René Descartes
René Descartes (1596–1650) was a French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist who is considered a founder of modern Western philosophy. His work established methodological doubt as a tool for inquiry and produced foundational contributions to analytic geometry and rationalist epistemology; the quoted line reflects his emphasis on doubt as a starting point for wisdom.
Quotes by René Descartes
Quotes: 3
Tracing Wisdom to Its Roots in Doubt
The impact of doubt extends beyond philosophy into the development of scientific reasoning. As the Enlightenment dawned, thinkers like Isaac Newton and Francis Bacon championed skepticism, insisting that ideas be tested and scrutinized. This culture of inquiry gave birth to the scientific method, illustrating that doubt fuels discovery by challenging dogma and habit. [...]
Created on: 6/2/2025
Conquer Yourself Rather Than the World - René Descartes
As a foundational thinker in Western philosophy and rationalism, Descartes frequently explored themes of self-awareness and the importance of grounding one’s understanding in internal wisdom rather than external forces. [...]
Created on: 1/22/2025
There is Nothing More Equitably Distributed Than Reason: Everyone is Convinced That They Have Enough - René Descartes
The quote suggests that rationality is subjective; what one person views as logical may differ from another's perspective, yet both feel justified in their reasoning. [...]
Created on: 6/6/2024