THOUGHT OF POWER THE

"Ph'ilos

THE

fir ,/v7

^x
C

POWER

OF

THOUGHT
f

I
r

WHAT

IT

IS

AND

WHAT

IT

DOES

BY

JOHN

DOUGLAS

STEEKETT

WITH

AN

INTRODUCTION

BY

J.
PROFESSOR
OF

MARK
PSYCHOLOGY

BALDWIN
IN

PRINCETON

UNIVERSITY

NEW

YORK

CHARLES

SCRIBNER'S 1896

SONS

COPYRIGHT,

1896,

BY

CHARLES

SCRIBNER'S

SONS

J.

S.

Cushing
Norwood

"

Co.
"

Berwick

"

Smith

Mass.

U.S.A.

FATHER MY

AND

MOTHER

INTRODUCTION

BY

J.

MARK

BALDWIN

AM

glad

to

be the

able book
a

to

write
Mr.

few

words for I

in find

appreciation
it And based known in many since
on

of

of

Sterrett;
and valuable

respects
my

timely
is
reasons

work.

opinion

entirely
for
"

professional,
I

psychological
Mr. Sterrett book
more

have
serve

never

personally quickly
to

it
"

may

to

bring
who
Mr.

the
are

the

notice

of

those

likely
Sterrett

to

value
to

it. have done like

to

seems

what be

many able
to

pro

fessed

psychologists
to

would which

do,

i.e.,

write without

book

interests them

people
scientific and

gener
terms at

ally,
and
same

repelling
unfamiliar
not

by

phrases
time scientific

to

the

lay mind;
other

the

to

fall

into the

that

pit

of

popu

lar

writers,
science may my

condemnation it. indicate the And the

of

having
gen
mer

cheapened
eral its

by

watering
to

this
two

expression
which,
to

serve

mind,

commend Mr. draw Sterrett's

present

book. is
to

In

the

first

place,
to

style
notice

suffi his

ciently

noteworthy

favorable

VI

INTRODUCTION

work. and

It is

refreshingly spontaneous, unaffected,

and
not

telling;
while
to

the

diction

is For

individual my
own a

and

striking
I
am

strained.
even

part,
per

free

say
"

"

though
many
me

it involve the
current

sonal
on

confession

that
to

of

works unliv the his

psychology
and
rein

seem

in

style hard,

ing,
vivid

after luissenschaftlich, in which Mr. Sterrett

reading
puts

English

thought.
And
pages

in

the

second

place,

find which

Mr.
are

Sterrett's those is to has

me

filled with

points

of view

of
a

the

latest scientific of great

investigators.
Mr.

This

matter ten

interest; for
from the

Sterrett of

writ

partially apart
personal
; but

current

discussion. his

His

semi-isolation
rather

has it
at

not

impaired
the

results of his to

the

has

heightened
the
same

effect served

personal talent,and
a

time

give

very the

unusual truths

naturalness which in
a

and

convincing
for view

quality to
and

the

new

scientific terms

formulas
I

make,

measure,
out

rigid points
to

and of

bidding.
in

might

point
but

such

larger number;
of the and such has

it may

suffice which work. which

signalize give
main

certain
purpose

greater
character

doctrines
to

the

One
rett

point

of

view his

is that

Mr.
Power

Ster
of

embodied and

in which

title, "The
the

Thought,"
of

furnishes that

real

motive
is the

the

whole. of

The

doctrine
in
some

all action that

outcome

thinking,

shape;

conduct

INTRODUCTION

Vll

only reveals, and

ress

cannot
"

help revealing, the

now

prog
to be

of

knowledge
of
common
"

this is

just getting
such
"

doctrine
"

acceptance under
Motor

terms

as

Suggestion,"
Mr.

Elements,"
carries
out

Dynamogenthis
view in I

esis," etc.
many find the of his its

Sterrett

interesting bearings;
the "free
one.

among

which

position on
rational and

will" As

controversy part of this

only

true

general position,his
ness,
as

way

of

conscious stratifying with the

it were,

in

periods, beginning
him he
a

earliest

infancy,
method

leads

to

thoroughgoing,
as first,

genetic
know,

which
in

is the

far

as

I
I

to

embody

text-book. in the

Here

again,
to

think, his
progress

intuitions

are,

main,
is

true

the

which

genetic psychology
other
s

making.
mention which

Finally, the
about
he

thing
book

which is the
"

I would

Mr.

Sterrett'
to

philosophy
the

brings

it. and in
an

It is dualism
our own

point
and

of view Porter. suf

of But

Hamilton,
dualism from

McCosh

philosophy has, heretofore, inadequate

the
on

fered

and of the

superficialpsy
"The Power method of

chology. Thought,"
is of
nent
"

Neither
nor

doctrine

that been

which

genetic
the
as
"

founded,
the

has

developed by theory";

advocates
a

so-called

"soul

and,

promi
the

psychologist has recently said, the

needed
restatement

soul

ory of

in view and

of

the

advances

psychology

in

these

other of

lines.

Quite

noteworthy

is his

repudiation

those

traditional

Vlll

INTRODUCTION

burdens

of

dualism,
"

the

"

substratum

"

theory
in

and

the

"

faculty
success

theory.
of Mr.

feel

the

freer

pointing
in

out

the

Sterrett

in

this

direction

asmuch

as

my

own

philosophical
from his. Even

point
those

of

view

is

somewhat

different

who

do

not

agree

with

the

author,

as

of

course

do

not

sometimes, quality
Both

will

nevertheless

recognize

the

high

of

his

work.

in

matter

and

form,
be found

therefore, trustworthy by
of

think

Mr.

Sterrett

's

book

will

by
teachers

the

general
search of

reader,
text-book

and

also

available

in

in

the

elements

psychology.

PRINCETON,

July,

1896.

PREFACE

FROM

of

old,

men

have

been of

much restless
we

given inquiry
all take effort

to

phi
is
to

losophizing.
be accounted

This for

spirit
the

by

interest The

in is

com

prehending
another
from
not
as a

phenomena.
attempt
in the

present

only

same

direction,
some

differing details,
are

others,
in

it

may

be,
The

in

of

its

if

conception.
man

questions
turn
over

treated
in

such
when

young
in

may serious

his

mind,
and

engaged

the

study

of

mental

moral

problems.
The
on

plan slip
or

adopted
of paper

was

to

write in the my

down

my

thoughts
as

any

found about

pockets,
or

was

walking,
borhood, weeks,
or

riding,
then

farm,
for

the

neigh
and

and
even

wait,

often

many
some

days

months,

until,

after of the
to

desultory kind,
some

reading,
I

or

else
in

conversation
a

ordinary
deal
my I

felt

was

better
was

mood

with attention. had

I
as a

leading
After bundle

problem
some

that

engaging
I found

little these
out

time,

large
subse best the
com

of

little and
I I of

slips,
pinned
undertook
soon

the

which

quently
could.

sorted But

together,
to

when

compose
I
was

present
mitted

monograph,
to

found

that away

the

task

throwing
ix

the

greater

PREFACE

number
and

of

my

slips;
me

discovery
of the

that

surprised,
I

discouraged, Such,
in

exceedingly.
a

brief,is
when

history
to

troubles
my

en

countered and

composing
of

these

pages;

first, by
else hesi

certainlyfinal, attempt
the

address

the

general
were

public. Many
110 means

conclusions

reached many
or

anticipated. Indeed,
had
to

of my

former
or

views

be

reformed, in part
I
wrote.

