The famous quote "I think, therefore I am" is attributed to the French philosopher René Descartes. This statement is fundamental to Western philosophy and is originally expressed in Latin as "Cogito, ergo sum." Descartes proposed this idea in his work "Meditations on First Philosophy" to establish a foundation for knowledge. He argues that the very act of doubt or questioning one's existence implies a thinking entity. This concept emphasizes the certainty of self-awareness and serves as a pivotal point in existential philosophy. Descartes' work laid the groundwork for modern philosophy and science, influencing various disciplines.