Scott Harrison: Rene Descartes

René Descartes (1596-1650)

Portrait by Frans Hals

There was a young student called Fred, Who was questioned on Descartes and said: "It's perfectly clear That I'm not really here, For I haven't a thought in my head." —V. R. Ormerod

Dr Johnson, when sober or pissed, Could be frequently heard to insist, Letting out a great fart: "Yes, I follow Descartes— I stink, and I therefore exist." —A. Cinna