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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…” quote by Ludwig Wittgenstein
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“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.”

Ludwig Wittgenstein

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.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the mystery and avoid over‑simplifying mind‑brain relations.

Themes

philosophy mind consciousness self‑reflection

Mood

curious reflective

Type

philosophical inquisitive

When to use this quote

  • psychology research
  • meditation
  • neuroscience education
  • self‑analysis

Key Concepts

dualism phenomenology introspection

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does language shape our perception of mind‑brain unity?
  • Can introspection ever fully capture neural activity?
A Different Perspective

The feeling may stem from limited scientific language, not an actual gap.

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