Part III

Descartes explains that suspending all judgments while rebuilding beliefs requires some practical rules to live by, so he forms a provisional code of morals of three or four maxims.

The first maxim is to obey the laws and customs of one's country, adhere to one's faith, and follow the most moderate opinions of the most judicious people around oneself.

The second maxim is to be resolute and decisive in action once a course is chosen, like a traveler in a forest who keeps to one direction rather than wandering indecisively.

The third maxim is to change one's desires rather than the order of the world, accepting that only our thoughts are truly in our power, which produces contentment.

Descartes' fourth maxim is to devote his life to cultivating reason and knowledge. He reflects that these maxims together brought contentment and supported the whole work of self-instruction.