If we possessed a thorough knowledge of all the parts of the seed of any animal (e.g. man), we could from that alone, be reasons entirely mathematical and certain, deduce the whole conformation and figure of each of its members, and, conversely if we knew several peculiarities of this conformation, we would from those deduce the nature of its seed.

Conquer yourself rather than the world.

Now therefore, that my mind is free from all cares, and that I have obtained for myself assured leisure in peaceful solitude, I shall apply myself seriously and freely to the general destruction of all my former opinions.

The entire method consists in the order and arrangement of the things to which the mind's eye must turn so that we can discover some truth.

How do we know that anything really exists, that anything is really the way it seems ot us through our senses?

Intuitive knowledge is an illumination of the soul, whereby it beholds in the light of God those things which it pleases Him to reveal to us by a direct impression of divine clearness.

So far, I have been a spectator in this theater which is the world, but I am now about to mount the stage, and I come forward masked.