To what extent do you believe that people control their thinking?

Question

0% people cannot control their thinking, through to 100%, total control over their thinking.

Answer 1

I've thought a good while(20 min) on your question. I guess that tells me that we can control if we choose to. When my mind is "free" to play, it takes journeys on it's own. That's why I like Q&A, it helps enforce control of what I think.

Answer 2

I believe that 100% CAN. But I'm not sure how many do. I think many people's thinking is controlled by their organized religion. They delegate their thinking to their organised religion.

But when I meditate, I calm my mind so that stray thoughts don't distract me - they come & I acknowledge them & let them go. The process results in simpler & simpler thoughts coming into my head. After a while I can sit calmly & have a clear, calm mind. This abolition of "distractions" allows me to experience creative new thoughts - maybe not actual enlightenment. But very rewarding growth.

Try it - it's better than drugs !

Answer 3

90%, to tell the truth. Sometimes we think about things we really don't want to think about, but then you start thinking about them anyways, and then when you try to stop thinking and producing thoughts, you can't. Thoughts are always coming.

Hmm...now that I think about it, maybe 75%

But what we want to think about is 100%. We're fully able to control that.

Answer 4

100% of people can control their thinking. It's their brain, why wouldn't they be able to control it? Unless we're talking about schizophrenics or other mental disorders.

Answer 5

If they have the thinking they can control it. It's the effort to start thinking or desire to think many people don't have.

Answer 6

everyone has at least SOME control over what they think.

Answer 7

It is useless to show the gold piece to a cat.
-Zen saying