# Content and the Stream of Consciousness **Opening (not a real abstract):** Consciousness, then, does not appear to itself chopped up in bits. Such words as ‘chain’ or ‘train’ do not describe it fitly as it presents itself in the first instant. It is nothing jointed: it flows. A ‘river’ or a ‘stream’ are the metaphors by which it is most naturally described. In talking of it hereafter, let is call it the stream of thought, of consciousness, or of subjective life. (James 1890, p. 233). I want to call your attention to the discontinuous character of thought—the complete inappropriateness of James’ expression ‘the stream of thought’. (Geach 1969, p. 34) **Authors:** [[Soteriou]]