Full Idea
The beginning of Descartes' philosophy, namely, the abstraction from sensation and matter, is the beginning of modern speculative philosophy.
Gist of Idea
Modern philosophy begins with Descartes' abstraction from sensation and matter
Source
Ludwig Feuerbach (Principles of Philosophy of the Future [1843], §10)
Book Reference
Feuerbach,Ludwig: 'Principles of the Philosophy of the Future', ed/tr. Vogel,M [Hackett 1986], p.13
A Reaction
In Britain it might be said that modern philosophy begins with a rebellion against Descartes' move. Feuerbach is charting the movement towards idealism.