Meaning: Jacques Ellul, a French philosopher, sociologist, and theologian, made the astute observation that "thinking has become a superfluous exercise... purely internal, without compelling force, more or less a game." This quote encapsulates the idea that in contemporary society, the act of critical thinking has lost its urgency and transformative power. Ellul's words invite us to ponder the nature of thought in our modern world and the implications of its perceived redundancy.

In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, the incessant influx of information and the prevalence of instant gratification have reshaped the way we engage with ideas and concepts. The digital age has ushered in an era of distraction and superficial engagement, where the process of deep, reflective thinking is often sidelined in favor of quick, surface-level interactions. The quote suggests that thinking has become detached from real-world consequences, reduced to a mere mental exercise devoid of tangible impact.

Ellul's characterization of thinking as "purely internal" highlights the inward nature of contemporary cognitive processes. In an age dominated by individualism and self-absorption, intellectual pursuits often become insular, confined to the boundaries of one's own mind. The external world, with all its complexities and challenges, may seem distant and disconnected from the realm of thought. This internalization of thinking can lead to a lack of meaningful engagement with the world around us, resulting in a detachment from reality and a failure to address pressing social, political, and ethical issues.

Furthermore, the notion that thinking has lost its "compelling force" speaks to the diminishing sense of urgency and necessity attached to critical reflection. In a society driven by immediate gratification and the pursuit of efficiency, the slow and deliberate process of deep thinking is undervalued. The quote suggests that the urgency and motivation to think critically about the world has waned, leading to a superficial engagement with ideas and a lack of meaningful intellectual discourse.

The description of thinking as "more or less a game" underscores the idea that the intellectual pursuits of modern society have been reduced to a form of entertainment or leisure activity. The quote implies that thinking has been trivialized, relegated to the realm of casual amusement rather than being recognized as a powerful tool for understanding, problem-solving, and societal change. This characterization raises questions about the extent to which contemporary culture encourages and values substantive, rigorous thinking as a means of grappling with complex issues and shaping a better future.

In conclusion, Jacques Ellul's quote provides a thought-provoking commentary on the state of thinking in modern society. It invites us to reflect on the internalized, detached nature of contemporary cognitive processes, the diminishing sense of urgency and impact associated with critical reflection, and the trivialization of intellectual pursuits. By engaging with Ellul's insights, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and implications of living in a world where thinking has, in many ways, become a superfluous exercise.