whole,
And the

abandoned
tation whom received

entirely,as
which
some

with
I

friendly psychologists,to manuscript

for
an

handed
some

the of my

opinion,
me

speculations,admonishes
But control

that
and

they
their cold

will

be

seriously challenged.
our

facts

significance must
gaze

theories. reveal the

The truth.
In

of

hostile

criticism

will

the

treatment

of

sensations,perceptions,and
I have with
to to

conceptions,much expository, and

I Still, have
not

of what in

say

is

mainly

keeping

received any
for

teachings. authority,
with
I

felt bound

follow
room

however

eminent, reserving
without
statement

independent
which attentive

judgment,
any
could

encumbering
of

the

argument
views
The

formal
not

diverging

stop

to

refute, in detail.
if I mistake
an

reader
ment

will is not

remark,
without
now

not, that the argu

its
own.

individuality of
is said
of
on

Ref

erring

to

what
Power

the

subjects of
Emotions

Environment,
and

The

Thought,

Desires, Alternative
to

Choice, The
I
am

Will, etc.,
of
manner

etc., I have

say

that

not

aware

any

one

prosecuting
which
I have

these

studies
them.

after

the

in

treated

PREFACE

XI

And

here,
the
to

would

be I

allowed

the for

explaining the
views
not to

plan

adopted
It will

privilegeof conveying my
that and
can

reader.

be observed

I do
ex

explain everything, at once haustively,but gradually,as the reader

offer the

follow

explication. For
some

instance, when

am

consider

ing
of
not

our

problem of psychology, say the power thoughts, emotions, and desires,etc., I am

old be understood
I
a as

to

bound of

to

say,
or

then the
as

and

there, all

have
matter

to

say of

conation,
power,

will,
be

though, as
seen

fact, that

will

in

the

sequel,is really as
in

much,
in any Each the

if not

more,
con

pronounced
sidered hand cussion
more as an

these

latter

as

thought
stage
of
to

intellectual energy.

subject

in

is

explained, as
will allow of

fully
a

as

dis the

careful
;
an

approach
immediate tasks
I
am

difficult

cation for
a a

points involved preparing us for the

page.
For
to

expli
reserved

heavier

future

instance, when put in all the

writing
time and

sentence, I aim
to

qualifications
that

needed

convey

my up

meaning,
with

at

place.
of which

I then

follow

other

sentences, each

its predecessors. And similarly, qualifies to paragraphs, sections, chapters, and as parts, as in orderly other relieve each and they succeed sequence, each
so

and

all of
out

which
my

are

intended
more

to

qualify,and quately.
I A.

bring

meaning

ade

acknowledge

my

obligationsto
and Mark

Eev. Lee

Dr.

James

Quarles, of Washington
Prof.
J.

University,
of Princeton

Virginia,

Baldwin,

University, Prof.

J, McKeen

Cattell,of Columbia

xii

PREFACE

College,
Amherst
est

New

York,

and

Prof.

J.

E. for
to

S. the

Sterrett,
kind under inter

of

College,
encouragement
of the
grave

Massachusetts,
extended

and

me,

cir

cumstances

anxiety
of
to

and

depression. friends,
this
In

For,
book

without had

assistance its it held is

these

never

seen

way
to

publication.
understood for that

saying they
I
are

this,
not

however,
to

be

be

responsible

anything

have

written.

JOHN

DOUGLAS

STERRETT.

BELL'S

VALLEY,

VIRGINIA, 1,
1896.

May

CONTENTS

PART

ENTERING

UPON

THE

PROBLEM

CHAPTER

PAGE

I.

PRELIMINARY

STATEMENTS
...

II.

THE

INFANT

III.

THE

ADULT

17

IV.

MIND

AND

BRAIN

21

V.

ENVIRONMENT

36

VI.

THOUGHT

FREE

SINGLE
....

47

PART

II

THE

ACQUISITION

OF

KNOWLEDGE

VII.

THE

CRADLE

OF

THOUGHT
...

61

VIII.

PERCEPTIVE

PRESENTATIONS
...

74

IX.

SUPPLEMENTARY

STATEMENTS
...

79

X.

CONCEPTIVE

PRESENTATIONS
. .

.85

XI.

MORAL

CONCEPTIONS

112

XII.

RESTATEMENTS

127

xiv

CONTENTS

PART

III

THE
CHAPTER

POWER

OF

INFORMATIONS
PAGE

XIII.
XIV.

INTRODUCTORY
PREPARATORY

REMARKS
. . .

133

INFORMATIONS
. .

140

XV.

ACTILE

OR

ULTIMATING

INFORMATIONS

149

XVI.

POWERS

IN

AID

OF

FREE

DETERMINA
156

TIONS

XVII.

THOUGHT

AND

EXTERIOR

POWERS

CON
184

TRASTED

......

PART

IV

PERSONAL

AND INFORM

VOLUNTARY
A

POWER TIONS

OF

XVIII.

DESIRES

AND

EMOTIONS
....

195

XIX.

CHOICE
ALTERNATIVE

AND

MORAL

SANCTIONS
. .

209

XX.

CHOICE
....

231

XXI.

OURSELF

OR

SOUL

268

XXII.

REVIEW

OF

THE

ARGUMENT
. . .

277

XXIII.

SELF-ACTING

WILL
. . .

.292

XXIV.

THE

WILL

301

CHAPTER

PRELIMINARY

STATEMENTS

To
to
can

be

free his

agent,
freedom. in I of

man

must

have
no

the but

ability
himself

achieve be And

Then his shall his

one

implicated
therefore the for facts
If

guilt
aim freedom
are

or

innocence.
what

in

follows
urge

to

present
dence

and
to

the in

evi his

it.

these

not

be

found
for

soul, then,
has
no

beyond

doubt,
and Man

the
we

thesis
are

freedom of
an

credible

support,

the

slaves his

unbending
as a

necessity.
fact Still when which
act

goes

upon

freedom,
never

valid

consciously
there is is
a

affirmed wide
to
or

and

disallowed.

divergence interpret

of

opinions phenomena
with every

attempt
either free

made antecede

the

synchronize

of

determination.

II

Who,
become The
as we

then, such,
answer

is and
to

moral

agent?

How

does

he

why
these For rational

responsible? questions
the may
I

be take

gathered
a

proceed.
to

present,
person

moral
the

agent

be

placed
some

within

play
can

of

inducements,
the
one or

some

good, other,

bad,

and

who how-

prefer

the

on

condition,

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

ever,

of

animal But this

for his personal responsibility less gifted and lower has a is

a

choice. free

An

agency.

question
man

of

comparative
as

intellectual
all

vision.

Certainly

is free

to

that

his

distinctive

intelligence can
man,

achieve.
as

It remains unit
of all his and
on

true, nevertheless, that

powers,

the

animal, intellectual,
when
he

and

moral, is free
what he does

responsible only conceptions

The
power
a

founds

of

right and
to

wrong.
or

do

right

wrong,

at

our

option,

but with that the

I
"

knowledge
moral

of the

inevitable

consequence constitutes

follows soul
a

choice, is,therefore,what
factor. the
For

the

present, however,

can

only

indicate
some more

cardinal

points, in passing

until,after
be studied

further

may

the subject outlining, deliberately.

