René Descartes

Find the best quotes, maxims and aphorisms of René Descartes

Biography : French philosopher, mathematician and scientist.
Born: 1596 - Died: 1650
Period:
17th century
Place of birth: France
France

France

René Descartes - Quotes

Good sense is, of all things among men, the most equally distributed; for every one thinks himself so abundantly provided with it, that those even who are the most difficult to satisfy in everything else, do not usually desire a larger measure of this quality than they already possess. And in this it is not likely that all are mistaken: the conviction is rather to be held as testifying that the power of judging aright and of distinguishing truth from error, which is properly what is called good sense or reason, is by nature equal in all men; and that the diversity of our opinions, consequently, does not arise from some being endowed with a larger share of reason than others, but solely from this, that we conduct our thoughts along different ways, and do not fix our attention on the same objects. For to be possessed of a vigorous mind is not enough; the prime requisite is rightly to apply it.
René Descartes - Discourse on the Method /

It is not enough to have a good mind; the main thing is to use it well.
René Descartes - Discourse on the Method /

It is not enough to have a good mind; the main thing is to use it well.

I think, therefore I am.
René Descartes - Discourse on the Method /

I think, therefore I am.

My third maxim was to try always to conquer myself rather than fortune, and to alter my desires rather than change the order of the world.
René Descartes - Discourse on the Method /

So in order to act well it is sufficient to judge well, and to judge as well as one can is sufficient to enable one to do one's best.
René Descartes - Discourse on the Method /

judgement