---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There is thought, and then there is…"
description: "\"There is thought, and then there is thinking about thoughts, and they don't feel the same.\" — Susanna Kaysen"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9eb/susanna-kaysen-3041_feels_there-is-thought-and-then-there-is-think_1409513.png"
---

#  There is thought, and then there is thinking about…

![“There is thought, and then there is thinking about thoughts, and they don't feel the same.” quote by Susanna Kaysen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9eb/susanna-kaysen-3041_feels_there-is-thought-and-then-there-is-think_1409513.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9eb/susanna-kaysen-3041_feels_there-is-thought-and-then-there-is-think_1409513.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9eb/susanna-kaysen-3041_feels_there-is-thought-and-then-there-is-think_1409513.png)

> “There is thought, and then there is thinking about thoughts, and they don't feel the same.”

[Susanna Kaysen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/susanna-kaysen/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Distinguishes between raw thought and the meta‑cognitive act of reflecting on thoughts, highlighting a shift in mental experience.

**In simple terms:** Thinking about thoughts differs from the thoughts themselves.

Key Takeaway

Practice meta‑cognition to gain insight.

Themes

psychology mindfulness self‑reflection consciousness cognition

Mood

introspective educational

Type

psychological philosophical

When to use this quote

- therapy sessions
- meditation practice
- academic study
- personal journaling

Key Concepts

metacognition self‑awareness thought processes

Questions to Reflect On

- How does reflecting on thoughts change their impact?
- When is meta‑cognition most useful?

A Different Perspective

Over‑analysis can lead to rumination.

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