Gedachten

Gedachten are the mental content of a person's mind, including ideas, beliefs, memories, plans, and inner dialogues. They can be conscious or subconscious and influence perception, decision making, and behavior. The study of thoughts spans psychology, cognitive science, and philosophy.

The Dutch noun gedachte (plural gedachten) stems from denken, to think. Historically it has referred to the act of thinking as well as the content held in the mind; in literature and religious texts, gedachten often denote inner reflections.

Thoughts may be verbal, manifested as inner speech; visual, as images or scenes; or abstract, as concepts and propositions. They can be deliberate, such as solving a problem or planning a course of action, or spontaneous, such as daydreams, worries, or rumination.

Cognitive processes such as attention, memory, language, and executive control shape thoughts. Repeated patterns like rumination and cognitive distortions are relevant in mental health contexts. In therapy, techniques aim to reframe thoughts, increase cognitive flexibility, and reduce distress.

In philosophy of mind, thoughts are central to discussions of consciousness, intentionality, and mental representation. In Dutch culture, gedachten are a common subject in literature, poetry, and everyday speech, often used to express inner life, moral reflection, or creativity.