Date: 1641
"But I see what it is: my mind enjoys wandering off and will not yet submit to being restrained within the bounds of truth. Very well then; just this once let us give it a completely free rein, so that after a while, when it is time to tighten the reins, it may more readily submit to being curbed."
preview | full record— Descartes, René (1596-1650)
Date: 1748, 1749
"Like that bird on yonder spray, the imagination seems to be perpetually ready to take wing."
preview | full record— Julien Offray de La Mettrie (1709-1751)
Date: 1762
"Du reste, renversant, détruisant, foulant aux pieds tout ce que les hommes respectent, ils ôtent aux affligés la dernière consolation de leur misère, aux puissants & aux riches le seul frein de leurs passions; ils arrachent du fond des coeurs le remords du crime, l’espoir de la vertu, & se vante...
preview | full record— Rousseau, Jean-Jacques (1712-1778)