Article August 15, 1953 Issue

ON TALKING TO ONESELF

JAMES K. WESTOVER

Most people talk to themselves, and the majority will admit that they are not always careful in what they say to themselves. Of course these conversations are seldom oral; generally they consist of inward meditation, and the results may range from procrastination of decision to impulsive, ill-considered action. But regardless of the results, the next hour is likely to find the individual engaged in continuing conversation with himself.

Mortals are prone to give expression to those things which they believe, not always waiting to transform these beliefs into positive knowledge or understanding. They often neglect to "think things through," as we say. The Master related such an instance in a parable recorded in Luke's Gospel. He told of a certain rich man whose ground brought forth so plentifully that he "thought within himself" (12:17), and what he thought brought down upon him the condemnation of Deity.

Doubtless Cain talked angrily within himself before he came to the point of slaying his brother. Saul on more than one occasion talked himself into a frenzy against David, who had sought only to be helpful to his king. The Preacher relates that he had communed with his own heart, saying (Eccl. 1:16),"Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem." Later he came to see that all this was folly; that much wisdom of this character brings grief, and that to cultivate such knowledge brings proportionate increase of sorrow.

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