The dictionary describes thought as “ideas or arrangements of ideas that
result from thinking, or the act of producing thoughts. As babies, arriving to this physical realm, we are overwhelmed with an abundance of information in the form of sights, sounds and feelings. It is through the thinking process that we can organize this influx of information and “make sense” of it all. This is an ongoing process that continues well into old age, and ends only when we exit the stage. Meaning that tied with breathing, this one activity consumes much of our existence and to no surprise influences us greatly.
French philosopher Rene Descartes is most notably known for his ideas on thought. His most famous principle is cogito ergo sum (English: “I think, therefore I am”). He believed that thought exists. Thought cannot be separated from him, therefore he exists. While I do not agree with his entire philosophy as a whole, we do agree on one thing: our thoughts have major impact on who we are.
I’ve often thought that there is some logic to our thinking process having a direct correlation to who we are. Other times, I’ve observed how the application of this idea has ruined our lives and self-image. We have condemned ourselves because of our thoughts, many times without ever actually acting on such thoughts. I considered then this principle must be invalid, because I do not believe that thoughts absent actions to be wrong. Over the years however, I have come to realize a simple wisdom. We are not your thoughts, but we do become them over time.
“We are not our thoughts, but we do become them over time”.
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