The Many Voices in Our Heads

Auditory mental experiences are as unique as we are

Photo by Alonso Reyes on Unsplash

I don’t know about you, but I’m a verbal processor, which is probably why I enjoy writing. My mind experience consists of a rich internal monologue with varying intensity levels, but my inner vision, or “mind’s eye,” is weak and fuzzy at best.

I used to think everyone’s mind was like mine, but then I learned we have different internal experiences. Some people can “see” in their minds as clearly as reading these words, while others don’t have inner monologues at all, and those of us who do have them don’t share the same voices. We each have unique dialogues in our heads.

Internal Monologues

Ancient philosopher René Descartes said, “I think therefore I am.” The idea was that since he was aware of his thoughts, he was, therefore, conscious and alive. This awareness of our thoughts, and the ability to consciously and intentionally have them, was thought (ha!) to separate us from other animals. Though, how can we really know whether other animals are aware of their thoughts or not? Then again, apparently, crows are.

Anyway, the fact that some people don’t have internal monologues seems to be a relatively new realization. It was long assumed that everyone has one, so upon hearing these reports…