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Whatever I have up till now accepted as most true and…

“Whatever I have up till now accepted as most true and assured I have gotten either from the senses or through the senses. But from time to time I have found that the senses deceive, and it is prudent never to trust completely those who have deceived us even once.” quote by Rene Descartes
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“Whatever I have up till now accepted as most true and assured I have gotten either from the senses or through the senses. But from time to time I have found that the senses deceive, and it is prudent never to trust completely those who have deceived us even once.”

Rene Descartes

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The senses can mislead; therefore, one should not fully trust them or those who have deceived us.

In simple terms: Senses are unreliable; be cautious of deceit.

Key Takeaway

Question sensory evidence.

Themes

skepticism trust perception knowledge

Mood

analytical skeptical

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • critical thinking
  • scientific inquiry
  • personal decision making

Key Concepts

epistemology philosophy of mind

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you verify what you perceive?
  • Can trust be rebuilt after deception?
A Different Perspective

Sensory information is essential but not infallible.

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