Ill

Here

the

question
a

obtrudes

itself
I

again, premise
what

How that he the

does there does

forum

man are

become many he

moral

agent?
connected
at

things
is not For

with

for which

all

responsible,in
is of He
act

of conscience.

instance,what
to

purely
his,
comes

native
not

and, therefore, prior

to account

any way.
no

is

for him
a

for in any

from

germ, the

and,
functions

at

birth, is in
of
a

condition moral

to

exercise
ure,

rational have may

and

creat

and, for long, he

powers.
or

cannot

command say that

of

his has

distinctive
them For

But

we

he

in germ, the
birth

else in various
adult

stages of growth.
is held
in

of
our

morality

long

abeyance, until

rational

conquests have

wrought

PRELIMINARY

STATEMENTS

out
us

its deliverance is to determine

fully.
how and

And when

the real
man

point before begins to act

be

for himself. Here We have

are a some

facts

which

cannot

ignored:

vital, rational, and

a

giving us,
In

after

time, our

proper

capacity, personal powers.

moral

early infancy, these do not act with the ac for riper years. reserved quired efficiency with the But they take root then, and grow growth of life and thought, undergoing a discursive training which will inform us what to do, and hoiv,
on

experience
But
now

and

judgment.
we man can

when powers,

securely lay
apart
those
He
to

hands
enter

on

our a

ripened
new

is set

upon

order of

of acts ; moral

namely,

which has

express labored governs up

the
to

force the self

convictions.
a

position of by
the

moral of
a

creature, and
his moral

him He

power upon

conceptions.
; his moral
on

has entered is known covery power of

moral and

career

freedom his dis

a

in

thought
he

act, because,
has of in

moral

conceptions, he
can

discovered

which

make and

use

shaping

the

affairs of conscience

conduct.

IV

Mani him? disposition actuates acquires a moral festly his own, if,indeed, man And distinctions. in acquiring moral yet power is called our what dispositions is vexed with an of most difficulties, overplus of the knottiest order in an of which, however, have their source birth, and therefore things coming in before our But whose

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

out

of

sympathy

with

the

personal
The

power truth

acquired
is,
as

in

amassing
that he and
in

knowledge.
when has
one

before it and is

stated,
because

essays
a

moral law the

conduct,
for awful

discovered

right

wrong,

so

himself

evokes

stringency

found

morals.
I

But,
our

as

said,
and much

our

native of

dispositions
environment
"

"

even

nature

our

come

in

before

we

are

born,
even

giving
in

each

of

us

peculiar
what done in
own?

individuality,
all

when
to

germ.

Still,
is

is

this

but

the is

prelude

what command

responsibly
his conduct his

when

one

competent
with

to

accordance The Creator

conceptions
all this

distinctly
needed have
act

provides furnishing,

outfitting
us

and

antecedent with

simply

to

equipped
ourselves.

discursive

competency

to

for

CHAPTER

II

THE

INFANT

THE

first be mind

step in the
an

argument
and

for

moral

freedom of the
to

should child's its

native

earnest

careful
I
am

study

and endowments

native
or

forces.

referring
more

dispositions
governed
for which

partic disposi
come

ularly.

We

are

certainly acting

by

our

tions, and,
to act.

when
as

ourselves,
enter

must
our

know

them

factors for

into

every
us

However,
to

present

purposes,
of

let

take

them

be

that

combination and

psychical
which
for

capaci
the
acts

ties, rational, animal,

way which So the
to

moral,

opens
our

that
comes

accepted
of
to
our

responsibility

conscious done with

achievements. this

much, present.

have

ambiguity,

for

II

It

may

possibly
of of
a

aid the

our

study
succeeds Minute may is suffice

to in

offer

some

explanation
the
some

how moral

child

acquiring
apart,
pres
own

powers few

agent.
facts child

details for
our

controlling
The

ent

purposes.
"

just
etc.,

born. with

Its the

life comitant

sensations,
emotions

cognitions,
"

con

comes

to
7

its

apprehension

on

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

first acquaintance, and

not
out to

as

first knowledge
a

it knows with

how the

or

whence.
of

It is
even a

surprise party,
of
to

support
its

minimum
or

experience
it of
a

steady

unfolding
its

powers,

assure

foothold itself
ness
no

beyond
the of

incipient struggles.
up

It finds

suddenly caught
ends of

into

vivid
as

conscious

from balance

the

earth, and,
for

yet, with
the
un

judgment
of it makes that

confronting
into its

wonted

powers

flesh, spirit, and

its way about

nature.

It
over

wails

helplessly as

the
ears

shadowing mystery rings through

of
comes

bangs

and

its soul.

However, thought
anxious the

is eager-

eyed, combative, curious, and interrogation and

for the work

active

discovery,and gradually reassured, if not and sapient.

Ill

child

be

aggressively

have

adverted facts

to

few in

of

the infant

more

obvious soul. these factors mention

not
even

foundation

found
to

the

And
are

here,
mind

it is

important
morals. At

remember the
I

that

vitally
its

articulated

with And

supreme made

of of

and

have

struggles.
conscious without

first it knows
nor

nothing, realizing

nor itself, no

thought,

consciousness,

for

it has

antecedents,

conscious But
in

thought
an

previous acquaintance. child, then

of
so

instant,this,our
to

inexperienced,

the hidden consciousness, of flesh and spiritpulsing through its soul powers in a strange jargon. But all these beginnings of life,and thought, and action, in one so artless and touch

awakens

the

10

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

for all

by

the

mother.

And
at

as

she

is

providing fostering

for
the

these, she
of
a

is,

the

same

time,

growth
Here

its

kindling

intelligence.
takes

great change

place.
it afield

She
the

informs

its blind informations

tion.
soon

strivings, leading
addressed
to

by

light

of

its
a

opening
mere

appercep it will
to

For

though
some

it be

but

babe,
is

give
notice.

first
The

thought
is

to

what

brought
as

its

mother
in

fond,

and,

said,
kisses
trust

informs its little

her

child

many

tender

ways. into

She

hurts,

and

it subsides

blissful,
And the

ful, healthful, peaceful

of

slumber.
no

work The

love is

and hers

duty

knows

intermission. and

child heart

by right,
with

divine

human,

and in

her its

softens

blissful

tenderness

presence.

Meanwhile,

it

is with

regarding
acutest,

all

these

tactful,
interest.

loving
And

attentions
and

shrewdest
a

by
a

by

it is

no

longer

thing by

of

ignorance, impulses.
led forth

like

mere

animal
as soon

controlled
as

animal
are

For,
in

indeed,
of

these and

latter

paths
the
ever

human voice
of

thought
their
no

achievement,
and follow

they
him.
not

know
And
to

leader

afterward,

exclusively animal,
can

say

brutish, impulse through

sanction
of
a some

determine
of

conduct, coming
never

except
in
to

discovery reject
it
"

thought
condition,
fixed

or

on

theless,
actor.

personal responsibility

upon

the

THE

INFANT

11

But of the

let

us

define mind

more

articulatelythe
touched with

attitude all these

infant

when

maternal We curious
is

ministrations. have
seen

that from

it is

alert, attentive,
All the

and

almost

the

outset.

intelligence
child in the it sees, with
a

active,discursive, and
first contact of
of

watchful, and
For

is emotioned that world of

accordingly.
its

what

infant
as

thought

things about
is it the

it,is
to

fascinatingas heaving
first pressure

dream
And

perpetual spring
more

its

breast.
to

therefore

eagerly prompted
some

seek of its

knowledge mother, and

tions.

and

so

frame form

opinions
of her

the

and

atten

Effort And

succeeds
so, after

as effort, some

thought

succeeds

thought.
modest

brief
to
on

interval, sundry
some

notions

will

begin
is not and

in crystallize

well-grounded
its native

convictions

which
to

to
too

act.

