Cogito, ergo sum
Thus reasoned that great mathematician-philosopher René Descartes. I think, therefore I am. Therefore, as a condition precedent to my being, I must think. Could it be that my thinking consciousness could still exist without the mixing of the flesh of my very self-same parents to which I am most presently heir? That thought frightens and boggles the mind. But perhaps it could be so. For we do not know of these things, and cannot say for certain. The mind stuff is not like flesh stuff, and it works in mysterious ways. Cogito, ergo sum. But who am I, really?