Any Clues? Why INTP'S Talk To Themselves. And Even Answer.

[David Carolina]

I think almost everyone talks to themselves, but I have a hunch that INTP/INTJ's talk to themselves continually.

Maybe its a function of being alone, or processing information continually without and "audience" that we trust. Other than ourselves of course.

Here's my reasons for talking to myself, I hope you guys add your own reasons:

1. Prevents loneliness.
2. Seems to add a voice of reason to the seemingly random events that happen during the day.
3. Seems to be some sort of backlash against the inane chatter that goes on around us,,,as if to say " that endless chatter is mind-numbering"

[attila_the_hunny]

I only talk to myself when I have no one else worth talking to. These days, it's a very rare occasion.
When I was alone in NYC, I would pretend someone who I wanted to talk to was there and have a conversation. I'd hear the answers or response to things in my head and respond back verbally. I realized I am semi-mentally unbalanced.

[MacGuffin]

I carry on a running monologue. Unless I am reading, watching TV/movies, or talking to someone. All day, every day.

Sometimes it is a dialogue with other people from real life in my head. It's like playing God.

[Rhu]

I talk to myself ceaselessly, mostly on subjects that I'm perpetually indecisive about. Often it is a form for rationalizing inaction.

Generally the format goes along the lines of:

Me: "Well, I'd say that <foo> has to be an indicator of <bar>."

Me2: "It could be, but <foo> could also mean <blah> or maybe <blarg>. You really don't have enough information to conclude this."

Me: "Why should <blah> or <blarg> be the case? It has to be <bar>."

Me2: "Don't be a fool! What you are considering is far too deterministic. Really, you should accept the fact that you could be wrong."

Me: "Fine. I'm pretty sure <bar> is the correct answer to <foo>, but I'll hold out for more information."

Me2: "Fine."

[kuranes]

Do we ever talk to ourselves, Kuranes ?

[kuranes]

Sure.

[Snowflake]

I have conversations in my head, but unfortunately the other half of me rarely comes back with anything of value, so it has managed to come up with generic words to use in place, that don't make sense in order to keep the conversation flowing. These blank spots are usually good reference points for me to research the missing information, so they can be quite helpful.

[lexiphanic]

I don't talk to other people, I just enjoy verbalizing my thoughts. And emotions. The emotions don't come out as words though.

[nomir_dva]

My thoughts form a continuous silent monologue that meanders through numerous unrelated subjects, leaps onto tangents and loses track of itself. Occasionally I become consumed by an idea and start to mouth the words as I walk along; sometimes I start to quietly say things - at this point, I usually round a corner to find a person looking at me with a strange expression.

[Nemesis]

Meh. INTP's aren't that special in this area. We do it too.

[KuJo]

i mainly talk to myself more like a running monologue/annoying analyzer.

example:
"damn its cold"
"why would i tell myself its cold?"
"maybe its just a normal conversation starter for when someone is usually there"
"but noones here, so why...."

just keeps going until i get to the tv or some people.

[ObtainGnosis]

I talk to myself when the thoughts and emotions I'm reflecting upon become so intense that instead of thinking, I speak. Usually, this is profanity resulting from a heightened moment of self-criticism. I'm a philosophy major and I read out loud to myself but that's more for the sake of memorization, concentration, and developing my ability to speak well...Also, I'm almost always humming a song to myself, flat out singing, or making up perverted lyrics to the tunes of songs I don't particularly like (though sometimes it's a song I like).

[Trystorp]

I've been informed that my silent monologue is more than occassionally leaky. Apparently I'm a bit of a mutterer.

[kuranes]

I remember saying to myself "I feel like I've forgotten my lines, as in a play" once, when I was tripping on acid. The other side waited a beat, and then came back with "Ah, but you remembered THAT one, didn't you ? " Me and Rodney - can't get no respect.

[eyebyte_atWork]

I talk to the camera - including outtakes and shit

[azurwarrior]

It seems like a lot of the time, I do have a dialogue, with myself or "someone else," running through my poor head.
Sometimes it's some song, usually with lyrics, running through my head.
I don't even notice I'm doing it.
When I was a youngster, I "authored" my own "book" in my mind replete with very engrossing and rich dialogue.
(I grew up "controlled" by my narcississitic, alcoholic mother.
But, she couldn't control what I thought. That was at least part of it).
Anyway, as for now, I've learned not to talk out loud at work(!). Usually.
If I forget, and someone is in the store, I'll clear my throat and say, out loud, something like..."AHEM! Oh well, back to work," very matter of factly.Then, I do some work.
What I haven't quite figured out is, if I think of something very funny or comical, and I forget myself and laugh out loud (for apparently NO reason)....how do I get out of that?
LOL!

[shum]

Meh. INTP's aren't that special in this area. We do it too.

but actually out loud and often like intps? sorry but i doubt it is in the same way.

sometimes when i am alone i will make a bit of a verbal commentary of what i am doing. but that isnt often and i am really just talking to my cat (so i am really not alone) because there isnt any else around. more like i am responding to the idea that there are others around to hear me. and actually it is likely that others can hear me as my apartment is definitely not sound proof.

my best friend is intp and when she first told me that she talked to herself, i thought me too, but now that i know her well, i know that it is different.

[Madrigal]

I don't talk myself. Since I speak more than one language, people ask me what language I think in. But I don't think in a language.

[Neppy]

I have the strangest conversations with myself. I'm the best company I'll ever have. It's like there's a million different personalities all coming from me. I'll have debates with myself, rants with myself, pointless, musing conversations with myself, I'll sing, I'll just keep talking because it's something to do. I don't know why I do it, but I like doing it, so hey. :D

[tinribz]

I like they way I can finish my own sentences (or not bother) and get away with efficiency of words without having to worry whether I was understood.

