chew the cud, to 🐄💭
To “chew the cud” means to ruminate or deliberate over something deeply. This idiom, much like a cow revisiting its meal, encourages a slow, thorough process of thought. It highlights the importance of digestion—intellectually speaking. Let’s dive into the cud-chewing world of cogitation!
Literal Meaning:
Imagine cows lounging around, bringing up half-digested food, mulling it over, and chewing it again. It’s a slow and meticulous process, emblematic of thoughtful reflection.
Historical Context:
- John Wycliffe’s translation (Book of Hosea, 1382): “Thei chewiden cud upon shete, and wyne, and departiden fro me.”
- King James Version (1611): “They assemble themselves for corn and wine, and they rebel against me.”
- Book of Homilies (1547): Mentioned as metaphorical deep thinking.
Synonyms & Similar Terms:
- Mull over
- Ponder
- Contemplate
- Deliberate
- Ruminate (literally referencing cows)
Famous Quotes:
“Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably why so few engage in it.” –Henry Ford
“Sitting quietly, doing nothing, spring comes, and the grass grows by itself.” –Zen Proverb
Annotations:
- Related Expressions:
- Navel-gazing: Absorbed in self-reflection.
- Lost in thought: Deep in contemplation.
- Mindful chewing: Modern healthy eating advocate’s phrase.
Recommended Reads & Watches:
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Books:
- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman – Dive into the two systems of thinking.
- The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli – Helps you avoid cognitive biases.
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Songs:
- “Sitting, Waiting, Wishing” by Jack Johnson – A fun melodic reflection on patience.
- “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson – Reflective and change-inducing.
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Movies:
- Inception – It bends the mind into reflective shapes.
- Inside Out – For the introspection of emotions.
Inspirational Thought:
“Reflecting upon your thoughts is like turning soil before planting; it enriches the ground for ideas to grow.”
🌾 **Farewell: “Think deeply, for the richest thoughts are slow-grown” 🌾
– Penelope Ruminatorium
