2 Answers

The train of thought, stream of thought, trail of thought , or chain of thought refers to the interconnection in the sequence of ideas expressed during a connected discourse or thought, as well as the sequence itself, especially in discussion how this sequence leads from one idea to another.

When a reader or listener "loses the train of thought" (i.e., loses the relation between consecutive sentences or phrases, or the relation between non-verbal concepts in an argument or presentation), comprehension is lost of the expressed or unexpressed thought.

The term "train of thoughts" was introduced and elaborated as early as in 1651 by Thomas Hobbes in his Leviathan, though with a somewhat different meaning (similar to the meaning used by the British.)

I think that many people loose their train of thought during conversations thinking about how they will respond to what you just said, all the while not listening to the rest of the conversation. Some attribute this to shorter attention spans or A.D.D., while others suggest that it is due to a t.v. and video game generation.

Whatever the cause no one knows for sure but, I do believe your are correct about how much more difficult it is to have a rational conversation. Best wishes with your future endeavors, Leeroy

Great question blue!! I see it all the time and I wish I had a definitive answer. I think that people's interpersonal skills have dropped rapidly because we are used to texting, IM-ing and of course, doing what I'm doing right now, talking online. Many people aren't used to having a face to face conversation or, like you said, a conversation on the phone. Many people don't know how to read a non-verbal communication sign like a person's posture and facial expressions. Maybe people are so worried that they forget to listen and are planning what they'll say next. Again, good question! TU