But I also sometimes think that verbal language is limiting and try to speed things up with a sort of visual thought process, and label previous monologues in my head, referencing them up as counter arguments to speed things along.

Maybe these sort of practices are why intps are not particularly good at real life communications. Too many assumptions?

[Stillwater]

Yeah, some of that rich internal dialog slips out without authorization. Its a strange brief moment when your conscious mind actually hears the subconscious talking out loud- usually only the last few seconds overlap during the focus transition. Typically happens when I let the real world run on 'auto pilot'. I do sing to myself often, but I'm mostly aware of it and aware that I don't sing too well. :whistle:

[shum]

Yeah, some of that rich internal dialog slips out without authorization. Its a strange brief moment when your conscious mind actually hears the subconscious talking out loud- usually only the last few seconds overlap during the focus transition. Typically happens when I let the real world run on 'auto pilot'. I do sing to myself often, but I'm mostly aware of it and aware that I don't sing too well. :whistle:

i can sing amazingly in the car when i am alone.

[distraction tactics]

When I first moved into my apartment I noticed myself talking aloud quite frequently. Now I rarely do it, if ever. It's usually just the internal monlogue when deciding what to do with an occasional mutter in response to something.

[Purple-Silver Fox]

I rehearse part of conversations that could be needed in interesting situations. I don't usually think literally though.

[AllThingsConsidered]

I think talking to myself started when I was young and made up an invisible sister. I even talked to myself and we would disinclude her in spite, due to her perfection.

I've been talking to myself outloud lately way more often than usual. Like today I was driving and I had to remind myself to keep looking at the road and kept ignoring myself's warnings, then I argued with myself, then I couldn't believe myself, then I had to steer back in my lane and then I ended up back at home some time later. I don't remember actually driving that whole time.

I am always talking to myself in my head.

[Rhu]

I find it terrifying that there's at least one other person out there who has the same approach to driving as me.

[shum]

gee and i thought enfps got distracted easily.

[Rhu]

You call it distraction, I call it multitasking. ;)

[Johan]

No idea why, but I do it all the time. Sometimes it is an internal monologue sometimes I am debating with myself, and sometimes I find myself debating with other people in my head when I am alone.

Reagarding the language we think in, well as I am farily fluent in English and do a lot of my reading in that language, I quite often find myself thinking in English and not my native language.

[kuranes]

I carry on a running monologue. Unless I am reading, watching TV/movies, or talking to someone. All day, every day.

Sometimes it is a dialogue with other people from real life in my head. It's like playing God.

Have you ever talked with me in there ? About what, if so ?

[geniusndisguise]

I realize now that I used to mumble my thoughts out loud when I was walking home from school when I was younger. I think I conciously stopped myself when someone told me they saw me walking home everyday talking to myself. I had forgotten about this. My monologues are all silent now.

My twelve year old brother does it A LOT! And he doesn't mumble, he speaks loudly and clearly when no one is in the room.

[Birdsnest]

Except to whisper numbers I'm thinking about to keep track of where I am, I really don't carry on conversations with myself a lot that I'm aware of.

My internal dialogue (not outloud) its more like, "humph! Those people are having a meeting, why wasn't I invited? Oh, look at whos in there, actually I'm glad i'm not, actually, thank goodness I am not part of that meeting. Who wants to work under that b*(walks back to desk glad I'm on 2nd floor now).

Or, its about the business at hand. Agreement numbers, (reimbursable amounts charged to one of hundreds of agencies) each has its own code, so it helps to repeat them before finalizing them for accuracy, since they'd get mad if you charged the wrong agency the wrong amount. But this is done in my head, or whispered if I'm thinking over the other office sounds that are distracting me.

If I have a monologue at all, its internal, like a running thought voice, or when I'm reading I may voice the words as I read internally, but I rarely talk outloud, unless its to read something or verify or grasp something difficult when learning.

[Watermark]

I think almost everyone talks to themselves, but I have a hunch that INTP/INTJ's talk to themselves continually.

This would be my hunch as well. I think each type has a prefered hierarchy of perceptual channels (auditory, visual, kinesthetic). I'm guessing for INTPs: auditory, visual, then kinesthetic last. Any types that favor the kinesthetic channel (Se/Si?), are most likely to have less chatter in their head, less reliance on words and visuals, and more physical interaction with the outside world. I've been trying to locate good scientific research that makes a connection MBTI types and Neuro Linquistic Programming. I've seen some theories that seem to link Enneagram 5s with a prefered auditory perceptual channel.

For myself, the chatter is continual. It's more an internal dialogue. It's the source of my absent-mindedness. I can get so engrossed in the chatter, I forget to pay attention to details. It gets worse as I grow older. When I read posts of some members on this site, I can 'hear' what they are saying, in a specific tone.

[bergenski]

I am inclined to think everyone has an internal monologue of sorts...isn't that known as thinking? Or perhaps people who think more have more of an internal monologue...not necessarily INTP's in particular in my opinion. I rarely talk out loud to myself. But my mother, who is an ISFP, talks out loud to herself all the time to the point that it is creepy (usually when she is alone). I can hear her saying "Why is that back there? I didn't know that was there. Damn! Well, first let me take a shower..." Totally creeps me out...I totally wonder why she feels the need to do it...i would love some expert opinion (why are some people more auditorally oriented than others?)

[Watermark]

I am inclined to think everyone has an internal monologue of sorts...isn't that known as thinking? Or perhaps people who think more have more of an internal monologue...not necessarily INTP's in particular in my opinion.

