Thinking has often been synonymous with using words. We tend to believe that our internal monologues are inconsequential, but we should be cautious about what we mentally articulate.

According to Associate Professor Thomas Whitford from UNSW Sydney, our internal dialogue influences brain activity, albeit less so than spoken communication. Research indicates that this inner speech is linked to an efference copy, a neural mechanism that prepares us to vocalize our thoughts. Such mental chatter may impede our ability to reach our full capabilities.

In the modern landscape, the volume of our inner voice is amplified by the relentless barrage of information from social media. The influx of videos, audio clips, and written content means that many individuals generate fewer original thoughts than those they consume each day.

Dr. Russell T. Hurlburt advocates for the possibility of thinking without words or images. He describes this as "unsymbolized thinking" or the "Pristine Inner Experience," which forms when we disconnect from work or social media to rediscover our true essence. Contrary to popular belief, including among psychologists, he posits that it is indeed feasible to think without using language.

Imagine the tranquility you feel during mindful meditation when you focus solely on your breath, momentarily silencing your mental chatter. A brief five-minute session can refresh your mind and enhance your day. Mastering the skill of thought beyond words may render you less susceptible to distractions.

> "There is a voice that doesn’t use words. Listen." — Rumi

In our communication-heavy environment, we engage with friends, colleagues, and family members extensively, often overwhelming ourselves. Our reliance on words has led us to converse with ourselves in the same manner, forgetting that internal communication doesn’t necessitate verbalization. By quieting our minds, especially when alone, we can foster a deeper connection with our true selves.

The argument against thinking without words suggests that it hampers our ability to articulate complex ideas when needed. This notion, first proposed by George Orwell in his dystopian novel 1984, implies that limiting language can stifle critical thought. However, scientific evidence does not support this claim. For instance, the Dani people of New Guinea can distinguish colors without having a specific vocabulary for them.

Children grasp abstract concepts through visual representations, while art and music convey feelings that words often fail to encapsulate. The word "love" alone cannot fully express the depth of the emotion, which has spurred countless literary efforts. Complex emotions may elude simple definitions and require extensive discourse.

Steven Pinker, a psychology professor at Harvard University, suggests that humans possess an innate "language of thought," which he terms Mentalese. He argues that knowing a language involves translating this mental code into spoken words and vice versa. This fundamental language, rich in symbols and emotions, operates independently of conventional words. Paulo Coehlo also explores a universal language of signs in his novels, which convey intricate messages.

Noam Chomsky, a renowned philosopher and linguist, asserts that language falls short in expressing the entirety of our thoughts and feelings. He emphasizes that while we may struggle to articulate our inner dialogue, thoughts continue to exist beyond verbal constraints. Art, literature, and music strive to express what language cannot. Chomsky challenges the notion that if thoughts aren't verbalized, they aren't occurring; indeed, they exist regardless of our awareness.

> "I very rarely think in words at all. A thought comes, and I may try to express it in words afterwards." — Albert Einstein

Our mental faculties can be divided into conscious and subconscious. While the conscious mind processes around 40 bits of information per second, the subconscious operates at an astonishing 400 billion bits per second. This disparity suggests that not every significant thought requires verbal articulation. Instead, by eliminating words and concentrating on solutions, we can harness the efficiency of our subconscious.

This method of thinking without words is particularly vital for writers and researchers. Bertrand Russell, a British philosopher, employed a unique approach when writing. He would immerse himself in research, then step away for two months, allowing his mind to organize the knowledge subconsciously. Upon returning, he would sense that he was ready to write, a technique that eventually earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Sigmund Freud's psychoanalysis focuses on the robust stream of thoughts lying beneath conscious awareness. Therapists aim to access this stream to help individuals process emotions, memories, and desires that influence their mental health. This subconscious reservoir is far more expansive than the conscious mind perceives.

> "Psychoanalysis assumes that there exists a very strong thought-stream just beneath our conscious awareness."

Buddhist monks often practice silence as a means to refine their ability to choose their words wisely. By not vocalizing every thought, they can discern beneficial from detrimental expressions. Monks frequently engage in silent observation of nature, harnessing neuroplasticity to achieve remarkable emotional control.

In Zen monasteries, the practice of zazen, or seated meditation, emphasizes silence. This practice encourages disciples to unlearn preconceived notions, allowing them to connect with their core thought processes. This abstract thinking operates on a high-speed level, accessible only through spiritual awareness.