Vision

Translated from Khmer by Sovannarun TAY and Makara LY

This woodcut from Descartes' 1644 Principles of Philosophy diagrams Descartes' theory of vision and its interaction with the pineal gland. Descartes believed that light rays impressed subtle particles into the eyes. The image was then transmitted to the pineal gland, which served as the nexus between mind and body. In this sketch the external stimulus is translated into an act of will (pointing) by the pineal gland.

1. Equally, eyes are naturally formed to be the witness of mind as an advisor, rather than other senses.  
2. Counting on eyes, human can figure out the truth on his way which he is in need of whether traveling or not.
3. On the contrary, without rational vision, it will end up with faults. Upon contemplating things in uncertain status quo, be careful with remaining in both darkness and lightness.
4. The stronger or dimmer, the harder. It is feasible for the middle of both. 
5. Sharp eyes are able to estimate the distinction between plenty of different things or plenty of similar things.
6. To look away from a distance, if abundant or sparse, eyes are unable to see clearly; and eyes constantly neglect the near one.
7. Like ludicrous eyewitness, the eyes of nincompoop are eyes for eyes, to wit, to believe in what they see without judicious approach. Such ridiculous eyes are considered as blind.
8. The eyes of intellectual calculate on not only the eyes but other eyes with the precise evident and realistic rationalizing. Such erudite eyes surpass natural eyes.