Still,

animalism

be

hastily sup

planted by humanity.
The
are so

the conscience

crude often

conceptionof its later However, we shall not wait long. at first so untaught, native appetencies,
directed the
to

fitted objects specially has

so

to

appease sensations duces valid

them,
of

child

often

traced what
can so

its pro
a

touch, taste, sight, etc., to

that
a

them,

time the

comes

when

it

form

judgment

upon

problem
their
more

of these

urgent
there

physical promptings and of its now upon, by reason

it
assumes

offices;and
of and

urgent humanity,

for

itself

the

task

praising,not

alone

sensations

personally ap their gratifica-

12

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

tion, but
or

each

kind its

of

appetency, whether
or

native

cultivated,by judgment
its cultivated
a

conformity
is best
or

non-conformity
view

to its

of what
wants.

preferable in
in order
to
our

of is

For, indeed, all thought

a

discovery, or
wants.

else

clarification which

to

discovery, of something
cated
must
to

appeals
so,

edu

And
see

if

this

be

then

the

child
tends

eventually
compass the

that

its every needs

thought
and

intelligent
now

broader

aspirations of

its

instructed

humanity.

VI

As of In of the

previously intimated,
child
are are

the

first intellections

not
seen

slow
in

to

present themselves.
faintest initial
as

fact,they
the dawn

the

glows
yet, it
from

of

consciousness, while,
them
as

cannot

discern elements

maturely

distinct associated.

other

with

which
as for,

they
the
But

are

Details in this and here make

will be cared future

argument
the

proceeds,
I would

chapters.
the child of

point
native

is, that
a

relieve does, finally,

to

itself from sions

condition
as

bondage
at the

impul
be

which,

purely
or

vital and

animal,
that feeble

cannot

mentally
be
from the
as

defined
the

known

as first, they

will free

through For,

light of
of takes
more

discoveries

set

us

slavery
and

ignorance, or
up

thinking.
the

thought
more

its resources, the sway

never,

child

becomes

under and

of

reason,
com

though
pany

it may what

never,

should

part
at

with

is it

distinctlyanimal
humanities.

and
or

lest vital, least

peradventure

part company

with,

mutilate, its characteristic

THE

INFANT

13

VII

I it
or an

am

now

regarding the
rational
For

child

as

at

an

age

when

can

project a

impulse, called
without its

emotion power is

desire.

thought
feeble

empty,
there
a

impossible, and
is
none so

irrational
that

acquisition.
not

But

it does of
a

have

at least

minimum

of the

power
or

moral
or a

agent.
concep rational this is

Now,

it is this

thought,
desire

knowledge,
child with

tion,

which

furnishes
as

the
or

impulse known
an

emotion.

But

anticipation.
Moreover,
the child is
no

longer grip
what for

now

compelled
of any
na sanc

to

act without

thought,

at the

dictation of

tive,or animal, impulse.

tions and
on a

The And

thought
it does

finalizes its acts. of what is best

is done

view

itself, judiciously,
still dis of
a

but imperfections, and, it may be, with many with final,hearty approval. For it has now

covered dominant tioned

within

its soul

the

might
cannot

and allow

mystery

humanity
sway

which

the unques

propensities. for itself, It conceives a good and a bad convictions fairly and honestly labored up
"

of animal

rational
to. It

reasons,

and it is

acts
a

with

its

reasons.

And

ever

after its
own

wards

rational power,
it shall do

governed by
itself.

opinion of

what

with

VIII

In due of
come

time, this infant

power. of

soul makes

still another
to

Surely,
the

but

acquaintance slowly, there

its
own

it

tidings

quality of

and

14

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

others'
wrong, very

actions, the
of

good
and

and

bad, the
actors.

right
In

and that
has and

thoughts,
moral its

deeds, and
is born. of moral

moment,

power

The

child

conceived

first ideas
now a

rectitude

depravity.
to

It is
an

regenerated soul with

acts

power

conceive

order

of

founded the
or

on

these
resume

later
an

informations, but
order

without

power
even

to

exclusively animal,
It has

simply
stage
power, of

intelli

gent.

reached is
now

the
a

last

spiritual
versed in

pilgrimage,
the law
of

and

moral

right and

wrong.

IX

offer

here

final

statement

of

conclusions

reached 1. nished
in
no

in this

chapter.
child

At

birth, the

has

body
to

and

spiritfur
act, being
endows

of God.
sense

These
nor

antecede

its every it.

its acts,
is
an

voluntary
of

2.

There

ordinance

God
or

which native

it with
cies. without

involuntary impulsions,
These

appeten
that
on

challenge recognition, and

until and

too

dispute,
powers,

it
so

can

lay

hold its

its

responsible
to

make

good
and

ability

attemper the
true

former

by opinion
true

judgment.
are

And
not

yet, withal, though

cannot

impulses, they
as

desires, because, acting

be

blind

instiga they

tions, they
3. Eor

voluntary.
as

all such
to
an

original factors,going,
for
a

do, only

original equipment
be lifted out

competent

thinker, can

never

of their constitutive

limitations, and

put

to

playing
of

the

part of
and

neces

sitywithin

the

precincts

discursion

choice.

THE

INFANT

15

This

would

be to transmute

the limitation of

by

God's

laws, and thus confound

powers
4. It
to
"

the action

heterogeneous

which
so

is absurd.

happens that, justas

act in

the native

impulses
subse

begin

the

child,

its

thought,

and

rise into being, as quently its moral appreciations, Now I incipientforces confronting the former. the child not mooting the question whether am has even impulse which emerges a single native ever unchallenged by some qualifying mental supervi sion. off the
But

if so, the
"

mind
for

itself must

have

been

duty somewhere
child
as,
once

competency, indeed, it is
several whenever
way
a

and
a

repairs. I am regarding rational for all,equipped with beginning to act for itself. For,
unto
a

power of
however

fortified with itself,

the

resources

far-seeing intelligenceand,
acting, it is free
to

and

find its

by adhering to its way of thinking. As genetic cause, belonging to the being and even
of life of the

anatomy
once

child, necessity discharges its office

sweep

for

all, but the

off

of

its presence
comer

is defi fenced

nitely cut

approach of a new of mind, never in with the resources for itself without thinking for itself.
by
the 5.

at

all

acting
still fit it still

Child,
for

or,

for

that
"

matter,
still

man,

has
to

involuntary
for
come

potencies,
itself. its The

everything

acting

blind

impulses may
of the

in before
a

voluntary determinations, giving

of
some

thus
economy

notification

want sees,

animal

which, the
of and its
own

child

requires
of

attention

in

view

wants

personal economy responsibilities.

rational

16

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

6.

The

child

has

antecedents

innumerable. about it it.

The

It

is

finite.

