In the first paragraph of his Discourse on Method, Rene Descartes describes the riches and perils of the life of the mind. It would benefit us to reflect on these words of an underappreciated philosopher.

For to be possessed of a vigorous mind is not enough– the prime requisite is to rightly apply it. The greatest minds, as they are capable of the highest excellences, are open likewise to the greatest aberrations; and those who travel very slowly may yet make far greater progress, provided they keep always to the straight road, than those who, while they run, forsake it.