This was originally posted at the date and time in the byline, but on my Facebook account. Later, I ported it along with a few other snippets here to my WordPress journal, as my purposes with social media shifted more inward. WordPress thankfully allows back-dating a post, so here it is. It's still one of my favorite gems, and I mention it from time to time in conversation with friends.
The two men locked swords, and swung and parried for a few moments. Swiftly, Descartes brought his sword in one last time and delivered a final blow. His opponent's sword flew up into the air. Descartes put the point of his sword to his challenger's throat and, glancing at Mme. de Rosay, said to him: "The lady has beautiful eyes, and for that I will spare your life." He let him go, and pulled back in disgust. The lady rushed over to Descarte's side. One last time, Descartes stared into those beautiful eyes, and turning away from her, he said: "Your beauty is unmatched, but I love truth the most." He left the two stunned figures by the roadside and in a minute gathered his valet, and in a whirl of dust they were off to Paris. (this is from Descarte's Secret Notebook)
This intersection between Truth and Beauty and Descartes, beautifully told and apparently true, is a great place to begin the philosophical-mathematical-technological journey which is clearhat.org, so here it is.