“One cannot conceive anything so strange and so implausible that it has not already been said by one philosopher or another.”
- March 31, 1596 – February 11, 1650
- French
- Philosopher, Mathematician, Scientist, Father of Modern Philosophy
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Quote
“One cannot conceive anything so strange and so implausible that it has not already been said by one philosopher or another.”
Explanation
In this wry observation, Descartes remarks on the extreme variety and eccentricity found throughout the history of philosophy. He suggests that no idea is too bizarre or far-fetched to have already been proposed by some philosopher. This quote serves both as a critique and a caution, highlighting how even the most implausible notions have been defended with apparent seriousness. It underscores the importance of discernment and method in philosophical inquiry.
This statement reflects Descartes’ motivation for developing a systematic and rational approach to knowledge, as he outlined in Discourse on the Method. In his time, philosophy was filled with conflicting schools of thought, each claiming authority, often without clear evidence or logic. Descartes sought to cut through this chaos by establishing a method grounded in certainty, clarity, and reason, rather than inherited speculation or uncritical tradition.
In the modern world, this insight resonates in contexts ranging from academic debate to public discourse, where an abundance of theories, ideologies, and opinions can overwhelm reasoned judgment. Descartes’ quote reminds us that not all ideas are equally valid, and that the ability to think critically, question claims, and apply sound reasoning remains essential in navigating the complex landscape of thought—whether ancient or contemporary.
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