Nothing agencies
that
So

absolute made of its

repro
not

ductive its

germ

were

of

procuring.

nature,
etc.

native

endow the

ments, general
its God

involuntary
tendency
and
of

impulses, everything
of course,

So,
it

too,
to

of

around

uphold
law
of

being
which

powers,

within

the

provides idiosyncrasies,

for

its

activities. All in aid these

of

So

also,
are

of

heredity,
nished of
a

etc.

fur

creative
and

original, stamp
of
an

the

needed

competency

individual
But when

intelligence,

personal
once

and

responsible. discharged
to,
are

they
of

have,
in,
new

for

all,

their
the

office
and

ushering
of

and

contributing they
of

being
from

life

the

power,

debarred is the

doing

anything,
of

the
that

doing
new

which

special

prerogative

power.

18

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

acts.

badly, by making to be our a bad choice, yet if we are own keeper, and not a crippled,irresponsible force,we must be free to choose, and do, our own acts, and so affirm for both choice a conscious, personal responsibility
we

And

though,

may

do

and

acts.

II

For,
take
a

if

one

found

conduct

on

reasons,

he

cannot

neutral

position.
even

Unbridled

desires, desires
these
tone

misplaced, unwise,
others, all have temper
maintain
of the
now

beastly, etc.,
subdued
to

and

to

be

the

and will

responsible self,
the clearest

which

the

right of choice, whether

it fits in with

downright depravity or duty.

Take, for example, Now,
none

preceptions
to be immoral.
we

of

desire do?
We

known say, will

what
of

shall The

we

will
to

have take
re

it.

desire, then, Why? Simply

it that choose have
may

have

the

back

seat.

because way.
to

the

sponsible
But

soul

will
we

again,
with
I
can or

indulge
What
The
or

an we

impurity
now?

intense
to
a

preference.
for
answer.

say

appeal
frame

facts

same

self

judgment
the

of
"

good
and
own

bad,
it.

and

choose,
too, the

side

with,
it!

bad,
has

do way.

Here,
other
own

responsible soul
I
mean we

its

Yes,

We

might
one

have
must

acted have

wise, but
way,

did
act

not, and
is to

his

if the

be

his
case

and

he

is to be held this.
so

responsible for
conceives his

it. moral

The

is

simply
and

Man

informations,

affirms

THE

ADULT

19

their force.
between

obligatory character,
As

and
act

becomes without

moral

such,
and him

he

cannot

choosing
himself

good

bad, and choice fixes the responsi

He has made them.

bility upon

for his acts.

for responsible personally

Ill

It seems, also
or

then,

that

man

is free

to

think,

and

free

to
on

side with condition

He acts

his of with

thoughts,

be

they good

bad, but
choice.

for

personal responsibility the efficiencyof his

refuse thus
to act.

decisive He
cannot

thought,
abide withhold
He

and

cannot

in

purely
dust
not

animal powers
to

impulses, for
in their

he

cannot
ence.

his rational
a

pres

is not of
He

hole,

be
as

filled in with
a

the

rubbish

things
is
a

his own,
011

creature.
or

power

earth

for

responsible good or bad,

to do

preferablyfor
He

both.
a

conceives
reasons

moral

work,

and

is moved

it,for
at

of choice ; and than

a mere

he has, though finite, semblance that of creative the

be

least, more
bent of his

power, and

executing
citadel of

many

works
He and

attest
to

force
up

thoughts.
mental

is not moral

pent

subjectivity. discursive and For he is both aggressive,and so is subjectively what only a thought goes out and off to its work, and labors up to a new something, conception, quite beyond the thought as a mere
in the and

gives
choice.

himself he
has

veritable

creation,
has done
in

known
reasons

as

something
of

done, and
therefore and
are

for

And

we,

this

regard,
at

God's

modifying

innovating agents

work

20

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

upon series
at

things
of

finite, effecting,
and

as

we

do,

an

unwonted

changes

consecutions

among of

them,

"

the

command,

and

by

the

power,

thought.

IV

Reverting, discerning judgment

its deeds standard

now,

to

an

imperial right
and

access

of

power and

the
of

ideas

of

wrong which

the

personal
we

responsibility
man

follows
the

exercise,
of

see

rating
his

and

ranking by
the

himself which he

and

familiars,

moral

has

discovered,
of

even

balancing
and for wrong, choice

his
as, of

conduct in

by

conceptions
alone

right

truth,

himself

responsible

either. But

then,
moral

he

is

now

moral he

personage has

begotten
out,
and

of
to

the

conceptions
must
more

wrought
as

which

he

hereafter and
as we

defer, just
to

aforetime
and
to

he

deferred,

more,

lighter
back But
now

lower the that less he be

considerations, thoughtful
is in

follow childhood.

him

days
power
not
even

of

the

of

thought,
would.
of

its

grip

is

not

to

relaxed,
So much

if he the

in

way
will

general

considerations. unfolded confronted

My
in

detailed

theory
pages,

be

systematically
when

subsequent opposing

especially

by

theories.

CHAPTER

IV

MIND

AND

BRAIN

IN

this

chapter,
which goes
if

1
to

propose the

to

take

in

hand mind's

an

objection
freedom,
refer
to to

possibility of
closes would
in

the

and,
the

valid,
which

all
trace

discussion. all
our

I
acts

theory

the

"molecular
a

changes
as

the

brain." and

This

is

rather

question
inasmuch
whilst

to
as

the

origin

functions
the of
to

of

sensations,
of

it would
stress

ignore
upon
is

power
sensa

mind,

laying
the
to

that
meant

tion.

Indeed,
denial

argument mind,
of
as
an

be

sweeping
tive,

efficient,
I of
are

construc

discursive

cause

anything.
origin they
for

remark,

therefore,
And here and

first, upon
I

the that

sensations.
a

may

remark

mode

of

body by

brain,

determined,
to

the

most

part,
mind.

something
the

exterior

the

perceiving
determines

Whereas

latter,

for

its

part,
etc.

ideas,

informations,
Here
one we see

voluntary
two

acts,

activities
one

in

severe

contrast,
each

of

mind and

and

of
at

brain,
the

confronting
of
to

other,
The mind Now

interacting,
is
an

moment

contact. and

sensation
is not I

exterior

visitor

mind,

slow

to

give
that

it fit welcome.
we

had

thought

had

here

two

activi-

21

22

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

ties

interacting in
and the other

severe a

contrast,
mode of
as

one

mode

of

mind,

body
each

It

seemed,
from its

therefore, bluntly plain that

own

acted

centre, so
now

each
I

had

power

But every

that
of

find has

scientists
a

its own. distinctly affirming that as antecedent

a

act

mind
act

material
reason,

in the

brain, such
I must

is,for
to
a

that

material

result,
Boisthat

confess
meet

mild the

surprise. following
from

We

with "We

Du

Beymond:
consciousness
The

are

accumulating
to

the

proof
of

is bound of
a

material
even

antecedents.
a

condition
at

whole

world,
the
in

human

brain,
RESULT

each the

instant,is
condition
mechanical

absolute the

mechanical

of the

previous instant,
of the condition

and

absolute

CAUSE

in the

following
we

instant." both and

cause

Here,
be

have

and

result
bound

affirmed
to

to

mechanical,
factors. condition

consciousness For
at

both that

material
a

it is each

explicitly stated
instant is
a

of brain that of

mechanical mechan and that

con

and result,

this result its

is the

absolute

ical

cause

subsequent condition,
to

consciousness ditions.
I
am a

is bound

these

mechanical

novice
I must

in

all this confess what

a

grand,
some

rhetorical

dis

putation,but
of
at

to

little knowledge
And I
am
a

consciousness, and
a

it affirms.
excuse

loss

to

divine

plausible
of the

for

such

palpable perversion
Its

facts when the

of

absurdity
the material

will

be

apparent
that
as

psychology. we begin to
of
of the

realize the

controlling fact universe, as

mechanism

well

that

brain,

MIND

AND

BRAIN

23

"

is bound

to

"

law
so a

of

God

which for the for

an

prescribes and
action of both that
cause,

circumscribes, and
mind brain
as

allows condition
to
to
"

and is
as

brain,
much
"

both,

such

bound

immaterial of

the

latter is bound because

one

the

mechanics

brain. is

Now,
no

set

of

actions

is mechanical also be mechani forces in check

reason

why

another
a

set should

cal.
no a

Because

kite sails

by

mechanical

is

why it should not be held voluntary effort on the part of the

reason

by

kite-holder. its

Each

should

have

the

benefit

of

diversely

attempered powers. I do not objectto brain having all its thronging, mechanical transformations, and, for that matter,
many could
some more.

