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Look who Descartes was banging according to my research
| https://imgur.com/a/o2g8xYK | 08/12/26 |
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Date: August 12th, 2026 7:32 PM Author: https://imgur.com/a/o2g8xYK Yes, two of the five collections have substantial material on Descartes' private life:
Russell Shorto, *Descartes' Bones* — the most biographical: - His relationship with Helena Jans — the only woman known to have been intimate with him. They lived together in Amsterdam, then Deventer, where their daughter Francine was born. Descartes was "self-centered, vainglorious, vindictious" with few close friends, but changed for the better with Francine. - His personal medical habits and health concerns (gray hairs after 40, recommended rest/soup). - His mind-body philosophy tied to emotional/physical health.
Aczel, *Descartes' Secret Notebook*: - His relationship with Princess Elizabeth — affectionate letters, though the true nature is ambiguous since they never met face-to-face. - Whether Francine was actually born outside marriage — Aczel presents evidence they may have secretly married. Dutch theologian Gisbert Voetius attacked Descartes for "having children outside the confines of marriage," but the Holland birth registry could be read as referring to a legitimate child. - His frail childhood and family accommodations at La Flèche. |