2. For man knows that he himself exists.
I think it is beyond question, that man has a clear idea of his own being;
he knows certainly he exists, and that he is something. He that can doubt whether he be anything or no, I speak
not to; no more than I would argue with pure nothing, or endeavour to convince nonentity that it were something.
If any one pretends to be so sceptical as to deny his own existence, (for really to doubt of it is manifestly
impossible,) let him for me enjoy his beloved happiness of being nothing, until hunger or some other pain
convince him of the contrary. This, then, I think I may take for a truth, which every one's certain knowledge
assures him of, beyond the liberty of doubting, viz., that he is something that actually exists.