Single Idea 24022

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / A. A Priori Knowledge / 3. Innate Knowledge / a. Innate knowledge]

Full Idea

The human soul possesses something divine in which are deposited the first seeds of useful knowledge, which, in spite of the negligence and embarrassment of poorly done studies, bear spontaneous fruit.

Gist of Idea

Our souls possess divine seeds of knowledge, which can bear spontaneous fruit

Source

René Descartes (Rules for the Direction of the Mind [1628], 04)

Book Reference

Descartes,René: 'Rules for the Direction of the Mind' [Newcomb Library 2023], p.13


A Reaction

This makes clear the religious underpinning which is required for his commitment to such useful innate ideas (such as basic geometry)