Like all men, I purport to be able to think nothing.
Talking Philosophy have an interesting post asking if it’s really possible for men to think nothing.
Like all men, I purport to be able to think nothing. To be specific, if a man is asked by his significant other “what are you thinking”, then the best bet is that he will respond by saying “nothing.” It is, of course, tempting to infer that a man says this because he is aware that saying what he was really thinking will result in a look of disgust, a slap, or both. However, men do claim to actually be thinking of nothing (at least at times). This raises the obvious question of whether or not this is even possible.
In the past my wife used to often ask me what I was thinking about, especially when I was staring vacantly. I used to search my mind and could honestly only answer ‘nothing’.
Now, my wife used to find this a little perplexing, and would ask me how it was possible to think nothing.
Some would say that being unable to recollect what you were thinking about a few moments ago, might be some kind of psychological defense mechanism to avoid answering truthfully. Rubbish. I can – and often do – think nothing.
Given my wife’s astonishment at my ability to think nothing, I have come to the conclusion that in this particular skill, men and women are indeed wired differently.
My wife now rarely asks me what I’m thinking about.
May 31st, 2011 at 12:20 pm
That’s funny! Still “nothing” is a thought. Isn’t it funny how all words require more words to define the concept they represent?
May 31st, 2011 at 1:12 pm
Thinking nothing and a prolonged gaze, sounds like involuntary transcendental meditation.
Enjoy these sublime moments frequently.
May 31st, 2011 at 1:20 pm
This is very true. I am always thinking nothing.
Here is a funny video that talks about mens brains versus womens brains. He talks about the “noting box” at about 3:24. But the whole thing is humorous.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BxckAMaTDc
JB
May 31st, 2011 at 10:23 pm
Whenever I used to ask my ex-wife what she was thinking I’d usually be met with the response: “I shouldn’t have to tell you, you should just know!”