Yes, I agree. I think everyone has some level of internal monologue. Maybe the strength of the internal monolgue is connected more to introverted function (Ni, Ti, Fi, Si) and not necessarily as specific as type. And I did suggest a certain hierarchy or preference, which suggests there is never really a void of internal monologue in anyone.

Other possibilities, generally:
Auditory perceptual channel is primary in INTPs, and you've mistyped yourself.
Auditory perceptual channel is not primary in INTPs, and I've mistyped myself.
That your mother operates under primarily kinesthetic channel, and needs to 'talk it out' physically, the second, auditory channel being the channel she uses to elaborate.

In any case, I've not studied this too intensely. There may not be a link at all.

[bergenski]

In any case, I've not studied this too intensely. There may not be a link at all.

Yes, I wonder...I find it kind of strange...just between you and me my mother is not the brightest of sorts...I wonder if there might be some intelligence related function that requires one to verbalize one's thoughts...or could it be a self-esteem issue where as one feels the need to relate to oneself by talking as if you had a confidant, or something, or if you are trying to reassure oneself...I don't know...actually I would like to find out the answer...it totally makes me feel weird when I hear her talking in another room as if there were two people there...what is the area of study that this encompasses? I guess it would be psychology maybe...

EDIT: I guess it wouldn't be an intelligence-related function since INTP's were saying they talk aloud and many are bright...

[bergenski]

I think it is more of an auditory function as opposed to a kinesthetic function because I believe the outcome or focus of verbalizing one's thoughts is to take in the information in an auditory fashion. Thinking about it a little more, no offense, but I wonder if it might be a self-esteem issue in some cases, where the emotional core gets reassured by having a voice talking to it, is able to feel a connection with someone, even if it is with one's own thoughts...I don't know but I am curious...

[AllThingsConsidered]

I think it is more of an auditory function as opposed to a kinesthetic function because I believe the outcome or focus of verbalizing one's thoughts is to take in the information in an auditory fashion. Thinking about it a little more, no offense, but I wonder if it might be a self-esteem issue in some cases, where the emotional core gets reassured by having a voice talking to it, is able to feel a connection with someone, even if it is with one's own thoughts...I don't know but I am curious...

I can focus and tune out like no one's business, but there are those times where I need to concentrate on one thing and my brain has other plans to keep me trapped in thought within my head. At those times I will talk to myself. It gives me a connection to whatever I need to do outside of myself.
IE: Working on paper, driving (which I usually sing and that keeps me focused out there), Doing chores (sing, talk to myself) etc. I do not like these things in themself and often disconnect and go space out somewhere if I don't maintain focus.
Then again there are months that go by and I can't say that I have said anything to myself outside of my head. I don't keep track, only notice if it is an unusual amount.

Maybe you don't have to work as hard to feel connected to your environment...or maybe you get to do what you want always...or possibly you have other ways to cope.

[Master O]

i rarely talk to myself, but when i do it is when i have an idea that I want to make more concrete and separate from my other thoughts. Something like...

"I need to get the fuck out of this job"
"OMG, I can't believe she is 47 and is that hot!!"

The other time that I talk to myself is when I'm playing sports. If there is something that needs correcting or if I need to focus more, I'll say it out loud. It seems to get my attention and snap me into action and improve my focus.

Also I'll read my own writing out loud sometimes so that I can "hear" it in the way the recipient will read it. It helps with clarity and flow.

[bergenski]

In television journalism they train you to read your script out loud so you can hear what it will sound like and it is easier to correct it for flow and clarity...we used to always be chastised by our teachers for not reading out loud and in most broadcast newsrooms you can hear everyone reading their scripts...

[bergenski]

Incidentally, a Washington State University psychology professor says it is totally normal to talk out loud to yourself as a way to guide activities and structure thought.

[Stillwater]

I can focus and tune out like no one's business, but there are those times where I need to concentrate on one thing and my brain has other plans to keep me trapped in thought within my head. At those times I will talk to myself. It gives me a connection to whatever I need to do outside of myself.
IE: Working on paper, driving (which I usually sing and that keeps me focused out there), Doing chores (sing, talk to myself) etc. I do not like these things in themself and often disconnect and go space out somewhere if I don't maintain focus.


I think what you are describing is caused by "nonpathological dissociation", which is completely normal, similar to talking in your sleep. It is a mild state of hypnosis, where the brain is relaxed and open to suggestion. Routine tasks, especially driving a car is known to induce this state (see highway hypnosis). Perhaps thats why billboards and talk radio are effective opinion shapers. Maybe talking to oneself while in this state gives access to our deepest subconscious- effectively 'changing our mind'.

I think the ability to bridge the two streams of consciousness is the source of creativity. Thomas Edison used this dreamlike trance state to solve many problems. His method was unique: hold a spoon over a plate, focusing on the problem. Wait until he nearly falls asleep, the spoon drops and immediately awakens him. Quickly write down any ideas that come. As far as 'opening the doors of your mind', drugs work too, but have more side effects than silverware. :)


___________________________________________________
I'm not a doctor, but I play one on INTPc.

[Nemesis]

but actually out loud and often like intps? sorry but i doubt it is in the same way.

sometimes when i am alone i will make a bit of a verbal commentary of what i am doing. but that isnt often and i am really just talking to my cat (so i am really not alone) because there isnt any else around. more like i am responding to the idea that there are others around to hear me. and actually it is likely that others can hear me as my apartment is definitely not sound proof.

my best friend is intp and when she first told me that she talked to herself, i thought me too, but now that i know her well, i know that it is different.
I will talk and sing to myself when I am alone or when I'm in public, and I've been known to do it during the pin-dropping silence of a test in school. According to the ENFj description on www.soiconics.com even, this is apparently typical of ENFj's

[MacGuffin]

Have you ever talked with me in there ? About what, if so ?
No, but I talk to Danny Trejo sometimes!

