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What my stroke taught me (2017)

nautil.us

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Re: What my stroke taught me (2017)

#2
Beautifully written. Especially when you consider that the author suffered a brain injury to her language centers. Fascinating insights to how the mind works and how we process our world. I was supposed to be working, but I read the whole thing.

Re: What my stroke taught me (2017)

#3
Well written - I do not possess an internal monologue (which apparently isn't uncommon), and a common thing people think is that it is like this author's description of "quiet" - yes, there is not a person "talking" in my head, but my head is anything but quiet most of the time. It just doesn't take the form of words/sound.

Re: What my stroke taught me (2017)

#4
post #2

Beautifully written. Especially when you consider that the author suffered a brain injury to her language centers. Fascinating insights to how the mind works and how we process our world. I was supposed to be working, but I read the whole thing.

Yeah, I was struck by the thought of my child-self, perhaps 2 years old before I had a good grasp of the words I heard around me. Before I had language myself.

I scarcely remember but a couple things anyway, but even into the early years when I could speak, understand language, the memories of those times are as though of a time that seems not within the current continuum. It's like I was seeing the world but only through a small B&W TV.

Re: What my stroke taught me (2017)

#5

Well written - I do not possess an internal monologue (which apparently isn't uncommon), and a common thing people think is that it is like this author's description of "quiet" - yes, there is not a person "talking" in my head, but my head is anything but quiet most of the time. It just doesn't take the form of words/sound.

a long time ago, we actually had to practice in order to be able to speak in our head without speaking out loud. so, in a way, we sort of used not to have an inner monologue, and had to develop one on purpose. now we do have one (though often it's more of an inner dialogue, because DID...)

Re: What my stroke taught me (2017)

#6
That's so beautiful and deep.

No one knows how he would deal in such a situation and cope with it, some would give up or even kill themselves, other fight to come back.

Being able to reflect on that traumatic experience in such a calm and thoughtful process is inspiring.

Side note, could it be possible that the 'inner voice', which the author lost during a while is what separate us from animals ?

She mentions being at peace, calm without it. Not thinking about the past nor the future, just present.

I kept thinking this experience made her behave just like an animal : can't speak, extremely limited thought process, basic instinct. Is that what separate us from ape ? A small part of the brain that gives consciousness.

Edit: author seem to have written a book called 'a stitch of time', if you enjoyed the reading.

Re: What my stroke taught me (2017)

#7

Well written - I do not possess an internal monologue (which apparently isn't uncommon), and a common thing people think is that it is like this author's description of "quiet" - yes, there is not a person "talking" in my head, but my head is anything but quiet most of the time. It just doesn't take the form of words/sound.

Don't you ever think to yourself when waking up 'time to wake up' ?

Or when you see someone you don't like 'oh here is that motherfucker' ?

I mean the inner voice isn't like a deep discussion between you and you, its spontaneous stuff you just wouldn't say out loud. I have a hard time believing some people don't have it.

Re: What my stroke taught me (2017)

#8

Well written - I do not possess an internal monologue (which apparently isn't uncommon), and a common thing people think is that it is like this author's description of "quiet" - yes, there is not a person "talking" in my head, but my head is anything but quiet most of the time. It just doesn't take the form of words/sound.

I can't quite get my head around not having an inner monologue. Mine's been around since I can remember. Its absence sounds quite scary to be honest.

Re: What my stroke taught me (2017)

#9
post #8

Well written - I do not possess an internal monologue (which apparently isn't uncommon), and a common thing people think is that it is like this author's description of "quiet" - yes, there is not a person "talking" in my head, but my head is anything but quiet most of the time. It just doesn't take the form of words/sound.

I can't quite get my head around not having an inner monologue. Mine's been around since I can remember. Its absence sounds quite scary to be honest.

I feel the same way about having somebody constantly chatting in my head :) I'd assume for both of us it's mostly fear of the unknown.
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