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To my opinion the meaning is connected to our abilities. Like if you think that means you are alive, you are (you exist) in the world. It�s like a point - conclusion sentences. For instance: Tiger has claws, therefore it is a predator. In your sentence knowing that you are able to think drives you to conclusion that you are real (do exist in the world). I think that is the meaning. Take care
In the 17th century, the French philosopher Ren� Descartes came up with the "explanation for it all": "I think, therefore I am". I remember this statement being the source of debates in philosophy classes. It was the existential "which came first" story� the chicken or the egg.
Years later, I feel that his statement really is a fill-in-the-blanks statement. "I think _________, therefore I am _____________." In other words, "I think I am angry, therefore I am angry." "I think I am tired, therefore I am tired." "I think I am busy, therefore I am busy."
First the thought, then the action. It�s always been that way. Everything starts with a thought. Even conception starts with a thought. You first think about doing something and then do it (or decide not to do it). All inventions started with a thought. Thomas Edison didn�t invent the light bulb without first having a thought (or many thoughts) about it.
The thoughts always precede the actions. Thus the importance of "managing" our thoughts and not let them run rampant. They are not the "directors" of our show. They are simply the precursors to action.
It also means - that as long as you think - you are alive (therefore you are) when you cease to think - you�re probably dead. (therefore you are not anymore)
That�s a very interesting interpretation according to which we may conclude that the majority of people is actually �dead� because the system has turned them into...
... an attendant lord, one that will do
To swell a progress, start a scene or two,
Advise the prince; no doubt, an easy tool,
Deferential, glad to be of use,
Politic, cautious, and meticulous;
Full of high sentence, but a bit obtuse;
At times, indeed, almost ridiculous �
Almost, at times, the Fool.
(T.S. Eliot �The
Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock�)
(therefore you are not anymore)
