Quick Facts
I think, therefore I am. Father of modern philosophy and analytic geometry.
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Life Journey
René Descartes was born to Joachim Descartes and Jeanne Brochard in La Haye en Touraine, France. His mother died shortly after his birth, and he was raised by his grandmother and great-uncle.
At the age of 11, Descartes began his education at the Jesuit College of Henry IV in La Flèche, where he studied philosophy, mathematics, and classical languages. He was known for his exceptional intellect.
After completing his studies at the Jesuit College, Descartes enrolled at the University of Poitiers to study law. He received his law degree in 1616, although he did not pursue a legal career.
Descartes moved to the Netherlands and joined the Dutch States Army in Breda. This experience exposed him to military life and the intellectual circles of the Dutch Republic, where he met Isaac Beeckman.
While stationed in the Bavarian town of Ulm, Descartes had a series of dreams and visions that inspired him to develop a universal method of scientific inquiry. This marked the beginning of his philosophical and scientific work.
Descartes moved to the Netherlands, where he lived for over 20 years. He chose the Netherlands for its intellectual freedom and the opportunity to pursue his philosophical and scientific interests without interference.
Descartes published 'Discourse on the Method,' which introduced his philosophical method and included his famous statement, 'Cogito, ergo sum' (I think, therefore I am). This work laid the foundation for modern philosophy.
Descartes published 'Meditations on First Philosophy,' a seminal work that explored the nature of knowledge, existence, and the mind-body problem. It became a cornerstone of modern philosophy.
Descartes accepted an invitation from Queen Christina of Sweden to tutor her in philosophy. He moved to Stockholm, where the cold climate and early morning lessons took a toll on his health.
René Descartes died of pneumonia in Stockholm, Sweden, on February 11, 1650. His body was initially buried in Sweden but was later moved to France, where he is now interred in the Panthéon.