Descartes

Rene Descartes writes his essay ­A Discourse on the Method on the importance of using your intelligence and making the most of what you are given. He says, “So my aim here is not to teach the method that everyone must follow for the right conduct of his reason, but only to show in what way I have tried to conduct mine,” (6). He wrote the essay with intentions of others using it as a sort of step-stool towards good actions yet not to follow verbatim. He feels everyone has their own mind and should use it to its full potential, and some just need help being guided in the right direction.
Descartes feels there is nothing more discouraging than a great mind that is not used to its full potential. He quotes “it is not enough to possess a good mind, the most important thing is to apply it correctly,” (5). One who possesses a high IQ but chooses to not study or apply themselves Descartes feels is a waste of potential and he feels it is wrong to those who were not blessed with the gift but use what knowledge they do have to the best of their power. Knowledge is an incredible gift and if used right is a gift to more than one. The magic and power can be spread throughout a community and that is exactly what Descartes wanted.