I'm torn on this (a familiar theme as you've probably noticed). Back in the aol days, one of my user names was Linear Entrapment. I noticed that I (people in general as well) usually arrive at conclusions based on a limited linear extrapolation (commonly known as stereotyping). A useful tool as we mentioned briefly in one of your recent posts (categorizations), aiding in survival immensely. Yet the same tool is also a cage of sorts, one that seems hard to escape from. I wonder as I type this what role the abdication of thoughtfulness plays as one is lulled into an illusion of safety that allows for one to wander to other illusions of fancy.

The second option also has shown signs of life. When I was much younger I began stalking my thoughts based on the structures Castaneda taught. An observation this has offered is at times I will have thoughts originate with no known cause (no direct correlation to the current activity nor dialogue taking place in my mind) that at times can border on genius. When I was writing/self publishing, whatever/wherever this originates would manifest and create words to write faster than my ability to type (If I could have typed faster I would have).

Considering this, I wonder if any thoughts are really free. I can understand the field that grew the thoughts that allow for a linear expectation. However, what gives life to them is uncertain to me. As well, I'm at a loss to explain the epiphany moments that can stretch to hours at times. It's beyond my understanding what force is breathing life into either scenario.