- cross-posted to:
- science@lemmit.online
- cross-posted to:
- science@lemmit.online
cross-posted from: https://lemmit.online/post/2916897
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The original was posted on /r/science by /u/mvea on 2024-05-15 10:17:06+00:00.
So like… how do you think through ideas? Philosophize? You don’t bounce ideas around in your head and deeply weigh multiple options? It’s just… empty?
Personally, when I’m working through a problem, I’ll usually force it into words (either out loud or to myself), but that’s a conscious action rather than a subconscious response. I choose to speak those things, and it’s me (not an amorphous voice) who speaks them.
But often after forcing the thoughts into words I’ll hit upon an interesting thread, and my mind will leap ahead faster than spoken language can catch up. It’s only when I hit a roadblock that I slow things down into language-speed.
I mean that’s the same as anyone. When people talk about their inner voice, the voice is still them. They’re in control of what it says. It can get a little out of hand sometimes (like getting a song stuck in your head) but ultimately it’s you doing it.
Same with being able to “leap ahead” faster than the spoken word. Like, if someone gets a knife pulled on them they don’t have to think “I will run now”, they simply run. The internal monologue is an addition, not a replacement, if that makes sense.
From how people are describing it, it’s a necessary addition rather than an optional one
Like I pointed out in the mugging example, it’s entirely optional. It can just get out of hand sometimes lol.
I say that as someone with an extremely active internal monologue.
Sounds like others’ are more active than yours. People in this thread talk as if theirs never stops.
Mine never does unless I actively focus on it, like through meditation. But it’s still me lol, the alternative is what’s called schizophrenia.
I can’t speak for everyone, but in my case, yes, I can control the voice just like I can control my physical voice. Sometimes they’ll be automatic, yes, but that’s no different from your way of thinking while doing some chore, like washing dishes.
Just chunks of thoughts not in words or pictures.