"I hope that posterity will judge me kindly, not only as to the things which I have explained, but also to those which I have intentionally omitted so as to leave to others the pleasure of discovery"
- Rene Descartes
About this Quote
Rene Descartes was a French philosopher and mathematician who is widely considered to be among the most prominent thinkers of modern times. In this quote, he expresses his hope that posterity will evaluate him kindly, not just for the important things he has described, but also for the important things he has actually purposefully omitted. He is suggesting that he has actually left some things out of his work so that others can have the pleasure of finding them. This quote shows Descartes' humbleness and his desire to leave a tradition that will influence future generations. It also speaks with his belief in the importance of discovery and expedition, and his determination to share his understanding with others. Descartes' quote is a pointer that knowledge is not something to be hoarded, but something to be shared and checked out.
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