Internal Monologues

Renowned philosopher René Descartes famously stated, “I think therefore I am.” This concept posited that the awareness of one's thoughts signifies consciousness and existence. This self-awareness was long considered a trait that distinguished humans from other animals. However, how can we truly ascertain whether other species possess this awareness? Interestingly, some evidence suggests that crows might.

The realization that not everyone has an internal monologue is relatively recent. It was previously assumed to be universal, prompting researchers to investigate this phenomenon. Studying internal experiences is notoriously challenging, which likely explains the limited research conducted thus far. Nevertheless, experts have estimated that the proportion of individuals with inner dialogues ranges from 30% to 75%. Further studies indicate that children typically begin to develop these inner voices around ages two or three, coinciding with their ability to express thoughts both verbally and nonverbally.

But what purpose does our inner monologue serve? Researchers propose that it may have evolved to enhance communication skills, facilitate conversation preparation, or help us process previous exchanges. Have you ever found yourself replaying a disagreement for days?

Russell Hurlburt, a psychology professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, has extensively studied human inner experiences since the 1970s. His research in the 1990s revealed that participants engaged in inner dialogue approximately 26% of the time, while some reported doing so as often as 75%.

Recent advancements in technology have allowed researchers to delve deeper into the nature of inner speech. A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that inner speech varies significantly among individuals. Some experience complete sentences and detailed narratives, while others may only have fragmented thoughts.

Neuroscientist Dr. Helene Loevenbruck, affiliated with Grenoble Alpes University, has explored the brain regions involved in inner speech, which include areas responsible for language and sensory perception.

Inner Voice Experiences

An article by Sirin Kale in The Guardian in 2021 caught my attention, detailing various individuals' experiences with atypical or absent inner voices. This compelling read inspired me to reflect on my own thought processes and inquire about others’ experiences. My inner voices sound like me, but they differ in volume and resonance. The most prominent is my intentional dialogue, which I use for self-reflection and problem-solving.

The second loudest voice is influenced by significant people in my life. I often hear my parents' or friends' words in my own voice, providing guidance in various situations. This is why I am selective about my company; the voices of those around me linger.

Lastly, there exists a quieter, more innocent voice within me, which I find to be the most insightful. Her soft yet powerful words resonate deeply, often evoking feelings of calm or unease. I prioritize these feelings, as they serve as a guide, similar to how articulating emotions can lead to resolution.

Conversely, my friend experiences a different dynamic within her mind. She describes her inner voice as representing various stages of her maturity. For example, when faced with reluctance, her childlike self may throw a mental tantrum, while her adult self offers wisdom or encouragement.

Many of us operate under the assumption that our thought processes are universally shared, but the truth reveals a remarkable variety in how we experience thinking.

Perspective Shift

The uniqueness of our internal worlds is astonishing. Researchers are just beginning to unpack the complexities of these differences, and I eagerly anticipate their findings. For centuries, we have been preoccupied with the external world; it is time we apply similar scrutiny to our inner experiences.

Understanding the diverse forms our mental processes take may bring us closer to unraveling the mysteries of consciousness. It raises the question of whether inner dialogues are essential for consciousness itself or if they serve a different purpose altogether. Regardless, contemplating these possibilities is both intriguing and enlightening.

This article was originally shared in the author's free newsletter, Curious Adventure, and has been edited and republished with permission on Medium.

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