Let
at

us

have
a

them
unto

all.

For

mind

never,

all,be

power
a

itself without
of

way and

of

coming

to

knowledge
certain
a

exterior On the

powers, other
never

acting upon
it is
at

that
as

knowledge.
that brain
one

hand, have,
or

just

could of its

any

"instant,"

single

vital

and mechanical, causes physical,otherwise other off duty, or, in some were results, if mind out of place. way, stand or fall together. No The two must mind,
no

No sensatione! physical sensations, plrysical no mind, because no object for its discursive activi of this in succeeding paragraphs ! ties ! But more Before explain that, proceeding further, I may
if the

author and brain

are

could
are

be

understood in
one

to

mean

that whose
concur

mind

united

organism
and

phenomena
rent,
I should

conjunct, dependent,
not controvert

that

view,

allowance

24

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

being
For and
the

made

for the

plain
the

limitations

to

the

action

of both. I admit up

that

two
one
or

are

mated

at

birth,
as

grow

together,

maturing
intimation
causes

mental,
that

other
I

matures

nervous, the

physical, potencies.
this
and

But union The

protest against
secures

only
is that

material both mind

results.
are

truth

and

brain

finite, by

and, therefore, restricted

its conditions
and

and

controlled,each of, the

is mode

role of

action; each existing,and

because

acting
laws

its

part, by, and

each
to

enabling
of

which, whilst
confine activities. inviolable
to say

prescribing what
its

peculiar to being
to

each,
and
most

prescribed
of each

The

function

is held
so

the is

and restrictions, that

if

held, it
the sweep

needless

neither

can

transcend

of its powers.

Bois-Eeymond for a season, let reinforce him us by another great scientist. Says believe that Tyndall: "We thought, and every feeling,has its definite mechanical equiva every lent; that it is accompanied by a certain breaking of the brain," etc. up and remodelling of the atoms This is much like Du Bois-lieymond's argument.
Both
seem

But

retiringDu

to

argue

from

the

mechanics

of brain

to

mechanics Still
one

of mind. should be thankful

to

that

ingly permits thought linger,

the

accompany,

Tyndall seem and perhaps

somewhat

all-embracing

mechanics

vaguely, being "accompanied by a certain break of the brain," ing up, and remodelling of the atoms for though, it may be, only as a spectator. And

26

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

becomes

of all this twaddle

causes

of

scientists and results

about of

the

absolutelymechanical
upon mind?

brain

II

Suppose, now, that we wish to have a discursive with communion but free activity hold things dis material and physical, and set up a power the power of knowledge, in tinctly its own, even view that and their midst, and with put mind organism, and thus succeed body together in one in securing our object! more Here, we are in need of some explanations, philosophical than psychological. that mind be mind, unless cannot It is evident it gets knowledges, and it cannot get these except its reach. the object of knowledge be placed within
Hence and the brain need which for that intimate into
can

union

of

mind
con

brings
the

them

immediate take

tact, and

by

which the

former

instant
some

cognition of
act

latter,and
its

in this way,

have

proximate object within discursively. Now,

mind,
in

reach, on by
has this

which very

it

can

it is

device, possible
which

that

respect of the
the
under

physical

sensations

presented

in

sensorium,
the

its sole laws

and

opportunity,
know and
do A

fundamental
reason,

prevailherein, to perceive,or
many

ultimately
an

things.

Think
a

of mode

act

of

cognition!
swims
an

sensation, being
mind's presence,

of

brain,
latter

into

the

giving

the
an

opportunity instantly to lay hold of an lodged in the sensorium objectwhich

"

object
it would

MIND

AND

BRAIN

27

by
come

no

means

know,
the lies the

if mind

and

brain of

could each

not

into herein

immediate

presence

other. the

And

ultimate
of

for justification
two

intimate the

compacting
it
a

the

factors

concerned,
with
outer not

direct contact

of the firmer

perceivingmind
grasp upon its inner

objectsgiving
own,
even

powers and

its

those

of

matter, and
wish

outer

correlations. And here I could

to

give
and

my

views

more

clearly.
I maintain

that, when
an

matter at
once

together
tions

in

organism,
will
on a

bound are spirit vital,animal, and series of interac

a

thoughtful, there
so

emerge

dependent
will disclose

that

union,

that

given
the it may.
com

change

voluntary result, let

be what the

cooperating mechanics And, therefore, I pacting

allows of
two

of the brain insist

that, if
as

social and between

such

factors

mind

brain,
the

of
I
am

certain unable should

limited
to

interactions

two,
of
up

divine
in

why
either

such
one

compacting swallowing
other. Is

the two the

result

peculiarcausal
for it cannot

of efficiency causation its

mean

the
so own

the upon Does

centre

discursive

infringed

that

contribute
two

efficiency?
the
conser

organization of
of one,
any of
can

powers

vation Can tion how brain any

and

the

annihilation be of

of the

other?

good
hold

reason

assigned
and antecedent

for this mutila brain? If

the
we

dualism that "the of

mind

not,
of of

the

condition cause" What

furnishes condition of mind

absolute in

mechanical
any

mind,
and its

instant? powers

becomes

cognitive

working

28

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

along with,
that
can

and

upon,
to

every
be
a

mechanical
in

antecedent
in

pretend
the

cause

contact, and
mated

contrast, with
I
was a

former? that the two which

were

assuming
of their with

together
inter
we

for

conjoint work
startled

required
efficiencies.

the active But

vention
are

diverse
the

here,

scientific discovery (?) that

so

brain

engineers
The
can

its work the

successfully, that

it

utterly displaces
worker! Brain be

of its coefficiency thing is abundantly unthinkable. material bound to though cause,

"

causal

"

mind,
because And
one

but
"

mind
bound

cannot to
"

be
!

an

immaterial

cause,

brain

yet, this is what

take it

science

teaches. advanced

However,
thinkers should
mind

could

better,if
to

these

would
not

only

condescend credit of

explain why
as

have

the

its powers affirm

distinctlyand
of brain.

cheerfully affirmed,as they

Ill

those

few

plain
without

statements

will

vindicate mind
or

truer

science
Mind

belittling either ideating centre,

deliver
and
one

brain. else
Its

is the may
are

whatever

brain data

do, it cannot
mtra-cerebral it delivers

singleidea.
sensa

excitations, called these, and

a

tions, and

these

only.
of

Per

contra, mind, for its part, begins

on

work
the
to

thought
of

these

physical
It acts

deliverances

of

co-working
power

brain.

