Article #59-2 | Gutenberg Articles

Excerpt

Excerpt from Discourse on the Method of Rightly Conducting One's Reason and of Seeking Truth in the Sciences, by René Descartes

For myself, I have never fancied my mind to be in any respect more
perfect than those of the generality; on the contrary, I have often
wished that I were equal to some others in promptitude of thought, or
in clearness and distinctness of imagination, or in fullness and
readiness of memory. And besides these, I know of no other qualities
that contribute to the perfection of the mind; for as to the reason or
sense, inasmuch as it is that alone which constitutes us men, and
distinguishes us from the brutes, I am disposed to believe that it is
to be found complete in each individual; and on this point to adopt the
common opinion of philosophers, who say that the difference of greater
and less holds only among the accidents, and not among the forms or
natures of individuals of the same species.

I will not hesitate, however, to avow my belief that it has been my
singular good fortune to have very early in life fallen in with certain
tracks which have conducted me to considerations and maxims, of which I
have formed a method that gives me the means, as I think, of gradually
augmenting my knowledge, and of raising it by little and little to the
highest point which the mediocrity of my talents and the brief duration
of my life will permit me to reach. For I have already reaped from it
such fruits that, although I have been accustomed to think lowly enough
of myself, and although when I look with the eye of a philosopher at
the varied courses and pursuits of mankind at large, I find scarcely
one which does not appear in vain and useless, I nevertheless derive
the highest satisfaction from the progress I conceive myself to have
already made in the search after truth, and cannot help entertaining
such expectations of the future as to believe that if, among the
occupations of men as men, there is any one really excellent and
important, it is that which I have chosen.

After all, it is possible I may be mistaken; and it is but a little
copper and glass, perhaps, that I take for gold and diamonds. I know
how very liable we are to delusion in what relates to ourselves, and
also how much the judgments of our friends are to be suspected when
given in our favor. But I shall endeavor in this discourse to describe
the paths I have followed, and to delineate my life as in a picture, in
order that each one may also be able to judge of them for himself, and
that in the general opinion entertained of them, as gathered from
current report, I myself may have a new help towards instruction to be
added to those I have been in the habit of employing.

Explanation

Detailed Explanation of the Excerpt from Descartes’ Discourse on the Method

Context of the Source

René Descartes (1596–1650) was a French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist, often regarded as the "father of modern philosophy." His Discourse on the Method (1637) is a foundational work in Western philosophy, blending autobiography, epistemology (the study of knowledge), and scientific methodology. Written in French (rather than the academic Latin of the time) to reach a broader audience, the Discourse introduces Descartes’ revolutionary approach to knowledge—methodical doubt—and his famous dictum, "Cogito, ergo sum" ("I think, therefore I am").

This excerpt comes from Part 1, where Descartes reflects on his intellectual journey, his self-assessment, and the method he has developed to attain certain knowledge. His goal is not just to present his ideas but to invite readers to judge them fairly, free from prejudice or flattery.

Themes in the Excerpt

Humility and Self-Assessment Descartes begins by downplaying his own intellectual superiority, claiming his mind is no more "perfect" than that of ordinary people. He admits to envying others for qualities like promptitude of thought, clarity of imagination, and memory—traits he suggests are accidental (variable among individuals) rather than essential to human reason itself.
The Universality of Reason He argues that reason (or "sense") is the defining human faculty, distinguishing us from animals, and that it is equally present in all people. This aligns with the philosophical idea that essential qualities (forms/natures) of a species are uniform, while accidental qualities (like memory or quickness) vary. This democratization of reason implies that truth is accessible to anyone willing to use their mind correctly.
The Power of Method Despite his modest self-view, Descartes claims to have discovered a method—a systematic approach to thinking—that allows him to gradually increase his knowledge. This method (later outlined in the Discourse) involves:
- Doubt (rejecting uncertain beliefs),
- Analysis (breaking problems into simpler parts),
- Synthesis (reconstructing knowledge step-by-step),
- Verification (ensuring nothing is omitted). He suggests that even an average mind, with the right method, can achieve great understanding.
The Pursuit of Truth as the Highest Vocation Descartes contrasts his own path with the "varied courses and pursuits of mankind," most of which he finds "vain and useless." He elevates the search for truth as the most noble human occupation, implying that philosophy (or systematic inquiry) is superior to worldly ambitions.
Skepticism and Fallibility Despite his confidence, Descartes acknowledges the possibility of self-deception ("a little copper and glass" mistaken for "gold and diamonds"). He recognizes that human judgment is flawed, especially when assessing oneself, and that even friends’ praise may be biased. This self-aware skepticism is central to his method—doubt is a tool for clarity.
Transparency and Public Judgment To counter potential bias, Descartes invites readers to examine his method for themselves. By presenting his life and thoughts "as in a picture," he seeks objective evaluation, hoping that collective judgment will help refine his ideas.

