The Philosophers

Read 'The Philosophers' by 'Russell Edson' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

The Philosophers by Russell Edson

 I think, therefore I am, said a man whose mother quickly 
hit him on the head, saying, I hit my son on the head, 
therefore I am.
 No no, you've got it all wrong, cried the man.
 So she hit him on the head again and cried, therefore I am.
 You're not, not that way; you're supposed to think, not hit, 
cried the man.

. . . I think, therefore I am, said the man.
I hit, therefore we both are, the hitter and the one who gets 
hit, said the man's mother.
 But at this point the man had ceased to be; unconscious he 
could not think. But his mother could. So she thought, I am, 
and so is my unconscious son, even if he doesn't know it . . .

Form: Free verse Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace