René Descartes, born on March 31, 1596, in La Haye en Touraine, France, was a renowned philosopher and mathematician. He is widely regarded as one of the founders of modern philosophy and his works had a profound impact on the development of scientific thinking. Descartes is best known for his famous statement 'Cogito, ergo sum' (I think, therefore I am), which encapsulates his emphasis on rationalism and the importance of self-reflection. His contributions to philosophy, mathematics, and the scientific method continue to shape our understanding of the world. (Wikipedia)