Rene Descartes Quotes

A proof tells us where to concentrate our doubts.

Doubt, indulged and cherished, is in danger of becoming denial; but if honest, and bent on thorough investigation, it may soon lead to full establishment of the truth.

Carl did not want to believe. He wanted to know.

I’m a skeptic not because I do not want to believe, but because I want to know.

The path of sound credence is through the thick forest of skepticism.

By doubting we are led to question, by questioning we arrive at the truth.

Argument is conclusive, but it does not remove doubt, so that the mind may rest in the sure knowledge of the truth, unless it finds it by the method of experiment.

To doubt everything or to believe everything are two equally convenient solutions; both dispense with the necessity of reflection.

Who never doubted, never half believed. Where doubt is, there truth is - it is her shadow.

Examine by every means each thing how it is clear, neither putting greater faith in anything seen than in what is heard, nor in a thundering sound more than in the clear assertions of the tongue, nor keep from trusting any of the other members in which there lies means of knowledge, but know each thing in the way in which it is clear.

We cannot infer that because sciences of things divine and human are full of controversies and quarrels, therefore their whole subject-matter is uncertain ; for there have been many persons so enamoured of contradiction, as to turn into ridicule geometrical axioms.

Belief in truth begins with doubting all that has hitherto been believed to be true.

A thing is not proved because no one has ever questioned it... Skepticism is the first step toward truth.

I don't want to believe. I want to know.

Doubt is the vestibule through which all must pass before they can enter into the temple of wisdom.

'UFO's' attitude toward the subject is very similar to mine. It's not an advocacy; its philosophy is more 'I want to believe this, but I want it proved.'

The word 'belief' is a difficult thing for me. I don't believe. I must have a reason for a certain hypothesis. Either I know a thing, and then I know it - I don't need to believe it.

Skepticism is the first step on the road to philosophy.

In science, a healthy skepticism is a professional necessity, whereas in religion, having belief without evidence is regarded as a virtue.

If all you have is faith, then you never actually know anything.

If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts, but if he will content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties.

Any truth is better than indefinite doubt.

Doubt is the incentive to truth and inquiry leads the way.

Skepticism is the first step towards truth.

Ignorance never settles a question.