René Descartes's foundational 1641 philosophical work systematically doubts all knowledge to establish certain truths, famously concluding "I think, therefore I am." Written as six meditations, this French philosopher's methodical inquiry into existence, God, and the nature of mind versus matter shaped modern Western thought. Translated by William Molyneux.
Some years past I perceived how many _Falsities_ I admitted as _Truths_ in my Younger years, and how _Dubious_ those things were which I raised from thence; and therefore I thought it requisite (if I had a designe to establish any thing that should prove _firme_ and _permanent_ in sciences) that once in my life I should clearly cast aside all my former opinions, and begin a new from some _First principles_. But this seemed a great Task, and I still expected that maturity of years, then which none could be more apt to receive Learning; upon which Account I waited so long, that at last I should deservedly be blamed had I spent that time in _Deliberation_ which remain’d only for _Action_. This day therefore I conveniently released my mind from all cares, I procured to my self a Time Quiet, and free from all Business, I retired my self Alone; and now at length will I freely and seriously app…Continue reading →
This is the William Molyneux translation, a public-domain English text. Marginalia presents it unabridged, with chapter navigation, your reading position saved, and optional AI commentary on any passage.
A 17th-century French philosopher and mathematician, this brilliant thinker revolutionized how we understand knowledge and reality. Living from 1596 to 1650, he famously declared "I think, therefore I am" and developed the coordinate system still used in mathematics today. His systematic doubt and rational method laid the foundation for modern philosophy and scientific inquiry. All works by René Descartes →
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