Literary and Rhetorical Devices

Modesty Topos (False Humility?)
- Descartes begins by downplaying his intelligence, a common rhetorical strategy (captatio benevolentiae) to make his later claims more persuasive. However, given his revolutionary ideas, this humility may also be genuine—he truly believes his method, not innate genius, is the key to knowledge.
Contrast and Parallelism
- He contrasts accidental qualities (memory, imagination) with essential reason, reinforcing his argument that truth-seeking is open to all.
- The metaphor of "copper and glass" vs. "gold and diamonds" underscores the risk of mistaking superficial success for real value.
Metaphor and Imagery
- "Tracks which have conducted me" → His method is a path to follow.
- "Delineate my life as in a picture" → He offers his experiences as a transparent subject for examination.
- "Fruits" of his method → Knowledge as a harvest, suggesting growth and nourishment.
Appeal to Authority (Philosophers’ Common Opinion)
- He cites the philosophical consensus that essential qualities (like reason) are uniform in a species, lending credibility to his claim.
First-Person Reflection (Autobiographical Style)
- The Discourse is partly an intellectual autobiography, making his arguments feel personal and relatable. This was innovative—philosophy was typically abstract, not confessional.
Conditional Language ("It is possible I may be mistaken")
- Descartes’ provisional tone aligns with his method of doubt—he does not assert absolute certainty but invites verification.

Significance of the Passage

Democratization of Knowledge By arguing that reason is universal, Descartes challenges the idea that wisdom is reserved for elites. His method suggests that anyone can think philosophically if they follow the right steps.
Foundation of Modern Epistemology This excerpt introduces key themes of Descartes’ philosophy:
- Methodical doubt as a path to certainty.
- The primacy of reason over tradition or authority.
- The individual’s capacity for self-correction through systematic thinking.
Rejection of Scholasticism Descartes distances himself from the medieval Scholastic tradition, which relied on Aristotelian logic and church doctrine. His emphasis on personal inquiry and experience marks a shift toward modern empirical and rationalist thought.
The Scientist-Philosopher Ideal Descartes bridges philosophy and science, advocating for a unified method applicable to all fields. This influenced later Enlightenment thinkers (e.g., Newton, Locke) who saw reason as the key to progress.
The Problem of Self-Deception His acknowledgment of human fallibility foreshadows later philosophical concerns (e.g., bias, cognitive limitations) in epistemology and psychology.

Line-by-Line Breakdown (Key Sections)

"I have never fancied my mind to be in any respect more perfect..."
- Descartes starts with humility, disarming potential critics. He admits to envying others’ mental quickness, but this is strategic—it makes his later claim about method more compelling.
"As to the reason or sense... it is to be found complete in each individual."
- Here, he asserts that reason is the essence of humanity and is equally distributed. This is a radical claim—it implies that truth is accessible to all, not just the educated.
"I have been accustomed to think lowly enough of myself..."
- Despite his modesty, he contrasts his own pursuit (truth) with others’ "vain and useless" lives, subtly elevating philosophy above worldly success.
"It is but a little copper and glass, perhaps, that I take for gold and diamonds."
- A metaphor for self-deception, acknowledging that his confidence might be misplaced. This aligns with his method of doubt—even his own beliefs must be tested.
"I shall endeavor... to delineate my life as in a picture..."
- He invites scrutiny, framing his work as an open experiment. This was revolutionary—philosophy was no longer about abstract arguments but personal and verifiable inquiry.

Conclusion: Why This Matters

This excerpt is not just an introduction to Descartes’ method—it is a manifesto for a new way of thinking. By:

Democratizing reason,
Championing systematic doubt,
Prioritizing truth over tradition, and
Inviting public verification,

Descartes lays the groundwork for modern philosophy, science, and individualism. His blend of humility and ambition, skepticism and confidence, makes this passage a pivotal moment in intellectual history—one that still resonates in debates about knowledge, method, and human potential.

