Thinking is an experimental dealing with small quantities of energy, just as a general moves miniature figures over a map before setting his troops in action.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Freud compares thinking to a general moving miniature figures on a map, using small energy to test ideas before action.
- In plain terms
- Thinking is testing ideas with little energy before doing them.
- What can you take from it?
- Test ideas mentally before acting.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is thinking a simulation?
- How do you test ideas?
Another view
Thinking is not always as energy efficient as this suggests.
More from Sigmund Freud
Where id is, there shall ego be.
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