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This phenomenologic study attempts to explain flight of ideas not merely as a symptom but also as an expression of the attitude of the ego to the outer world. The leading factors in this highly complex phenomenon are the optimistic mood, the realization of the infinite scope of thinking, the restless speed of thinking, the volatility of the content of thoughts, the flowing of the various meanings into each other and the person's need to communicate with others. These are really the fundamental factors of the manic reaction. Their opposite is found in the depressions. This contrast is the characteristic feature of the manic-depressive personality. From such a point of view the author analyzes the various explanations of flight of ideas which have been offered by others. Well presented cases offer the material for this interesting discussion, which is written in a style that does not make for easy reading.