Thinking Quote by Glenn Tinder
““Perhaps too much is said in universities about how "exciting" it is to think. Thinking undoubtedly has its excitements and satisfactions, but these feelings do not disclose its general character, and there is something very much wrong with the idea they should. We do not think in order to have fun but because life is troubling and problematic. We think because we are compelled to. And while thinking occasionally brings exciting discoveries, the periods in between these discoveries are likely to place heavy demands not only on the thinker's energies but on his patience as well. When thinking, we should not need to tell ourselves that it is an exhilarating experience; it should be enough to realize that we are behaving with the seriousness, the rationality, and the self-discipline that the human situation requires of us.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Philosophical reflections, 2010
Thinking is a disciplined response to life's problems, not merely a source of pleasure.
In simple terms: Thinking is serious work, not just fun.
Key Takeaway
Approach thinking with rigor and patience.
Themes
philosophy
discipline
mental effort
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
intellectual
motivational
When to use this quote
- academic research
- problem solving
- creative projects
- personal decision‑making
Key Concepts
critical thinking
self‑discipline
existential challenge
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates you to think deeply?
- How do you sustain patience during mental work?
A Different Perspective
Intense thinking can cause burnout without balance.
