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was conscious that by its use my mind was being gradually habituated
to clearer and more distinct conceptions of its objects； and I hoped also；
from not having restricted this method to any particular matter； to apply it
to the difficulties of the other sciences； with not less success than to those
of algebra。 I should not； however； on this account have ventured at once
on the examination of all the difficulties of the sciences which presented
themselves to me； for this would have been contrary to the order
prescribed in the method； but observing that the knowledge of such is
dependent on principles borrowed from philosophy； in which I found
nothing certain； I thought it necessary first of all to endeavor to establish
its principles。 。And because I observed； besides； that an inquiry of this
kind was of all others of the greatest moment； and one in which
precipitancy and anticipation in judgment were most to be dreaded； I
thought that I ought not to approach it till I had reached a more mature age
（being at that time but twenty…three）； and had first of all employed much
of my time in preparation for the work； as well by eradicating from my
mind all the erroneous opinions I had up to that moment accepted； as by
amassing variety of experience to afford materials for my reasonings； and
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DISCOURSE ON THE METHOD OF RIGHTLY CONDUCTING THE REASON； AND
SEEKING TRUTH IN THE SCIENCES
by continually exercising myself in my chosen method with a view to
increased skill in its application。
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DISCOURSE ON THE METHOD OF RIGHTLY CONDUCTING THE REASON； AND
SEEKING TRUTH IN THE SCIENCES
PART III
And finally； as it is not enough； before mencing to rebuild the
house in which we live； that it be pulled down； and materials and builders
provided； or that we engage in the work ourselves； according to a plan
which we have beforehand carefully drawn out； but as it is likewise
necessary that we be furnished with some other house in which we may
live modiously during the operations； so that I might not remain
irresolute in my actions； while my reason pelled me to suspend my
judgement； and that I might not be prevented from living thenceforward in
the greatest possible felicity； I formed a provisory code of morals；
posed of three or four maxims； with which I am desirous to make you
acquainted。
The first was to obey the laws and customs of my country； adhering
firmly to the faith in which； by the grace of God； I had been educated from
my childhood and regulating my conduct in every other matter according
to the most moderate opinions； and the farthest removed from extremes；
which should happen to be adopted in practice with general consent of the
most judicious of those among whom I might be living。 For as I had
from that time begun to hold my own opinions for nought because I
wished to subject them all to examination； I was convinced that I could not
do better than follow in the meantime the opinions of the most judicious；
and although there are some perhaps among the Persians and Chinese as
judicious as among ourselves； expediency seemed to dictate that I should
regulate my practice conformably to the opinions of those with whom I
should have to live； and it appeared to me that； in order to ascertain the
real opinions of such； I ought rather to take cognizance of what they
practised than of what they said； not only because； in the corruption of our
manners； there are few disposed to speak exactly as they believe； but also
because very many are not aware of what it is that they really believe； for；
as the act of mind by which a thing is believed is different from that by
which we know that we believe it； the one act is often found without the
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DISCOURSE ON THE METHOD OF RIGHTLY CONDUCTING THE REASON； AND
SEEKING TRUTH IN THE SCIENCES
other。 Also； amid many opinions held in equal repute； I chose always the
most moderate； as much for the reason that these are always the most
convenient for practice； and probably the best （for all excess is generally
vicious）； as that； in the event of my falling into error； I might be at less
distance from the truth than if； having chosen one of the extremes； it
should turn out to be the other which I ought to have adopted。 And I
placed in the class of extremes especially all promises by which somewhat
of our freedom is abridged； not that I disapproved of the laws which； to
provide against the instability of men of feeble resolution； when what is
sought to be acplished is some good； permit engagements by vows
and contracts binding the parties to persevere in it； or even； for the security
of merce； sanction similar engagements where the purpose sought to
be realized is indifferent： but because I did not find anything on earth
which was wholly superior to change； and because； for myself in
particular； I hoped gradually to perfect my judgments； and not to suffer
them to deteriorate； I would have deemed it a grave sin against good sense；
if； for the reason that I approved of something at a particular time； I
therefore bound myself to hold it for good at a subsequent time； when
perhaps it had ceased to be so； or I had ceased to esteem it such。
My second maxim was to be as firm and resolute in my actions as I
was able； and not to adhere less steadfastly to the most doubtful opinions；
when once adopted； than if they had been highly certain； imitating in this
the example of travelers who； when they have lost their way in a forest；
ought not to wander from side to side； far less remain in one place； but
proceed constantly towards the same side in as straight a line as possible；
without changing their direction for slight reasons； although perhaps it
might be chance alone which at first determined the selection； for in this
way； if they do not exactly reach the point they desire； they will e at
least in the end to some place that will probab