https://github.com/davepinch/pinchy.cc/blob/master/content/topics/works/r/rene-descartes/discourse-on-the-method/translation/part-1/1-6-2.md
For I found myself involved in so many doubts and errors, that I was convinced I had advanced no farther in all my attempts at learning, than the discovery at every turn of my own ignorance.
From my childhood, I have been familiar with letters; and as I was given to believe that by their help a clear and certain knowledge of all that is useful in life might be acquired, I was ardently desirous of instruction.