The famous philosophical statement "I think, therefore I am," translates from the original French "Je pense, donc je suis," and was articulated by René Descartes. This phrase reflects Descartes' foundational belief in rationalism and serves as a fundamental element of Western philosophy. He used it to establish a clear distinction between mind and body and to argue for the necessity of doubt in the pursuit of knowledge. It emphasizes the idea that the ability to think and question one's existence is proof of one's conscious reality and presence in the world, making it a cornerstone of modern philosophy.