Attention Quote by Ludwig Wittgenstein
“The feeling of an unbridgeable gulf between consciousness and brain-process:When does this feeling occur in the present case?It is when I (for example) turn my attention in a particular way on to my own consciousness, and, astonished, say to myself: THIS is supposed to be produced by a process in the brain!--as it were clutching my forehead.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophical Essay: Remarks on the Foundations of Mathematics, 1950s
The quote highlights the puzzling sensation that our conscious experience seems detached from the brain mechanisms that generate it, prompting a sense of alienation when we introspect.
In simple terms: Consciousness feels separate from brain processes when we focus on it.
Recognize the mystery and avoid over‑simplifying mind‑brain relations.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- psychology research
- meditation
- neuroscience education
- self‑analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does language shape our perception of mind‑brain unity?
- Can introspection ever fully capture neural activity?
The feeling may stem from limited scientific language, not an actual gap.