--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Some care is needed in using Descartes'…" description: "\"Some care is needed in using Descartes' argument. \"I think, therefore I am\" says rather more than is strictly certain. It might seem as though we are q..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/13a/bertrand-russell-69_argument_some-care-is-needed-in-using-descartes-a_2728238.jpg" --- # Some care is needed in using Descartes' argument. "I… ![“Some care is needed in using Descartes' argument. "I think, therefore I am" says rather more than is strictly certain. It might seem as though we are quite sure of being the same person to-day as we were yesterday, and this is no doubt true in some sense. But the real Self is as hard to arrive at…” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/13a/bertrand-russell-69_argument_some-care-is-needed-in-using-descartes-a_2728238.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/13a/bertrand-russell-69_argument_some-care-is-needed-in-using-descartes-a_2728238.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/13a/bertrand-russell-69_argument_some-care-is-needed-in-using-descartes-a_2728238.jpg) > “Some care is needed in using Descartes' argument. "I think, therefore I am" says rather more than is strictly certain. It might seem as though we are quite sure of being the same person to-day as we were yesterday, and this is no doubt true in some sense. But the real Self is as hard to arrive at as the real table, and does not seem to have that absolute, convincing certainty that belongs to particular experiences.” [Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bertrand-russell/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Descartes' claim "I think, therefore I am" suggests self‑existence but lacks absolute certainty; personal identity is more complex than a single logical statement. **In simple terms:** Self‑existence is not absolutely certain. Key Takeaway Question identity beyond simple logic. Themes philosophy identity certainty logic Mood thoughtful inquisitive Type philosophical analytical When to use this quote - personal reflection - academic debate - ethical decision making Key Concepts Cartesian doubt self‑awareness Questions to Reflect On - How do you define your own identity? - Can certainty be achieved without doubt? A Different Perspective The argument may overlook emotional and relational aspects of self. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Argument](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/argument/) [Care](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/care/) [Certainty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/certainty/) [Descartes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/descartes/) [Doubt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/doubt/) [Identity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/identity/) [Metaphysics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/metaphysics/) [Real self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/real-self/) [Self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) [Yesterday](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/yesterday/) ## Related quotes > [Descartes, the father of modern philosophy ... would never-so he assures us-have been led to construct his philosophy if he had had only one…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bertrand-russell/descartes-the-father-of-modern-philosophy-would-never-so-he-assures/) [Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bertrand-russell/) > [After a huge argument I think to my self, Fuck I should've said that.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/after-a-huge-argument-i-think-to-my-self-fuck-i-should-ve-said-that/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Every discussion with a girl is an argument, and when you think you are right suddenly you realize that your trapped.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bharat/every-discussion-with-a-girl-is-an-argument-and-when-you-think-you/) Bharat > [I hate how… after an argument I think about more clever stuff I could of said](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-hate-how-after-an-argument-i-think-about-more-clever-stuff-i-could/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I think that we may lose the argument, but I think we have to talk about gun control.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chuck-todd/i-think-that-we-may-lose-the-argument-but-i-think-we-have-to-talk/) [Chuck Todd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chuck-todd/) > [Before you decide to have an argument, think about what you really want to accomplish. 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