If you were born deaf and blind?

Question

How would you think? For instance, I think in English and in pictures. How would someone who has no language or the ability to see images think?

Also, is it possible for a person who can both see and hear to sit quietly without thinking at all?

Answer 1

My husbands grandparents were both deaf. His grand father could talk some though. It's very hard to explain, but the best way to describe it is that they think in sign. Atleast that's what his grandmother said. A lot more visual than verbal. I'm guessing that blind people think in words or by hearing than visually. This is a very good question. I can not sit quietly without thinking at all, but that may just be me.

Helen Keller was both deaf and blind and she wrote a book.

Answer 2

If I were deaf and blind, I would think in feelings. I would have the warmth of the sun, the coolness of the breeze and the moistness of rain or fog. There would be the vibrations of the traffic on the roads, the peoples voices, etc. Much of my information would be from touching the grass, soil, carpet, sand, clothing, and all that lay in my hands' reach. All these "images" would appear as normal to me as seen images and heard sounds appear to those of the hearing and seeing world. I'm sure there are even some things I would "see" and hear that they would not. I would hope someone would take the time to teach me sign language and broaden my world even more.
I'm not sure, as a person who both sees and hears, if I ever truly sit quietly without thinking at all. It sometimes seems impossible when my head holds so many thoughts in constant flow and the world is such a busy, noisy place most of the time. They do say that if you are really experienced at meditation, it can be achieved. I just try for those times when my mind slows down and allows itself to wander peacefully.

Answer 3

If a person is born both deaf and blind ... I don't believe that they would "think" in the same manner as someone who can hear and see. If they have no visual exposure to the things around them I don't think it possible for them to draw conclusions... or even develop thoughts. If they do not have the ability to hear ... they will never know what language is - thus not thinking or even speaking in any specific language. They would probably make sounds... but nothing that would be understandable.
Sadly in a way - if born both deaf and blind... it would be an existance that many "normal" people would find impossible to bear.

Answer 4

well I think there's a degree of deafness and some deaf students I've come in contact with have hearing aids, maybe that will assist in the learning and thinking process. But maybe they will develop a language later on based on the sense of touch (braille) and other senses like smell. Some deaf students can hear faint sounds.

Medical technology is getting so advanced these days that I wouldn't be surprised if after the prostetic /robotic arm, that they'd invent some sort of machine that is connected to your brain so that it can communiate!

Answer 5

it is possible to sit and not think . and if you were born deaf and blind, you will still have something to think. you can still feel cant you? taste? even then . you can think . deafness and blindness is not the same as death.

Answer 6

umm, Hellen Keller wasn't born deaf and blind stupid people!! She acquired it at a very young age! So that means that she had a sense of hearing and seeing befor that!! So she's not so amazing after all!

Answer 7

Well the brain saves memories by what sense they effect. My guess would be they think with feelings and taste and smell. I doubt they think any less than us, just differently.

Answer 8

I had a friend who was blind and she learned braille. It's actually pretty easy.

Answer 9

i have found it impossible to shut down the mind, this maybe easier for someone who is dense, and does not think heavily , but the mind is always awake always.

Answer 10

You should research Helen Keller.
Amazing woman.