Full Idea
Only now is the truth dawning on us that the biggest part by far of our intellectual activity takes place unconsciously, and unfelt by us.
Gist of Idea
Most of our intellectual activity is unconscious
Source
Friedrich Nietzsche (The Gay (Joyful) Science [1882], §333)
Book Reference
Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'The Joyful Science, and 1881-82 fragments (v 6)', ed/tr. Del Caro,Adrian [Stanford 2023], p.195
A Reaction
Note that this is 'intellectual activity', and just the hidden rumblings of instincts and emotions. I think he is right. Philosophers want to verbalise everything, but I don't think the main insights of philosophical thinking are verbal.
Related Idea
Idea 20116 Most of our lives, even the important parts, take place outside of consciousness [Nietzsche]