The Flow of Thought

Some of the most exhilarating experiences we undergo are generated inside the mind, triggered by information that challenges our ability to think. Just as there flow potentials in physical activities, every mental operation is able to provide its own particular form of enjoyment.

Among the many intellectual pursuits available, reading is currently the most mentioned flow activity around the world. Additionally, solving mental puzzles is one of the oldest forms of enjoyable activity, as well as being the precursor of philosophy and modern science. 

Most mental activities also rely on the physical dimension. Chess, for instance, is one of the most cerebral games there is; yet advanced chess players train by running and swimming because they are aware that if they are physically unfit they will not be able to sustain the long periods of mental concentration that chess tournaments require.

In reality, to achieve such an ordered mental condition is not as easy as it sounds. Contrary to what we tend to assume, the normal state of the mind is chaos. Without training, and without an object in the external world that demands out attention, people are unable to focus their thoughts for more than a few minutes at a time.

To enjoy a mental activity one must meet the same conditions that make physical activities enjoyable. There must be:

Skills in a symbolic domain (chess, math, poetry, etc.) 

Rules 

Goals and ways of obtaining feedback 

The ability to concentrate 

The ability to interact with others that have similar goals 

Vocabulary:

• exhilarating - to cause to feel happily refreshed and energetic
• precursor - indicates or suggests someone or something to come
• philosophy - pursuit of wisdom by intellectual means and self-discipline
• sustain - to keep in existence; maintain
• contrary - opposite in direction or position
• feedback - when a portion of the output is returned

Questions

1. Describe the origin of philosophy and modern science. Why do you think this is?

2. What do most mental activities also rely on? Explain why a chess player is concerned with their physical fitness.

3. What five things should be included to make a mental/physical activity more enjoyable?