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The end comes when we no longer talk with ourselves. It is the end of genuine thinking and the beginning of the final loneliness. The remarkable thing is that the cessation of the inner dialogue marks also the end of our concern with the world around us. It is as if we noted the world and think about it only when we have to report it to ourselves.

Eric Hoffer#201

PsychologyThinkingMindConsciousnessLoneliness

About this quote

What does it mean?
Stopping internal dialogue ends genuine thinking and leads to isolation and disconnection from the world.
In plain terms
When you stop talking to yourself inside, you stop thinking deeply and caring about the world.
What can you take from it?
Maintain inner dialogue to preserve critical thinking and connection.

Where it applies

  • decision making
  • mental health
  • creative work

Putting it to work

  • journal daily
  • practice mindfulness
  • take time to reflect

Questions to consider

  • Do you talk to yourself when you think?
  • When did you last feel truly alone?

Another view

Overthinking can also lead to paralysis rather than genuine thought.

More from Eric Hoffer

  1. The devil personifies not the nature that is around us but the nature that is within us - the infinitely ferocious and cunning prehuman creature that is still …

    Permalink to quote #200
  2. The fanatic is not really a stickler to principle. He embraces a cause not primarily because of its justness or holiness but because of his desperate need for …

    Permalink to quote #202
  3. The desire to belong is partly a desire to lose oneself.

    Permalink to quote #199

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