“Descartes’ Rethinking: Video, Ergo Sum!” oil on wood, 32x36(2024)

Descartes’ meditations, which led him to the declaration of his existence with the phrase “Cogito ergo sum.!” (I think, therefore I am), are not merely about internal reflection. This thinking acknowledges and incorporates the tangible reality around us. For Descartes, reality holds its own mysteries awaiting resolution by the mind. The nature of the mind is to aim to explain phenomena. Therefore, as a primary function, the mind requires material to naturally act and perform. Reflection doesn’t begin from doubting yourself but from doubting external of yourself.

In modern times, individuals are practicing a new mode of perception: the digital world. This emergence is a necessity driven by the development of gadgets we call screens. These screens now encompass our vision entirely, reflecting our gaze back upon their surfaces. It’s intriguing because, like all tools, screens declare their purpose. They attempt to replace the irresistible reality and position themselves directly before our eyes. The mind prefers the camera over the eyes because that reality does never reveal itself to us. Thus, modern humans prefer to replace reality with the digital realm instead of overlaying reality with theories or tales, which they assume useless to explain anything. 

Consequently, our eyes no longer seek the external; they are consumed by observing scenes recorded or crafted and set in motion by tools. Observing crafted things feels safer, more beautiful, more joyful, and more satisfying than observing unadorned and unknown tangible things.

 In this new world, what will become of philosophy, religion, or science with this surrendered mind to the simulation? Will they be empty phrases of a mediocre mind?

Or perhaps there will emerge another Descartes who will view everything through the lens of a camera and declare, “Video, ergo sum!” (I watch, therefore I am). 

“This marks the birth of the digital individual.”