He usually admits I am more badass.

[geniusndisguise]

You guys will love this: A social worker once told me that people who talk to themselves are usually geniuses. Or was it that geniuses talk to themselves? Whatever. That should feed the love/hate relationship many here seem to have with IQ.

[bergenski]

You guys will love this: A social worker once told me that people who talk to themselves are usually geniuses. Or was it that geniuses talk to themselves? Whatever. That should feed the love/hate relationship many here seem to have with IQ.

I don't think that's true...my mother is not very bright at all and she talks like a fucking chatterbox to herself... (by the way your avatar is hot...I'm sorry to say I don't know who that is...)

[geniusndisguise]

I don't think that's true...my mother is not very bright at all and she talks like a fucking chatterbox to herself... (by the way your avatar is hot...I'm sorry to say I don't know who that is...)

I didn't agree with it either, but dammit, I was trying to feed an obsession over here!

(You seriously think that this avatar is hot, and not the other one - of Kate Beckinsale!?)

[Ka.avik]

almost on topic, but since I'm not feeling up to reading the rest of the responses, let me just relate that: I talk to myself. Rhu's diagnostic analysis early in this thread sounds very famaliar.

b: if I'm not doing anything, there are other voices in my head. They don't know I can hear them. They don't make any sense. They also don't shut up. Except when I'm just falling asleep. a few weeks ago, I was drifting in between wake and sleepfulness, and they were doing some BBC skit using whales, and explosives, but it seemed it was very different from the hitch-hiker's guide varient, this was more are-you-being-served. Anyway, they cut out.

First every third syllable was not there, then only the fourth syllable came through, and then they stopped.

and everything grew quiet

the sudden silence awoke me, at which point I could hear them again. I had just lost connection. Ah, it was normal. I could sleep.

I fell asleep too quickly the second time to catch this again, but this isn't really the first time this has happened, though it's been a few years.

I'm the only one who catches all my references. I know what I'm saying. Yes, I talk to myself. Or, as MacGuffin, will try on quotes that others haven't uttered, but should have. Or might yet. But I can imagine what they look like, too...and it was in my head where I set up a meeting in which a girl utterly threw herself at me ... and I just blinked at her, confusedly.

I like it in here. I can find my way around...usually...

[Melody]

O.o u ppl are weird

i think im mostly 'visual.' i dont have any monologues internally or externally. my thoughts are... hell, i dunno what my thoughts are. i think my subconscious takes care of all the thinking for me :D


I never did like math. Bottom line, I think in blobs,clouds, and colors, these don't covert into words very well, and don't convert into numbers at ALL!

[Dom]

I talk to myself, I reply to myself, inside my head and sometimes outside,

Normally by accident as in the monolouge in my head spills out via mouth...

This seriosuly can not be an intp only thing sorry.....

I like the talk to yourself yoru a genius idea, but i think it's more along the lines of analisys, like argueing through a point or theory with yourself, out loud.

The other people who talk inane babel to them selves are really just thinking out loud. Wantign to gossip with no one there to receive.

[Ghost in the Machine]

I talk to myself when I'm angry with myself for a mistake such as ignoring my intuition. When trying to come to a conclusion about something important and end up having my own debate. I usally talk out loud in the classroom at college, when I have made revelation about something that I have been trying to solve. If it makes me a genius then thats ok with me.

I'm not new to this forum I just got deleted.

[MacGuffin]

First every third syllable was not there, then only the fourth syllable came through, and then they stopped.

and everything grew quiet

the sudden silence awoke me, at which point I could hear them again. I had just lost connection. Ah, it was normal. I could sleep.
Yeah, the brain cuts off hearing when you fall asleep. Usually you don't notice it. I have woken myself numerous times that way.

[Biff_Loman]

Thomas Edison used this dreamlike trance state to solve many problems. . .

Such as trying thousands of semi-random substances as a lightbulb filament before discovering tungsten? That'd put me in a trance too. :lol:

[Pooja]

I talk to myself when I'm alone, and trying hard to organize my thoughts. Or, when I'm really upset...I become my own shrink.

[Dempsey]

If i'm having a good thinking session about an imaginary argument/discussion I will usually mime certain sentences, or create facial expressions.

I basically don't talk to myself. Weirdos.

[Crazy]

I talk out loud every once in a while. Most of the time it's running commentary. Sometimes it's debate. Usually, it'll be my internal voice talking to my external voice. Alot of times, it helps me catch a thought stream, before it gets away from me.

[Watermark]

I think it is more of an auditory function as opposed to a kinesthetic function because I believe the outcome or focus of verbalizing one's thoughts is to take in the information in an auditory fashion. Thinking about it a little more, no offense, but I wonder if it might be a self-esteem issue in some cases, where the emotional core gets reassured by having a voice talking to it, is able to feel a connection with someone, even if it is with one's own thoughts...I don't know but I am curious...

Well, I've seen a reference source break down the kinesthetic channel into two 'subchannels': Kinesthetic physical and Kinesthetic emotional (the touchy feeling types I guess). So, perhaps your mom is primarily kinesthetic/emotional. In any case, my mom is an ISFP as well, and she usually talks out loud only when she swears, usually French expletives. lol. Otherwise, she's fairly quiet. Maybe she would talk more if my ENTJ father didn't demand so much attention.


Edited.

[bergenski]

Well, I've seen a reference source break down the kinesthetic channel into two 'subchannels': Kinesthetic physical and Kinesthetic emotional (the touchy feeling types I guess). So, perhaps your mom is primarily kinesthetic/emotional. In any case, my mom is an ISFP as well, and she usually talks out loud only when she swears

Well, they have delineated the perceptual channels but this doesn't indicate the motivation for the out-loud talking...since our parents are the same type and my mom talks to herself all the time and your mom doesn't...

