Words, are they really just words?

Thoughts.

Words.

Which precedes the other?

The obvious answer is thought. It seems that words can't be formed without thought. True. So, perhaps the term to use is "conscious thought". Maybe this could lead to better discussion.

At times it feels that there is something in my mind - or at a deeper level, my soul - that words do not express. These things are like cards on a poker table that have yet to reveal themselves to you; the fact that you don't know what they are doesn't make them any less real. How do these things eventually come to surface?

I have found, often, that it is through words. As I write, as I speak, as I listen to the words of others, the light shines on these things that had previously been hidden in the shadows. Oftentimes, in these moments, my words or thoughts surprise me. What a strange phenomenon. The words that come out of my mouth or find their way onto paper explain my feelings or beliefs better than I ever could.

What?

How does that make sense? Shouldn't I be the one who knows myself the most? Then what are these words and where do they come from?

So, I started thinking; Is it possible that a lack of words could inhibit a fluid thought process? This has seriously made me question my introversion, my lack of conversation with others. My lack of discussion or debate. Does a lifestyle of this sort stunt mental development in a way?And not from a lack of hearing the points of view and opinions of other but from a lack of speaking the mind.

Perhaps this is a reason for so many people lacking an understanding of themselves. The frustration. The confusion. Many people are afraid to speak their mind, either for fear of being judged or fear of offending - which is becoming more and more of a problem in today's world.

One of the most ancient and renowned pieces of wisdom can be found in Greece, at the Oracle of Delphi:

"Know thyself"

It's simple, perhaps too simple. There is no explanation of how. How does one truly know themselves? I think the answer could be - at least in part - in words. I know that I have been better able to understand myself in expressing them. Not internally but through speech and writing.

So, use your words and tell me what you think :)