Full Idea
Thoughts come not when we want but when they want.
Gist of Idea
We don't control our own thinking
Source
Arthur Schopenhauer (Parerga and Paralipomena [1851], III:37)
Book Reference
Schopenhauer,Arthur: 'Essays and Aphorisms [from Pand P]', ed/tr. Hollingdale,R.J. [Penguin 1970], p.122
A Reaction
One of my favourite Nietzsche ideas originated in Schopenhauer!
Related Idea
Idea 2291 A thought comes when 'it' wants, not when 'I' want [Nietzsche]