Cogito, ergo sum

"Cogito, ergo sum" is a Latin phrase meaning "I think, therefore I am." Coined by philosopher René Descartes in the 17th century, this statement reflects his belief that the act of thinking is proof of one’s existence. Descartes argued that while we can doubt everything else, the very act of doubting or thinking indicates a conscious self. This idea emphasizes the importance of reason and consciousness in understanding human existence, serving as a foundational concept in modern philosophy that highlights the relationship between thought and identity.