Descartes is a French philosopher and mathematician. He is considered one of the most influential figures in Western philosophy and the founder of modern philosophy. Descartes is best known for his statement “Cogito, ergo sum” which translates to “I think, therefore I am.” This statement reflects his emphasis on the power of human reason and the existence of the self. Descartes also made significant contributions to mathematics, particularly in the development of analytic geometry. Overall, Descartes’ work had a profound impact on various fields of study and continues to be studied and debated today.