One way to approach the question “What is the mind?” is to consider how “mind” is
used in everyday conversation. Here are a few examples:
1. “He was able to call to mind what he was doing on the day of the accident.” (The
mind as involved in memory)
2. “If you put your mind to it, I’m sure you can solve that math problem.” (The mind
as problem-solver)
3. “I haven’t made up my mind yet” or “I’m of two minds about this.” (The mind as
used to make decisions or consider possibilities)
4. “He is of sound mind and body” or “When he talks about his encounter with
aliens, it sounds like he is out of his mind.” (A healthy mind being associated with
normal functioning, a nonfunctioning mind with abnormal functioning)
5. “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” (The mind as valuable, something that should
be used)
6. “He has a beautiful mind.” (From Sylvia Nasar’s book A Beautiful Mind, about
Nobel Prize winner John Nash, which was made into an Academy Award–winning
movie staring Russell Crowe)