Final answer:
The claim that thinking, speaking, and writing speeds differ by less than one hundred words per minute is false. Thinking, speaking, and writing involve different cognitive processes with varying speeds; speaking is typically faster than writing, while thinking can be either fast or slow depending on the context.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement about the differences among thinking, speaking, and writing speeds being less than one hundred words per minute is false. These cognitive and expressive activities operate at different speeds because they involve different levels of processing and preparation. Thinking fast occurs intuitively and often without our conscious awareness, akin to making snap judgments or reflexive decisions, like casting a vote for a familiar political party. On the other hand, thinking slow requires deliberate cognitive effort, such as analyzing complex policy proposals or crafting a well-structured argument.
When it comes to speaking and writing, there's often a misconception that these processes occur at similar speeds. However, speaking is generally much faster than writing since it does not usually require the same level of revision and deliberate word choice. Writing, as quoted from Roald Dahl, is essentially rewriting, and a good piece of writing often goes through many drafts and corrections before it is complete.
While speaking can be improvised or prepared, particularly in public addresses, it usually involves an intermediate pace between fast, instinctive thinking and the slower, more considered pacing of writing. Therefore, it's important to recognize that these modes of communication and thought differ significantly in terms of speed and mental effort involved.