[INThoughtPolice]

No idea why, but I do it all the time. Sometimes it is an internal monologue sometimes I am debating with myself, and sometimes I find myself debating with other people in my head when I am alone.

Reagarding the language we think in, well as I am farily fluent in English and do a lot of my reading in that language, I quite often find myself thinking in English and not my native language.
I do the same, debating and rationalizing.

[Watermark]

Well, they have delineated the perceptual channels but this doesn't indicate the motivation for the out-loud talking...since our parents are the same type and my mom talks to herself all the time and your mom doesn't...

I'm not posting to solve your mother's problems. I was merely elaborating on the link between type and NLP, trying to stay on topic. I misinterpreted your level of curiosity.

[bergenski]

I'm not posting to solve your mother's problems. I was merely elaborating on the link between type and NLP, trying to stay on topic. I misinterpreted your level of curiosity.

I am curious as to why people talk out loud, not NLP, which doesn't seem to meet the question here and which seems to be your interest. And I do not believe my mother has a problem, unless you are saying talking out loud is a problem, which I believe psychologists have said it isn't, and, in any case, I wasn't looking to you to solve it...unfortunately lots of people have been saying whether they talk out loud or not but no one has come up with a logical explanation for it which I thought was the original inquiry...

[faith]

This is fascinating. Do most of you, then, actually think using WORDS?

Those of you who don't talk out loud, do you still use words to think?

I don't think in words. I think in concepts, sort of; like images, but not visual. A few words may float in and out, but they aren't very important--tagging along behind the thoughts rather than directing or defining them. When I think, I'm aware patterns, ideas, principles, themes, relationships, options, etc--but they exist in a sort of pure, essential form outside of words or pictures or sounds.

That's why I love writing: it's such a challenge to find the words to express accurately all that's going on in my mind.

Anyone else think without words? Any ideas as to why the difference?

[bergenski]

I think you must think in words otherwise there is no way to formulate sentences on paper...and any time you speak you have to formulate the words in your mind. You can have ideas, but the words still create structure in your mind...I think you're saying you just have a lot of ideas...

[faith]

Ideas:

Maybe people with a T-preference think using words because language is systematic and fairly logical, and it supports their approach to thinking.

Maybe people with an N-preference think using an "impressionistic" approach.

Maybe extroverts like to vocalize because then they don't feel lonely.

Hmm. I can think of holes in all these theories.

[faith]

I think you must think in words otherwise there is no way to formulate sentences on paper...and any time you speak you have to formulate the words in your mind. You can have ideas, but the words still create structure in your mind...I think you're saying you just have a lot of ideas...


Hmm. It's true that words create structure. And it's true that you have to formulate words before you can write. But it's also true that I do the basic thinking without words, then I do a different type of thinking to translate the thoughts I've just thought into words. If I never had to use words, I'd still think the same thoughts--only they'd lack the final stage that gives them the structure necessary to communicate.

[INThoughtPolice]

I always think in words.

[Ka.avik]

I always think in words.
I never think in words, unless the words themselves are the thought.

As faith suggests, above, I think in concepts. There was a lengthy thread (http://forums.intpcentral.com/showthread.php?p=68457) from way back, about how we think, and I posted a lengthy discertation on how I think. It didn't help CC too much to understand how I think...

[azurwarrior]

This is fascinating. Do most of you, then, actually think using WORDS?

Those of you who don't talk out loud, do you still use words to think?

I don't think in words. I think in concepts, sort of; like images, but not visual. A few words may float in and out, but they aren't very important--tagging along behind the thoughts rather than directing or defining them. When I think, I'm aware patterns, ideas, principles, themes, relationships, options, etc--but they exist in a sort of pure, essential form outside of words or pictures or sounds.

That's why I love writing: it's such a challenge to find the words to express accurately all that's going on in my mind.

Anyone else think without words? Any ideas as to why the difference?


You reminded me of my experiences in school. In lit. classes, we'd read the work and be expected to come up with WORDS to discuss the work. In my mind, I'd have a thousand connections, but these were quite difficult to put into words and discuss in the class.
So, I'd sit in silence, with the work raging between my ears. "Contributing" nothing.
I do better in writing. It is easier for me to write poetry, (where"IN" the word "orange" may have profoundity and can contain archetypes and does more than just scratch the surface , and this is just the tip of the multiworlds of the Collective Unconcious and every major world system, times infinity.
But, in most novels, we'll call them "E" wordy small talk seems to proliferate, and "orange" is something that grows on Florida trees.
ONLY.
Probably that's a bad example, but how do you describe this?
When orange is (P)erceived (maybe that's the word ?) as something More.
My worst nightmare in an English class is to have to LISTEN to a work where the entire content consists of dialogue alone. Everyone seems to love that, but I'm bored to distraction.
I sit in silence. Trying desperately to think of WORDS so I get a good grade.
Usually, though I'm in my own inner world, experiencing the work strongly, yet with few words. As an Englsih major, this can be disasterous, of course. An English major is expected to TALK. The same is true for English professors.
So, I work at a video store, instead. At work, the stereo is always on. There's DJ talk and commercials and sometimes someone says to me about something that was just said on the radio, and I haven't a clue.
I can't usually even tell You what I'm thinking, when it can be a drum cadence I marched to 20 years ago, or a hip-hop groove with lyrics like 'What does it all mean?" (by De La Soul). Over and over.
I'm an INTP/INFP (have scored as both).
What does it all mean?

