rene Descartes
- Truth
- Ancient
I think; therefore I am.

Rene Descartes
- I Think