Would you like a deeper dive into any specific aspect, such as how this connects to the Meditations or his mathematical work?

Questions

Question 1

The passage’s opening admission—"I have never fancied my mind to be in any respect more perfect than those of the generality"—primarily serves which of the following rhetorical functions in the broader argument?

A. To establish Descartes’ credibility by aligning himself with the intellectual humility of Socratic tradition, thereby preempting accusations of arrogance.
B. To create a deliberate tension between his professed mediocrity and the extraordinary method he later claims to possess, thereby emphasizing the power of systematic reasoning over innate genius.
C. To undermine the value of philosophical inquiry by suggesting that even an average mind cannot reliably distinguish truth from illusion.
D. To appeal to the reader’s empathy by portraying himself as an underdog, thereby making his eventual success seem more inspiring.
E. To implicitly criticize his contemporaries for overestimating their own intellectual capacities, thereby positioning himself as uniquely self-aware.

Question 2

When Descartes states that "the difference of greater and less holds only among the accidents, and not among the forms or natures of individuals of the same species," he is most fundamentally asserting which of the following philosophical claims?

A. That human reason, as an essential and defining faculty, is uniformly present in all individuals, whereas variable traits like memory or imagination are incidental and non-essential.
B. That the apparent diversity in human cognitive abilities is illusory, and all individuals possess identical intellectual potential if given equal educational opportunities.
C. That the distinction between humans and animals lies not in reason but in the accidental accumulation of cultural knowledge over time.
D. That philosophical truth is accessible only to those who transcend their individual "accidents" through rigorous ascetic practice.
E. That the mediocrity of most human minds is an insurmountable obstacle to the pursuit of certain knowledge, necessitating reliance on divine revelation.

Question 3

The metaphor "it is but a little copper and glass, perhaps, that I take for gold and diamonds" functions in the passage primarily to:

A. illustrate the inherent worthlessness of philosophical inquiry compared to practical, worldly pursuits.
B. underscore the necessity of material wealth as a prerequisite for genuine intellectual achievement.
C. acknowledge the possibility that his perceived intellectual progress might be an illusion, thereby reinforcing the need for his method to be subjected to external validation.
D. suggest that most people mistake superficial erudition for true wisdom, a flaw his method is designed to correct.
E. imply that his method, while valuable, is ultimately no more reliable than alchemy in producing genuine knowledge.

Question 4

Descartes’ decision to "delineate [his] life as in a picture" in order to allow others to judge his method serves which of the following purposes in the context of his epistemological project?

A. To provide a biographical framework that humanizes his philosophical claims, making them more palatable to a general audience.
B. To demonstrate that his method is so intuitive that even a visual representation of his life would suffice to convey its principles.
C. To shift the burden of proof onto his readers, forcing them to either accept or refute his method without further argument.
D. To subject his method to the test of intersubjective verification, thereby mitigating the risk of self-deception and aligning his approach with the scientific ideal of replicability.
E. To emphasize the aesthetic dimensions of philosophical inquiry, suggesting that truth is best apprehended through artistic rather than logical means.

Question 5

The passage’s closing sentiment—"that in the general opinion entertained of [his method], as gathered from current report, I myself may have a new help towards instruction to be added to those I have been in the habit of employing"—reveals which of the following about Descartes’ view of knowledge acquisition?

A. That he believes public opinion is the ultimate arbiter of truth, superseding individual reasoning.
B. That he regards his method as incomplete and in need of supplementation by traditional scholarly authorities.
C. That he conceives of knowledge as a collaborative and iterative process, in which external critique serves as a corrective to individual bias.
D. That he is primarily concerned with the practical applications of his method, rather than its theoretical soundness.
E. That he is resigned to the fact that his method will be misunderstood by the generality of people, and thus seeks validation only from a select few.

Solutions and Explanations

1) Correct answer: B

Why B is most correct: The opening admission of mediocrity creates a deliberate rhetorical tension with Descartes’ subsequent claim to have developed an extraordinary method. This contrast serves to elevate the method itself—suggesting that its power lies not in the user’s innate genius but in its systematic, replicable structure. The humility is strategic: it makes the method, rather than Descartes’ personal intellect, the hero of the narrative. This aligns with his broader project of democratizing reason, as the method’s efficacy is presented as independent of the user’s accidental qualities (memory, imagination, etc.).