[INThoughtPolice]

I suppose that the thoughts themselves are not in words, but the words are used for reinforcement. There are times when I find myself misunderstood because of my limited vocabulary and the complexity of my thoughts.

[Jkrs]

There's various reasons for why I talk to myself.

If I'm working on something complex, or need to remember it later, or there's other things vying for my attention, I find that talking myself through a task helps me remember all of the pieces. (Refreshing data & proceedures into my short-term memory.)

Sometimes it's just an extension of my normal stream of consciousness. No idea why that occours, but I usually overrule the impulse when there's other people around. The times that I don't are usually when they expect me to carry the conversation, and I don't really have anything to talk about.

The last that I can think of offhand is a subset of the previous one - instances like semi-randomly shouting "Spoon!" and waving one around, which I attribute mostly to being silly. ;)


Whether I think in words or not is an odd thing to consider. I'm primarily aware of my thoughts as words, but when I actually pay attention to the process, I note that the thought itself goes past nonverbally and is followed by a continuous running translation into language. Language is slower - perhaps it's a method of slowing my thoughts down enough that I can get a good look at them. (I've found that metathinking & metametathinking always has a verbal component, while certain aspects of art never do. The latter occasionally takes over to the extent that while working intensely on a piece of art, it may take a while for me to 'pick up' language again.)

[Edit: Geekpoints! This is my 512th post.]

[bomba923]

Heh...well, I find that all xNTx talk to themselves (however the ENTP seems an oddity).
(Also...someone earlier ascribed soliloqies to 'NT' preferences in "mastery of the system of language"...which makes sense best in the MBTI context)

Personally, I do it to give oral/verbal "substance" to thoughts, phrases, and ideas. One it is said... it is set in stone. The logic, the purpose, the precise goals...have been elucidated (you can say the same for writing, but speech is faster more convenient). Also, I find it a good tool for recovering a certain "freedom" of language. Not only in terms of "you don't have to be politically correct"...but also to flesh out any erroneous connotations associated with common/certain phrases, which may have developed earlier...from common sources like TV, movies, politics, families, etc. Moreover, to promote a "freedom" of language--where you are free to define and use words/phrases in speech without the burden of earlier and often irrational connotations that would immediately arise whenever those words/phrases are conceived (no thanks to TV/media/politics/...and public schools :devil:).

[Melange]

I've talked to myself since I was a little kid, but I used to actually speak and people thought I was a bit odd on the outside. Now, I mostly just move lips, making very little sound, if I'm ever alone or around people. I talk to myself in an internal monologue or imaginary people in my head.

[mancroft]

I talk to myself all the time. Fucking mental!

[ferunandesu]

I carry on a running monologue. Unless I am reading, watching TV/movies, or talking to someone. All day, every day.

Sometimes it is a dialogue with other people from real life in my head. It's like playing God.

Same here... Sometimes I carry on a conversation with someone about another imaginary conversation that I had with someone else... Sometimes I'll say something to someone referring to one of our previous "conversations" and they'll be like, "What?".

[MacGuffin]

Same here... Sometimes I carry on a conversation with someone about another imaginary conversation that I had with someone else... Sometimes I'll say something to someone referring to one of our previous "conversations" and they'll be like, "What?".Well thankfully I haven't slipped to that level of crazy yet.

[kafkaesque]

Introverts just have a rich inner dialogue that sometimes spills out over the sides.
I would be worried about the quality of my contemplation if I stopped talking to myself.

[Fade2Black]

I constantly talk to myself and keep analyzing everything.

[ferunandesu]

Same here... Sometimes I carry on a conversation with someone about another imaginary conversation that I had with someone else... Sometimes I'll say something to someone referring to one of our previous "conversations" and they'll be like, "What?".

Of course, everything that I said would be taking place in my head... Me explaining to others how I talk to myself, and them being all shocked... All in my head.

[Fierys]

I dont really know why i do it, probably boredom. What else is there to do when you can think of nothing, but talk? When i completely run out of ideas i always find myself talking to myself to try and find a solution, so in essence, that is what causes it to me. I am generally ponderious like that i guess, i find myself imitating friends speech patterns, their thought schemes, justs things that make it seem so real it is pretty much a conversation, just more in a conceptual light, if you get what im saying. I dont see an issue with it at all, as long as you dont go the extra step and believe/act on your thoughts. However i try to not let people know i do this in public, it generally freaks those concrete extroverted people out a bit, which i dont feel like dealing with.

[Spartan26]

Haven't read past posts yet but immediately what comes to mind is validation. I do it. It seems to happen more when I'm frustrated.

[cathmc]

Yep, talk to myself, out loud. Like someone said many pages of comments ago (I think it was MacG.) I imagine conversations with real people about real things, going exactly as they should.
I always attributed it to the fact the my mother always did it (whether it came to me through nature or nurture).
I don't even get too embarassed anymore when I'm flat busted talking/muttering when I'm by myself. I tell myself it makes me seem charmingly eccentric. Sort of like eating lone in a restaurant.

p.s. hmmm...well as I was about to hit 'submit', I started to talk to a fly. I said "get off my food, fucker. I'm gonna smoosh your stupid fly ass!".
Maybe there really IS something wrong with me.:huh:

[earwax]

I talk to myself all the time... I have always assumed that everyone does.


p.s. hmmm...well as I was about to hit 'submit', I started to talk to a fly. I said "get off my food, fucker. I'm gonna smoosh your stupid fly ass!".
Maybe there really IS something wrong with me.:huh:
Only if you heard the fly talk back.

