Each person is at each moment capable of remembering all…
““Each person is at each moment capable of remembering all that has ever happened to him and of perceiving everything that is happening everywhere in the universe. The function of the brain and nervous system is to protect us from being overwhelmed and confused by this mass of largely useless and irrelevant knowledge, by shutting out most of what we should otherwise perceive or remember at any moment, and leaving only that very small and special selection which is likely to be practically useful. According to such a theory, each one of us is potentially Mind at Large.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The brain filters out most sensory input to prevent overload, leaving only useful information; this suggests our minds can access a vast, latent knowledge.
In simple terms: The brain blocks excess data, revealing hidden potential.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that you can tap deeper insight when you quiet mental clutter.
Themes
cognition
perception
mind
knowledge
filtering
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
introspective
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- Meditation
- creative problem solving
- learning
- research
- introspection
Key Concepts
Neuroscience
philosophy
potential
information overload
Questions to Reflect On
- How might you deliberately reduce filtering to enhance insight?
- What risks arise from accessing too much information?
A Different Perspective
The brain’s filtering may also limit creativity by discarding novel connections.