Other
Usually translated from the Latin as ‘I think, therefore I am’.
Cogito, ergo sum
What's the meaning of the phrase 'Cogito ergo sum'?
What's the origin of the phrase 'Cogito ergo sum'?
Possibly the best known of all philosophical quotations; this is from the French philosopher René Descartes in Discourse on Method, 1637, where he attempted to prove his existence as a thinking being, by thinking. ‘I think, therefore I am’ comes to us in English via two translations.
Descartes’ original statement in French was “Je pense, donc je suis”.
This is such a well-known line that it has spawned humorous alternatives, not least:
“I’m pink, therefore I’m spam”
“René Descartes was a drunken fart – I drink therefore I am”.
The history of “Cogito” in printed materials
Trend of cogito in printed material over time
Related phrases and meanings
Browse more Phrases
About the Author
Phrases & Meanings
A-Z
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T UV W XYZ
Categories
American Animals Australian Bible Body Colour Conflict Death Devil Dogs Emotions Euphemism Family Fashion Food French Horses ‘Jack’ Luck Money Military Music Names Nature Nautical Numbers Politics Religion Shakespeare Stupidity Entertainment Weather Women Work
How did we do?
Have you spotted something that needs updated on this page? We review all feedback we receive to ensure that we provide the most accurate and up to date information on phrases.