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n2doc

(47,953 posts)
Sat Apr 6, 2013, 09:41 PM Apr 2013

Can we control our thoughts?

Can we control our thoughts? Why do thoughts pop into my head as I'm trying to fall asleep?

—Esther Robison, New York City

Barry Gordon, professor of neurology and cognitive science at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, replies:

We are aware of a tiny fraction of the thinking that goes on in our minds, and we can control only a tiny part of our conscious thoughts. The vast majority of our thinking efforts goes on subconsciously. Only one or two of these thoughts are likely to breach into consciousness at a time. Slips of the tongue and accidental actions offer glimpses of our unfiltered subconscious mental life.

The intrusive thoughts you may experience throughout the day or before bed illustrate the disconcerting fact that many of the functions of the mind are outside of conscious control. Whether we maintain true control over any mental functions is the central debate about free will. Perhaps this lack of autonomy is to be expected as the foundations for almost all the mind's labors were laid long before our ancestors evolved consciousness.

more
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=can-we-control-our-thoughts

4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Can we control our thoughts? (Original Post) n2doc Apr 2013 OP
The first thing we learn... CanSocDem Apr 2013 #1
How would you know? nt bemildred Apr 2013 #2
Conscious Mind 10% ballardgirl Apr 2013 #3
I've been coding application programs for 25 years..... RagAss Apr 2013 #4
 

CanSocDem

(3,286 posts)
1. The first thing we learn...
Mon Apr 8, 2013, 12:24 PM
Apr 2013


...in alt.psychology 101, is the importance of silencing the 'inner dialogue'.

From meditation to Carlos Castenada, from hypnosis to tracking brain waves, everybody was stressing the psychological benefits of controlling ones thoughts. It was so successful that it found its way into the corporate mainstream and eventually into the highest political echelons. Karl Rove uses it...

Curious then that ScientificAmerican comes along and tells us 'it can't be done'. Do you feel better believing that your inability to focus is 'biological' or beyond your control???

Compare this to a marketing strategy utilized by gambling casinos. If you have ever been in one you will know that inside the door, the lights, the noise, the scantily-clad cocktail waitresses, the free booze all combine to make it difficult to focus. The casino's know this works to their advantage. But don't worry, ScientificAmericanINC. assures you....it isn't your fault....you were borne with it.....go with the flow, kid.


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ballardgirl

(145 posts)
3. Conscious Mind 10%
Wed Apr 10, 2013, 09:34 PM
Apr 2013

and Subconscious Mind 90%. No wonder we have so much trouble controlling our sneaky little thoughts.

RagAss

(13,832 posts)
4. I've been coding application programs for 25 years.....
Thu Apr 11, 2013, 08:10 PM
Apr 2013

The big breakthroughs come to me out of the ether. The brain working on its own and revealing solutions to me on its own time...not my time. We just observe our thoughts....anyone claiming ownership of them is full of shit !

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