Our Reflexive Mind
Most people do not have an overseeing control component in their thinking, and left to its own devices, a mind can sink into delirium.
Our mind is primarily a problem-solving device. It likes and thrives on problems, and we even invent problems for it to solve, from crosswords to philosophical questions such as “why is there something instead of nothing?” By default, the mind flits around from one problem to another as needed and tends not to rest until problems are resolved in one way or another, and therein lies its weakness. The widespread use of anxiety medications would suggest that the mind can obsess over a problem, causing anxiety, worry, and stress. As the primary mechanism of our survival drive, we are pushed to seek solutions to any problem that affects survival fitness, even in the smallest way. A leaking roof must get fixed, a small lump on a finger must be assessed by a doctor, a lack of income must be addressed through extra work, and so on.