As I considered the matter carefully it gradually came to light that all those matters only were referred to mathematics in which order and measurements are investigated, and that it makes no difference whether it be in numbers, figures, stars, sounds or any other object that the question of measurement arises. I saw consequently that there must be some general science to explain that element as a whole which gives rise to problems about order and measurement, restricted as these are to no special subject matter. This, I perceived was called 'universal mathematics'.
Rene DescartesIn the matter of a difficult question it is more likely that the truth should have been discovered by the few than by the many.
Rene DescartesFor to be possessed of a vigorous mind is not enough; the prime requisite is rightly to apply it.
Rene Descartes