Are we ever never thinking?

Fascinating thread, guys! My answer (FWINW) would be something like "yes - but we are never free of the process of pattern-sifting", which is what I believe we do as the precursor to 'thought' or language or other more abstract formulations. I have some interesting quotes from a BBC Radio programme broadcast the other day about the development of langauge in ninfants that has a bearing on this, and on which Brandon may well feeel like commenting, since some of the research was comparing sign and verbal creation. I'll have to transcribe it first!