Rene Descartes and John Locke are philosophers that have intricate views on life. One similarity between both is that they like to explore the truths about life rather than have things come to them. Both men believe that it is essential to have knowledge about life and used experience in their reasoning. “I entirely abandoned the study of letters, and resolved no longer to seek any other science than the knowledge of myself, or of the great book of the world.”(Descartes 5) According to Descartes, to find the truth about life, a person must abandon their regular studies and educate themselves. At a youth age, Descartes began traveling to gain experience. “I spent the remainder of my youth in traveling, and visiting courts and armies, in holding intercourse with men of different dispositions and ranks, in collecting varied experience” (Descartes 6). Descartes used his experience to find the truth of life as well as his growth in knowledge. Locke also believed that people can only learn from their personal experiences such as their sensation and reflections on life. Locke says “All ideas come from sensation or reflection.” (Locke, 1). Locke is basically saying that all ideas that people have come from what they feel, see, and experience. His belief in universal truth derives from personal experience and ideas.

A difference in both men’s philosophy is that Locke deeply believes that knowledge comes only from experience. Whereas, Descartes believes that personal studies is a big part of knowledge. Descartes feels that books are helpful however people should not base their learning method with books but can use it as a foundation. On the other hand, Locke believes that people should start from scratch and build their knowledge based solely on their personal experiences. If both men spoke to each other, they would concur on experience being important however, they would disagree on their approach