CANCER: October 15-21

17th-century writer Rene Descartes is regarded as the father of modern philosophy and founder of rationalism. His famous catchphrase is a centerpiece of Western intellectual tradition: “I think, therefore I am.” Here’s what’s amusing and alarming about the man: He read almost nothing besides the Bible and the work of Catholic theologian Thomas Aquinas. He said classic literature was a waste of time. Is that who we want at the heart of our approach to understanding reality? I say no. Adopt one or both of these: “I feel, therefore I am” or “I dream, therefore I am.”