promptly,

in order

the

knowledge.
It

perceives these

physical

or

cranial remark

excitations
upon their

and, therefore, undertakes

to

MIND

AND

BRAIN

29

what they outlying affiliations, they do, why they impinge conscious are, and what wherefore of their mission, and the hence ness, and peculiarities what their

significanttraits

or

and qualities,

so

important informations, and frames acquiressome some opinions, of these exterior potencies, and with its conscious all this knowledge connects
or intelligent,

vital wants. for

of has

Apparently, Tyndall allows somewhat not too of mind, though I am sure power to With thought him, as it appears me,
semblance brain. be cast
But out

this this.
some

of

power

to

remodel
can

the

atoms

of
as

the well
con

if that

is all it For

do, it might

entirely.
and

it is

preeminentlya
with up
in every
a

constructive, causative scious, aggressive,

potency,
dis rational conscious

discovering
covery and
of

utilizing power
and of
or

knowledge, government
material
I may

building
its
own,

moral

contrast As

with

physical causes.
not

intimated,

do

exact But

justice to
the
to

Tyndall.
admission
the
atoms

Perhaps,
that of the

perhaps! thought has some

brain the would be

candid remodel

power
a

very

damaging

argument mond,
freedom
who

against
of the

position of Du Bois-Keyand compromises both the spirituality

mind.
IV

But
In
a

to

continue

our

analysis.
may, for

spiritof conciliation,we
to

the

nonce,

defer
that

the

contention

of

scientists,by supposing
not

the

and spirituality

immateriality, if

free-

30

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

dom,
tion

of the

mind

may

be

imperilled by
is the

its

connec

with
to
we

the

brain. the

If that

agree Here

have

connection the
animus

let us difficulty, absolutely severed.

of all this scientific

light upon
about
the would

splutter
Our

material have
a
our

antecedents freedom

of

mind.

Creator

but
and
a

finite,
unnum

connecting
bered made
other

it with

physical body,
of

conditions, and
the
power

straightway

cry

is

about
etc.

sensations, nerves,
in

brain,

atoms,

Now,
scientific

is there

any

warrant

reason

for

this finite

ululation?
or,

Will

scientists

have

thought,
out

for that

matter,
Is

with anything finite, their idea

of freedom

finite limitations?
as

such

to

require
whole and

absolute

and

unconditioned is

powers? bound,
never

The hand

material

creation

finite,
And

foot, by fixed
wail
to

limitations, and
scientist!
our

the it
so

feeblest

from

any
that
a

is

astonishing
to

find

thinking
discursion

faculty, also, has

which limits
even

walk

by

law

of

its action?
so.

It is walk

Our

thinking
have

substance

has

to

by

law

which

confines,and
we

conditions, its
any which rational all
our

activities.

Nevertheless,
of

right
do

to

complain provide
ties? bilities That
a

restrictive
for the

conditions

but

way
us

play by
brain

of

our

activi

Let
are men

rather

be thankful such

that

possi
to

surrounded of from of

safeguards.
resort
as a

science what is

should

such
of

arguments
mechanics
can

does,
of

proof

the

mind,

sign

the

times.

What

be the motive?

If you

could

annihilate

matter,

MIND

AND

BRAIN

31

they They
"The

would would

stumble
see

on

another

batch

of affectations. be
cry
com

to
some

it that way.

thought should They

would

promised

in

out:

condition

of

human

intellect, at
result

each of its

instant, is the
condition
in all

absolute

intellectual

the
our

complaining, previous instant,'7

mental
in

thus,

that

by
not
are

the

state

of

mind

proceduresare determined the previous instant, and

of the

by

the

proper

freedom

present

"

and

so

determined

necessarily.
any
reason

But, in all seriousness, is there

for

staggeringthought at a creative act which for the interdependence and co-action of discursion? We free depend on God
structural
to
or

provides
brain
for

and

every
us

constitutive
so

factor

which

enables

act, and

which,
to

far

from
acts

upsetting the
for which
we

power
are

of

thought
And

determine
His
so

responsible,is
power. this dual tion of
our

method be
we

for
can

establishing that
and
act under

if

think is
a

arrangement, rational, and

should

this

sufficient

vindica

voluntary, procedures.
the and
never

Then,
on,

why
the

not

work

of

thought
of

go

under

conditions
We

stipulationsof
hear
in

the

original ordinance? looking out for some

brain And
as

scientists
that

original crookedness,
an

is bound

to

immaterial much

cause

and

result.

yet, brain

is

as

conditioned
is the

by thought,
in difficulty

thought by

brain.

Where

God's

creating,and
him
to

think, and
enable and

can upholding, a being who which act, discursivelyunder conditions

assert

his

unique
powers

powers,
not

in contrast

correlation

with

other

mental?

32

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

All mechanics
our

this

to

repel
molecules

the of

intimation the is
so

that

the

and
or

brain under

determine duress
to

acts,
that

else, that
it may
be

mind either

brain

quietly ignored,
as

and
an

belittled,or
irrelevant

else, contemptuously dismissed,

quantity.

suppositionof the absolute and could the former brain, how exterior? On the other hand,
On deliver
out
one a

severance

of mind

affirm how
a

anything
brain power union
in

could mental their

sensations

within with
as we

reach it? have

of But

of all connection

organism,
way

such

it in man,
of

provides
both. It
enters

for

the

accepted organic
to

interactions union
of

is

through
its

their

that

mind

upon

appointed

mission

discovering

that

which rational
free

is denied

brain,
"

and satisfactions, And

powers

determinations.

it is

discovering again,
in

voluntary impulsions, the joy and triumph of in discovering all these, consciously its own, and
employment.
absolute
severance so

re-affirmed But the

an

in their
case

continual
of
an

of

two,

knowledge
be

would
receive
as an

depend
active this
of

entirely on
could
to

originalabilityto Query!

it,that the mind party

almost leave
a

scarcely

regarded

its

acquisition. responsible?
for

Would

alto
man

gether receptive

condition truth

mind

Knowing

through
could
never

capacity
be
ours

receptive appropriation, it
the

by

accepted
We

processes

of active

exploration

and

discovery.

could

not, then, be held responsible

34

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

whilst
we

claiming
with of those
even

those

of brain

to

be

mechanical, science,
volun and

should

equal candor,
mind and
to

and

better

concede

be

discursive

tary

"

rational

selective.
a

For

my and

part,

I concede

thorough-going
and
to

coordi

nation and brain of the

the

dependence
organs, in order
to

of mind
in

brain, thought
any power
in

sensor

both any

order of

of

and

power

mind,
of

respect
of be and

perception and
For
as a

elaboration brain
can

phenomena
can never

former.

what

does
never

recognized
known,

presence,
some

be

studied

except by

intelligence.
VII

Coming
of mind

now

to

final view propose

in
man

of the

interaction
if the
an com

and
of If

brain, I
the
so, two

to

inquire
him

bination
aton?

makes

autom

his
true

acts

should decisive and

disclose
way

that

fact.

