René Descartes, born on March 31, 1596, in La Haye en Touraine, France, is often hailed as the father of modern philosophy. His contributions to mathematics and science also place him among the foremost figures of the Scientific Revolution. Descartes died on February 11, 1650, in Stockholm, Sweden, where he had relocated to serve as a tutor to Queen Christina.

Descartes’ early life was marked by a solid education. He studied at the Jesuit college of La Flèche, where he was exposed to the classical curriculum and developed a penchant for mathematics and philosophy. Following his education, he traveled extensively across Europe, engaging with various intellectual circles, which profoundly influenced his thinking. His early experiences instilled in him a sense of skepticism and inquiry that would shape his philosophical outlook.

Descartes’ literary career is best known for several monumental works. His most notable contributions include "Meditations on First Philosophy," which explores metaphysical questions and the nature of existence, and "Discourse on the Method," which lays the groundwork for scientific reasoning and the famous dictum "Cogito, ergo sum" ("I think, therefore I am"). His writings not only established a new framework for philosophy but also significantly influenced mathematics, particularly through his development of Cartesian coordinates.

In his personal life, Descartes was known to be reserved and solitary, preferring the company of his books and ideas over social engagements. He never married but had a daughter, Francine, who died young, a loss that deeply affected him. Descartes’ philosophical legacy continues to resonate today, making him a pivotal figure in the evolution of Western thought. His rigorous approach to doubt and inquiry laid the foundation for modern philosophy, ensuring that his influence endures through the centuries.