When hope is so strong that it altogether drives out fear, its nature changes and it becomes complacency or confidence. And when we are certain that what we desire will come to pass, even though we go on wanting it to come to pass, we nonetheless cease to be agitated by the passion of desire which caused us to look forward to the outcome with … [ Read more ]
Author: Rene Descartes | Source: The Marginalian (Brain Pickings) | Subjects: Concepts, Fear, Hope, Psychology | Behavior
The mere fact of thinking that a good may be acquired or an evil avoided is sufficient to produce the desire for this to come to pass. But when, over and above this, we consider whether our desire is likely to be satisfied or not, the idea that it is likely arouses hope in us, and the idea that it is unlikely arouses fear, of … [ Read more ]
Author: Rene Descartes | Source: The Marginalian (Brain Pickings) | Subjects: Concepts, Fear, Hope, Psychology | Behavior
For to be possessed of a vigorous mind is not enough; the prime requisite is rightly to apply it. The greatest minds, as they are capable of the highest excellences, are open likewise to the greatest aberrations; and those who travel very slowly may yet make far greater progress, provided they keep always to the straight road, than those who, while they run, forsake it. … [ Read more ]
Author: Rene Descartes | Subjects: Education | Scholarship, Intelligence | Knowledge, Wisdom
If we endeavor to form our conceptions upon history and life, we remark three classes of men.
The first consists of those for whom the chief thing is the qualities of feelings. These men create art.
The second consists of the practical men who carry on the business of the world. They respect nothing but power and respect power only so far as it is exercised.
The third … [ Read more ]
Author: Rene Descartes | Subjects: Insight, Life & Society, Philosophy, Psychology | Behavior