Single Idea 20116

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / B. Features of Minds / 2. Unconscious Mind]

Full Idea

By far the greatest proportion of our life takes place without this mirroring effect [of consciousness]; and this is true even of our thinking, feeling and willing life, however offensive this may sound to older philosophers.

Gist of Idea

Most of our lives, even the important parts, take place outside of consciousness

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (The Gay (Joyful) Science [1882], §354)

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'The Gay Science', ed/tr. Kaufmann,Walter [Vintage 1974], p.297


A Reaction

Nietzsche didn't just hint at the possibility of a (Freudian) sub-conscious - he was whole-heartedly committed to it, and Freud gave him credit for it. I think philosophers are only just beginning to digest this crucial idea.

Related Idea

Idea 20115 All of our normal mental life could be conducted without consciousness [Nietzsche]