[matthew0028]

I tend to mentally have a running monologue when I'm busy doing an activity that requires minimal thought (such as walking across town, or facing the cans for hours on end when I used to work overnight at a grocery store). One thing I've noticed myself doing is that when said inner monologue requires "the bunny ears" around a certain phrase (i.e. indicating that the word is in quotations) I'll end up physically making the bunny ears sign with my hands in time with my thoughts. Then I'll realize what I just did and look around to make sure nobody saw that... :blush:

As far as talking out loud goes, it usually happens when I get annoyed at myself, or irritated at my actions. In which case I have a tendency to cuss myself out. To which I'll verbally respond.

[dubbeltop]

I only talk to myself when i'm tired or worn out from another mindless job and im frustated without having someone to spill my guts to. Anyway talking to yourself is actually something normal because that way your mind can relax a little and I think its also the start of many a shower singing carreer.

[kuranes]

I do a lot of talking to myself and real or imagined others. But it's almost always silent inside my head. For me to say it out loud it must be either real important, or studying a hard-to-remember sequence for a test, or . . . . . . . if I'm really angry and getting ready to do something irrevocable.

[Zerikin Loukbel]

I have a constant monologue running in my head, actually gets kind of annoying sometimes.

[booyalab]

I talk to myself in my head all the time, sometimes when I'm alone I talk out loud. I talk to myself out loud when other people are within hearing distance ALL THE TIME. "what did you say?" "nothing"...I'm weird

[Edmond Zedo]

I talk to myself in my head all the time, sometimes when I'm alone I talk out loud. I talk to myself out loud when other people are within hearing distance ALL THE TIME. "what did you say?" "nothing"...I'm weird
It's usually something about bunnies or chocolate or rainbows. You know booyalab.

[Prozac]

I hope you guys add your own reason:



got a C- in rehab class

[theviking]

In the words of Blackadder: "It's the only way I can be sure of intelligent conversation."

I talk to myself all the time, to organise my thoughts, or to have a discussion with myself.

[ApeTheDog]

It's strange, but I do far less of this than I used to. I don't even sing songs inside my head anymore. I might have gotten tired of myself.

[mr. treat]

because 90% of other people aren't worth talking to.

[ApeTheDog]

because 90% of other people aren't worth talking to.

How do you know this is true if you don't ever talk to them?

[Enigma]

I find myself talking to myself a lot lately, especially when I am driving. It has led to forgetting where I am going and not knowing exactly where I am.

[mr. treat]

How do you know this is true if you don't ever talk to them?

from my previous experiences, 90% of people aren't worth talking to.

[Nindy]

Yes, I have a constant internal monologue going. Sometimes it's annoying, at other times it's humourous and all of a sudden, I'm walking around sniggering to the ground. But no-one should ask me to elaborate on what was funny. That's intruding into my own inner world. Even people who 'know' me can't follow me there, and I like it that way.
I comment on my actions a lot, which is kind of weird, because I will feel strict, angered or annoyed towards myself, and exasperated at the 'harsh' critiquement at the same time. Hurt pride? Lol.

[Google Monster]

Because people tend to try and change the subject when I talk to them. But on the other hand I am interested in the subject.

[Rinalee]

I talk to myself when I'm alone, and trying hard to organize my thoughts. Or, when I'm really upset...I become my own shrink.

i definitely relate to that. especially when i'm going through something or trying to come up with a decision, i talk to myself. i also do that when i realise i've screwed something up. i also give myself pep talks. like say, before an interview or meeting someone new or a client.

basically yea, my own shrink. i don't understand why others don't do it :mellow: ... its very therepeautic. it helps me put things into perspective. my other INTP friend, she talks to herself too, sometimes even when she's out with me. &lt;_&lt;

[screamingflies]

Talking to yourself is using your left brain to analyze information. I used to think this was specifically an INTJ trait. Maybe it's not? I know I talk to myself ALOT, almost always when I'm thinking. It would deffinitly suprise me if any of you genuine right brained people talk to yourselves. Maybe it's a primitive way of aiding linear analysis, since INTP's are supposed to be predominantly non-linear. It's their way of converting their thoughts? I dont know.

[Melody]

yes, my thoughts generally dont have much structure til i can 'feel' their structure externally

[azurwarrior]

I really noticed this a lot recently. One thing I seem to be doing more of in public, is talking while I'm typing. It seems to keep me more grounded in what I am writing. Even if it's just the letters I'm typing. Or sometimes the words I'm reading or thinking-not that it would probably make sense, except on the (silent) screen.
If you've ever seen Keith Jarrett play the piano while he jabbers and mutters sways from side to side a little...
It's like that. And unlike talking to myself in public which I almost never do (now) this just seems to happen and I realize it too late. LOL.

[Zero Angel]

Talking to yourself is using your left brain to analyze information. I used to think this was specifically an INTJ trait. Maybe it's not? I know I talk to myself ALOT, almost always when I'm thinking. It would deffinitly suprise me if any of you genuine right brained people talk to yourselves. Maybe it's a primitive way of aiding linear analysis, since INTP's are supposed to be predominantly non-linear. It's their way of converting their thoughts? I dont know.
That seems to be about right.

If i'm doing a bunch of things at once I find it useful to talk to myself because it prevents my thoughts from wandering. It also sort of helps to put them into a linear form, so that I can have a bold stance on an issue instead of endlessly reflecting on it, or going on wild tangents (and leaving the current point unresolved)

[skwayred]

I talk to myself because it's the only instance when I get to talk and listen at the same time.

[MrECrow]

Oh dear, other people do it too. :mellow:

[Anonymous]

I think almost everyone talks to themselves, but I have a hunch that INTP/INTJ's talk to themselves continually.

Maybe its a function of being alone, or processing information continually without and "audience" that we trust. Other than ourselves of course.

