"Cogito, Ergo Sum" (phrase)

"Cogito, Ergo Sum" is a Latin phrase meaning "I think, therefore I am," coined by philosopher René Descartes. It suggests that the very act of thinking is proof of one's existence. In essence, if you are capable of doubt or reflection, you must exist in some form to engage in those thoughts. This idea emphasizes the importance of consciousness and self-awareness in understanding reality and serves as a foundational element in modern philosophy, providing a starting point for exploring knowledge, existence, and the mind.