Article originally published on 27 April 2022
It can be heard by psychocrats that there is little difference between saying something and doing the same thing, but I deeply disagree. Although I am not a shrink I believe there are three basic cognitive states: thinking, speaking, and doing; such as the three basic aggregate states of matter: gaseous, liquid, and solid. These three basic cognitive states are separate but intertwined, I honestly think it is better to think about everything, rave, be ready, and not react wrongly to some action at a certain moment. I see myself as an extrovert, but I wouldn’t expose myself too much in the current hostile environment regarding civil rights violations in the pandemic and fossil fuels crisis.
Thinking, Speaking, Doing: A Thin Line Between Thought and Action
The relationship between thinking, speaking, and doing is a subject of interest across multiple disciplines, from cognitive science to public health and even political economics. These three states—mental conception, verbal expression, and practical execution—are deeply intertwined, yet often distinct. The way in which they interact can determine whether knowledge translates into meaningful action or remains in the realm of theory.
Cognitive and Psychological Perspectives
From a scientific standpoint, cognitive science and psychology explore how thoughts form, how language shapes those thoughts, and how both influence behavior. While thinking allows individuals to conceptualize ideas, speaking externalizes them, often reinforcing or modifying them through social interaction. However, doing—the act of putting thoughts and words into practice—requires additional motivation, habit formation, and external factors such as societal or economic conditions.
"There's a thick line between saying something and doing it" in the context of "Thinking, Speaking, Doing" suggests that while formulating a thought and even expressing it verbally might be relatively easy, the actual execution—the "doing"—is a significantly more complex and challenging process. It implies a large gap between intention and action, requiring substantial effort to bridge. Conversely, "There's a thin line between saying something and doing it" suggests that the transition from speaking to acting is deceptively easy, highlighting the importance of aligning one's actions with their words. In this context, it warns against the ease of empty promises and emphasizes that true commitment lies in the "doing," not just the "thinking" or "speaking."
The gap between saying and doing is well-documented in psychology, particularly in studies on intention-behavior discrepancies. Many individuals are aware of health risks or preventive measures yet fail to act due to cognitive biases, lack of immediate incentives, or structural barriers.
The Influence of Drug Industry and Clientelism
In the field of public health, this gap is particularly relevant. Drug industry (Big Pharma) operates between theoretical science (research and drug development) and practical application (medication distribution and marketing). The pharmaceutical industry's influence on public perception through advertising and lobbying can shape how people think and talk about health. However, clientelism—the exchange of goods or services for political or financial loyalty—can further complicate this process by prioritizing profit-driven interventions over cost-effective, preventive measures.
This dynamic raises critical questions: Are prevention strategies genuinely promoted based on scientific evidence, or are they shaped by economic and political interests? How does the pharmaceutical industry balance theoretical advancements in medicine with real-world implementation that benefits public health?
Theoretical Knowledge vs. Practical Application
The contrast between theoretical understanding and practical action is evident in many areas beyond health. Theoretical physics, for example, deals with abstract principles that may take decades to find practical application. Similarly, in social and economic contexts, policies aimed at long-term sustainability often struggle to gain traction due to short-term interests.
When it comes to prevention—whether in medicine, climate action, or political decision-making—the challenge is ensuring that scientific knowledge and verbal commitments lead to tangible action. The thin line between saying and doing is ultimately the space where change either happens or remains a mere possibility.
Conclusion
Understanding the interplay between thinking, speaking, and doing is crucial in fields ranging from psychology to public health and policy-making. While theoretical knowledge provides a foundation, and speech helps in communicating ideas, action is what ultimately brings change. By recognizing the barriers that prevent thought and speech from translating into action—whether cognitive biases, corporate interests, or systemic clientelism—we can work towards a world where prevention and intervention are more effectively implemented.
With insights from ChatGPT (February 18, 2025), discussing cognitive science, prevention, and the interplay between theory and practice
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