I think this is really about what drives thought: some external stimuli, or something internal (seemingly random, but not necessarily). I realize that I, like most people, may be addicted to being "fed".<p>Even in the bathroom, many of us are accustomed to reading news, watching youtube, etc. It's only when really cut off from TV, internet, etc. that the mind decompresses and starts generating ideas again. (This is not strictly true, as some reactionary thoughts are ideas - solutions to problems presented by external information.)<p>Also, the thought of people not knowing what a phone book is made me realize I'm old. What a strange feeling.