--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The brutes, which have only their bodies…" description: "\"“The brutes, which have only their bodies to conserve, are continually occupied in seeking sources of nourishment; but men, of whom the chief part is t..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/83e/ren-descartes-1376_success_the-brutes-which-have-only-their-bodies_1732349.jpg" --- # The brutes, which have only their bodies to conserve, are… ![“The brutes, which have only their bodies to conserve, are continually occupied in seeking sources of nourishment; but men, of whom the chief part is the mind, ought to make the search after wisdom their principal care, for wisdom is the true nourishment of the mind; and I feel assured, moreover…” quote by René Descartes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/83e/ren-descartes-1376_success_the-brutes-which-have-only-their-bodies_1732349.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/83e/ren-descartes-1376_success_the-brutes-which-have-only-their-bodies_1732349.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/83e/ren-descartes-1376_success_the-brutes-which-have-only-their-bodies_1732349.jpg) > ““The brutes, which have only their bodies to conserve, are continually occupied in seeking sources of nourishment; but men, of whom the chief part is the mind, ought to make the search after wisdom their principal care, for wisdom is the true nourishment of the mind; and I feel assured, moreover, that there are very many who would not fail in the search, if they would but hope for success in it, and knew the degree of their capabilities for it.”” [René Descartes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ren-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 mind should prioritize seeking wisdom over merely satisfying bodily needs, as true nourishment comes from intellectual growth. **In simple terms:** Seek wisdom, not just food for the body. Key Takeaway Focus on intellectual development. Themes philosophy wisdom mind selfimprovement Mood contemplative inspirational Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - education - personal growth - career planning - decision making Key Concepts Rationalism human nature knowledge acquisition Questions to Reflect On - How can you balance intellectual pursuits with material responsibilities? - What habits nurture your mind daily? A Different Perspective Wisdom alone cannot replace practical skills or resources. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Success](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/success/) [Wisdom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wisdom/) ## Related quotes > [“It is hard work to control the workings of inclination and turn the bent of nature; but that it may be done, I know…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charlotte-bronte/it-is-hard-work-to-control-the-workings-of-inclination-and-turn-the-2/) [Charlotte Brontë](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charlotte-bronte/) > [“Books are essential nourishment to the mind.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joanna-davidson-politano/books-are-essential-nourishment-to-the-mind/) [Joanna Davidson Politano](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joanna-davidson-politano/) > [To search for wisdom apart from Christ means not simply foolhardiness but utter insanity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-calvin/to-search-for-wisdom-apart-from-christ-means-not-simply-foolhardiness/) [John Calvin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-calvin/) > [“Stupidity has a price. 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