Why You Should Care About The Power Of Thought

Even though Descartes’ famous statement was meant to assert that in order to doubt one’s existence, there had to be a mind (or thinking entity) for there to be a thought, it can also relate to the fact that there is no person (or life) if there is no capacity for thought.

While ‘thought’ can be defined as the act or process of thinking, it can also refer to a product of thinking (thus, something formed in the mind), such as an idea, opinion, belief or notion.

On a physical level, thoughts can be considered a complex process of action potentials as they are associated with the electrical and chemical activity of the brain, with us being able to measure these emitted signals using, amongst others, EEG (electroencephalography) techniques.

In the case of brain death, when the brain and brainstem stop working and show no activity, the person is incapable of thinking, feeling, sense perception, voluntary movement, and performing automatic body functions like breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. Thus, when there is no capacity for, or probability of thought production, there is no life.

As per Descartes’ quote, we can therefore conclude that ‘I am because I (can) think.’ This highlights the importance of thought. Every feeling, behaviour and action (except involuntary and reflex responses) originate from a thought.

Much has been written about the power of thought. And yet, we tend to underestimate the power that every single thought has over us, and ultimately our well-being. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you felt fairly neutral at the time, only to reflect on it later and feel yourself becoming angry or offended? That is the power of thought! Have you ever tripped and fell in front of others, feeling utterly embarrassed, only to think about it later and find it hilarious? That is the power of thought! Have you ever felt satiated after a big Sunday lunch, but found that you couldn’t stop thinking about the left-over pudding, and eventually went for a second helping? That is the power of thought!

Although our thoughts can be constructive and drive us toward positive, meaningful decisions and actions, it can also steer us in the opposite direction. For example, thoughts can cause a ‘worst case scenario’ tendency, where we automatically assume the most negative outcome will happen. This can lead to anxiety, depression and feelings of helplessness – all having a negative impact on our mental well-being.

However, we are not victims of our thoughts. Paul urges us in 2 Corinthians 10:5 to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” We are therefore encouraged to guard and renew our minds constantly according to God’s truth. Once aligned with God’s truth, our thoughts will bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit, namely love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).