From Fraser Scott
When my brain is “resting” it isn’t only day-dreaming (8 November, p 28). It is solving problems.
I read through the cryptic crossword clues, doing the odd one. I put the paper down and do something else. When I pick it up again, my brain has solved some of the clues with no conscious effort. How many inventions appear in a similar way?
When I was involved in military equipment procurement I would come across problems to which, often, my brain would provide answers that it had worked out without aid from me.
Now I am old I cannot recall names of people or plants – but leave the brain idle, and it will come up with them.
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From Michael Kellock
I now know how it is that I wake up in the morning with a clear picture of the three extremely difficult words that I couldn’t get in yesterday’s cryptic crossword This happens surprisingly often.
Foster, Victoria, Australia
From Shane Dwyer
I am reminded of the American comic Steven Wright lamenting that he is hopeless at daydreaming. “I just can’t do it. Every time I try it my mind just wanders all over the place”.
Melbourne, Australia
Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, UK
