I have often wished to have a quick wit, or a sharp and distinct imagination, or as ample or prompt a memory as others. And apart from these, I know of not other qualities where serve to perfect the mind; for, as regards reason and sense, since it is the only think that makes us men and distinguishes us from the beasts, I am inclined to believe that it exists whole and complete in each of us.
—Rene Descartes, Discourse on Method
