Pristine Inner Experience

The mysteries of the mind

Russell T Hurlburt Ph.D.

Thinking Without Words

Unsymbolized thinking is the experience of an explicit, differentiated thought that does not include the experience of words, images, or any other symbols. Many (perhaps most) people think unsymbolized thinking is impossible, but in fact, it is common.

Sensory Awareness: Why People (Including Scientists) Are Blind to It

Sensory awareness is a critical element of our inner experience, yet it can be confused with aspects of perception.

Not Everyone Conducts Inner Speech

Inner speech is frequent but not for everyone.

Jessica’s Paradox

Inner Experience in Bulimia Nervosa

The inner experience of women with bulimia nervosa is characterized by complex multiplicity. Although this complex experience occurs frequently, the women themselves don't know their experience is complex.

People Don’t Know the Features of their Own Pristine Inner Experience

A Penny for Your Thoughts: Investigating Pristine Experience

“Pristine inner experiences” are thoughts, feelings, sensations, tickles, seeings, hearings, and so on, anything that appears directly before the footlights of consciousness. Our research has shown that pristine experience is fascinating, but that its characteristics are relatively unknown both by the experiencer herself and psychological science.