On this day in 1596 French philosopher and polymath René Descartes was born. He is considered the father of modern philosophy, played an important role in the Scientific Revolution and paved the way for the Enlightenment.

Descartes is most known for his work on rationalism; The idea that one could understand the world and gain knowledge by using one's own reason, logic and systematic thinking. At that time many philosophers still referred to God in their work as a source for knowledge. Because of his rationalist philosophy and work, he ran into trouble with the church and local authorities and was forced to move a lot.

The quote 'cogito ergo sum' or 'I think, therefore I am' is what most people remember about Descartes. It was his solution to a philosophical problem that puzzled many. How do we know we exist? Although he doubted his own senses and thoughts, he knew one thing for sure, that he was thinking, and therefore must exist. 

Originally posted on Instagram on March 31, 2021