René Descartes

René Descartes (1596-1650) is the most prominent French thinker. He is unanimously considered the founder of modern thought and opened new paths for the European spirit. He was born in Touraine to a family of minor nobility. Descartes studied at the College of La Flèche and earned a law degree from the University of Poitiers. This was followed by a period of unsettled life, during which the young Descartes traveled extensively across Western Europe. In 1628, he settled in the Netherlands due to its liberal regime. There, he remained almost until the end of his life, dedicated to study and scientific research. He distinguished himself as a mathematician, physicist, and philosopher. His most significant works include: "Meditations on First Philosophy," "Discourse on the Method," "Principles of Philosophy," and "The Passions of the Soul."