Here's my reasons for talking to myself, I hope you guys add your own reasons:

1. Prevents loneliness.
2. Seems to add a voice of reason to the seemingly random events that happen during the day.
3. Seems to be some sort of backlash against the inane chatter that goes on around us,,,as if to say " that endless chatter is mind-numbering"

Whenever I DO talk to myself, I don't speak both sides out loud. One side is the voice in my head, the other side is my actual vocal voice.

I rarely talk to myself like that, though. Usually I just say random little things when I'm in my car or at work.

[Wiki]

Because people tend to try and change the subject when I talk to them. But on the other hand I am interested in the subject.
:rofl:

I do it, it simply aids my memory to hear it said.

[Utopmk]

I don't talk to myself at all. I thought this was more of an extravert thing. Unless you are talking about the talking in my head?

[Rhu]

Though I haven't touched the book in years due to some overexposure to it, the resurfacing of this thread made me dig it up to quote it properly:


'In one thing you have not changed, dear friend,' said Aragorn, 'you still speak in riddles.'

'What? In riddles?' said Gandalf. 'No! For I was talking aloud to myself. A habit of the old: they choose the wisest person present to speak to; the long explanations needed by the young are wearying.'

[Rice-Tactics]

i can often imagine conversations with people around me that I know... I often do it to a feeling that feels like I'm practicing for when the moment comes that the conversation that I imagined does happen but it never does of course..

[wranglertj]

I printed this entire thread, to prove to my colleagues that I'm evidently not the only flake on the planet. Don't know how much good it will do. They're convinced I'm Sybil.

Mark

[bergenski]

My mother talks to herself all the time, like there's another person in the room. I do not like it at all, it is really creepy. She's an ISFP. I don't talk out loud to myself unless it's, like, an exclamation.

[headfonez]

My mother talks to herself all the time, like there's another person in the room. I do not like it at all, it is really creepy. She's an ISFP. I don't talk out loud to myself unless it's, like, an exclamation.

Your mom sounds hot then.

[macr0]

Whenever I DO talk to myself, I don't speak both sides out loud. One side is the voice in my head, the other side is my actual vocal voice.

I rarely talk to myself like that, though. Usually I just say random little things when I'm in my car or at work.

Yeah, I never talk to myself like an active conversation. I also never do it verbally. It's all in my head. I usually just find myself asking myself questions.

[Davmandu]

I've actually been spending a lot of time recently analyzing my inner monologue and how much of that spills out when I'm alone.

It seems to me that most of the time I have an inner monologue going, and that that may or may not be composed of actual words.

I find that if I'm doing more "problem-solving" type of thinking (like if I'm just starting to analyze a math problem, or I'm deciding what route to take when driving somewhere, or something along those lines) I generally think without words.

The math problem would often be hard to describe as anything really. Depending on the type of problem there may be graphs, or abstract squares and holes sliding around, or three dimensional lines warping about, or just ideas which really have no real-world equivalent I could describe in words.

When deciding where to drive there will often be sort of an overhead map, sometimes with a lot of details, sometimes just solid lines representing the streets I'll use and nothing else (not to scale).

But then, after doing this sort of "idea" thinking I go into words to more sort of analyze what I just thought. The words may have these idea images interspersed throughout as placeholders for concepts that don't currently have associated words.

If it's a particularly complicated problem (for example, I've just started to do some basic computer science research) I'll go to paper or a computer or some such thing (maybe just making shapes with my hands) for a further level of concrete analysis.

When not working on a formal problem, in other words when I'm just going about my daily life, I usually have a monologue (or dialogue, or town meeting) consisting mostly of words.

I find that this usually takes the form of explaining something. If it's something that someone I know might actually wonder about, then I'll often have an automatically generated simluation of them (usually a surprisingly accurate doppleganger) receive the explanation. They ask questions appropriate to the actual person's level of knowlegde and intelligence, and therefore help me to get the concept to a level where I could actually explain it to someone else. This also helps me understand it in the same way explaining something to a real person would. Othertimes I'll simply be explaining it to myself, which may require 2 or more distinct versions of myself to engage in discussion.

When I'm explaining to myself is often how I figure out what the next thing that I need to think about is. That's becuase I'll eventually get to the point in the conversation where I've understood everything I've said so far and I find I can't answer the next question I ask.

As far as what is actually said out loud, I've noticed recently that even when in public I'll often mouth some of the words I'm thinking, even going so far as to exhale small amounts of breath. I'll also inadvertantly display expressions related to what I'm thinking about.

When alone I will sometimes have whole paragraphs outloud, which has the bonus of requiring even more concrete terms and therefore fleshing out the logic more completely. If there's a mirror nearby I will often, without consciously meaning to, turn to the mirror in the middle of a thought and give a certain expression that conveys what I'm thinking more concisely than words would.

If I'm physically doing something, alone, and I screw up I'll "turn to the camera" and make some comments, maybe do an outtake.

I yell at objects and animals all the time, especially when I'm playing games. I've chewed out some players in Madden at about the top of my lungs, as my parents could attest. When I'm playing oblivion I usually respond to people saying things to me as I walk by, "Oh, it's you!" "It's always me, bitch."

At this point, I generally figure that thinking can use any language one pleases to express ideas. That includes natural languages, programming languages, music, pictorials, or in fact any system. I figure many of the idea-images (such as the twisting three dimensional lines or the real-time updating graphs) are an expression of intuition. I figure the yelling and screaming at the computer football players and the cussing at crickets ("Where the fuck are you you little fucker. When I find where that noise is coming from you're going to regret you ever lived. I need to get to sleep. You need to die!") are expressions of feeling, channeled through the more primary funcitions.

That's a quick run-down of where my theories are at on talking to myself. Constructive comments are appreciated.