"I am certain that I am a thinking thing, and that I have a body, and that I am distinct from my body."

"I confess that I have never been able to find out what is the 'substantial form' of a human body, or how it differs from the form of a statue."

"I am accustomed to take my sleep for granted, and I often imagine that I dream of the most important things, when after all I am only dreaming."

"To be able to live without fear, without anxiety, without sadness, and without any other passion which could disturb the tranquillity of the soul."

"My purpose is not to teach a method which everyone ought to follow to guide his reason, but only to show how I have tried to guide mine."