21st Century: Query 155 (Rene Descartes)
“In order
to improve the mind, we ought less to learn, than to contemplate.”
What is the difference between “learning” and “contemplating”?
Based on his assertion, is Descartes advocating for less formal schooling? Why or why not?
~ Rene Descartes, philosopher, mathematician, and scientist. He was 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. One of the most notable intellectual figures of the Dutch
Golden Age, Descartes is also widely regarded as one of the founders of
modern philosophy.
What is the difference between “learning” and “contemplating”?
Based on his assertion, is Descartes advocating for less formal schooling? Why or why not?