Now,
is
to

the

one

and

of

testing this
of his what
is dis

ascertain powers and

the and

nature

character

mental tinctive

acts, gathering up
over

setting it subjected
its the way

against the
of brain. this

physical or
seen

mechanical
If

transformations
to

when

test, it is
it reasons,
some

that

thought and
in
never

efficiencies soul
act acts

have
as

nothing material
and
can

them;

if

in any
so

without mated
comes
as

sufficient

reason

for
cause nomena

acting;
so

if when it

with in

brain, and
with

be

mated,
which that and

contact

phe

it rates

physical
not

and

material,
conscious

knowing
powers

they

are

its in

own

then activities,

possessing these

MIND

AND

BRAIN

35

peculiar traits,
knowledge
from the whilst
matter

and

in

affirming
not

this it

conscious

of
as

phenomena
a

its own, energy,

swings

off

wholly
of
an

distinct immaterial

certifying
And
and

attributes this it of

essence.

view

conserves

both the fact

sensation of the from

thought,
munion
centres.

proclaims
diverse

also

intercom diverse

powers

departing
mind and each
to

Finally, I
together
for
a

insist

that

brain

were

put
its

conjoint work,
the

contributing

appointed portion, according Still, all depends

The law for
011

its several of the the

to

ability.
union.

character work is with

its destined
even as

original is,with
ordi

ordinance,
some

what

is

impossible
found
act

it
same

disabling inhibition,
yea,
are

in the
at

nance;

more,

ere

it

can

all, its possi

with It the

bilities
I

irreversibly
Brain
can

determined. deliver but

a never

repeat!

sensation,
an

prompt,
is
an

unerring certitude,
cause

idea.
never

exciting

to

discursion,

but
or

causal what

released efficiency it does is in order

to

by

thought
the the

idea ; and does.

an asser

what

latter
to

It

conditions tion
of
a

thought, opening
constructive
as or

way

final power conditions that

can

born the

with

the

thought, just
of

the

latter them

delivery

sensations, giving
which
even.

discursive neither of this

apprecia
mission,
is
an an

tion, without
nor

they
But

have

existence

much be further

ticipation of succeeding

what

will

brought

out

in

connections.

CHAPTER

ENVIRONMENT

CLOSELY

connected

with the of
more

the

discussions
one

of of

the

previous
ronment,

chapter
or

is power

general

Envi

the

our

surroundings.

Our
ment

first is. that

problem Speaking
conditions,

is
in
or

to

determine

what

Environ is every powers.

general
limits,
is

terms,
our

it

thing
For

personal
to
a

example,
has
a

whatever power
it. organs

exterior
to

present
and

thought
so

exterior

that

thought,
in

may
the
us

condition

This and

embraces,
mental

particular,
born
of

all with the

bodily
;
as

capacities
sensations

also, native
;

propensities,
thoughts,
and that the

external

all

our

former

heredity,

the
de

abounding

world

without,
power

progressive
us an

velopment
ened

of
on

every
our

gives
human of

enlight
resources,

hold
us

distinctively
up
a new

enabling
due
comes

to

set

order of
our

environment What

to

some

dominant

power

thought.
an

through
of and
far

heredity,
organs,

what

through

original previous
achieve attitude

endowment

etc., what
order of

through

thoughts,
ment,
of
so

their
as

progressive
a

these very

impress proximate,
36

present
and

thought,

is

ever-present,

ENVIRONMENT

37

environment,
from
ment.

or

limitation. qualifying
world all is
an

What

comes

the

outer

ultra,or remote, environ

to

But

they

conspire
of mind.

clear Such

the in

way

for

the

innovating powers

conception

is environment.
II

already indicated brieflyhow these out transmit reach of side forces impressions within of the mind's apperception,not omitting mention of the paths along which some they travel. My it plain that hasty, preliminary exposition makes delivers up to cognition the whole matter body of sensations through the sensor and, also,that organs, kind be void of its particular this delivery would if mind did not perceiveand appraise its of result, if mind not For contents. were actively present there could be neither and studiously appreciative,
I

have

percept,nor
exterior sorial tion.
the

concept, without
were

whose

intervention
to

an

potency
sensation

utterly unable
the

place
its

sen-

within perturbation
A

is
an

sensorium,
It

not acts

jurisdic but a physical impression in idea, not knowledge, not con

of
a

pale

of

sciousness. halt to its

in virtue

law

which

cries

presentinganything at all like the latter. And, vice versa, the same despot cries halt to the latter's presenting a sensation, save when it medi ates a share in producing a sensorial impression, as in vision,deglutition, we voluntarily em etc.,when in ministering to the wants of ploy our members
nature,
The
or

etc. life,

old

problem

of the

interaction

of

sensations

38

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

and the

thought,
power of

is

here,

as

ever,
as

only
seen

question

of

environment,
and
the

in its sensorial power which

manifestations undertakes
to

discursive their mission.

know

of

Ill

You that
the
now,

remark external

that

we

have

allowed the

for

the

fact
for

impressions
our

reach direct
in

sensorium,
to

most

part, without
am

intervention. order

And
out

referring to them,
often power

bring

the of

point, as
an

urged,

that

the

normal

pressure else dis

exterior

either

antagonizes,or
and choice.
a

places,the
I
am on

power

of that
our

discursion

Now,
does it

not
us a

denying
without

ordinarilysuch
procurement,
to

power

act

exercising,as
the

does,

pressure

just sufficient
of of in
an a

awaken

slum but
a

bering activities

mind.

This

is,however,

helpful service
tency, coming affording facts,and
Free thus

Deighboring, and
put
us

co-active, po
own

to

to

our

resources,

opportunity
mind.

for

display of

the

feats,of

powers,

though
law

finite and

limited,are,
other diverse
not

never

theless,free within
are

their

limits, just as
for their

powers

limited
no

by
free law

a can or

reactions. its it is
own

And

power
But

displace a
not

power

in the

kind.

free, it is what
the
of

by

fundamental co-terminous

which

the co-acting and prescribes

to two.
an

limitations

And,
exterior

there press

fore, if
ure

the
us

point
still

and

pinch

leave

active, and self-centred,

an

rational,

it may

have

discharged
ever

office of

great importance

for

us,

without

violating any

prerogativeof

ENVIRONMENT

39

thought
For and
our

found claim

within
to

its

prescribed
freedom powers,

limitations. upon, cir

discursive scope of
our

founds
as

within, the

thus

It stands beyond that scope. of conscious what is consciously a work power, upon of our that is to say, an achievement thought, opin ion, information, judgment, or knowledge, and the

cumscribed, and

not

power that
at

that all this

as

is bom

with

these. constraint be looked

Observe, further,
of

trumped-up
as

environment,
as an

least

far

it may

upon

in

truder takes

and
up

outsider, comes

in before

the thinks

free power and

acts

its counter-weapons,

and

for itself. action

to act

How, then, can

a

the former that

contravene

the

of for

correlative

power

does

not

propose
of
some

itself until which

ever so

it is in the act ? Let

presence the former

thing upon
the latter
to

it

can

impact wholly

this forcibly, normal

latter will still be free

take

action, within
The

limits,unless

plain truth is that, so far as things ex act on terior can conditions, us, they do but furnish mental and moral such as subserve our or limitations, finite, and, therefore, Being themselves economy.
upset.
restricted which
to

specialtransformations
within reach

of

their

own

they
can

deliver

of the mind's

power,

they

never

nullify that
all

for the interaction

a

deference

to

associated. the what actions

not
one we are

And
the

and

all-comprehending law of diverse entities which compels other entities with which they are the reciprocity appliesequally to other, exterior things furnishing
we are we

cannot, because
our

shut

up

to

what is

own,

whereas
are

furnish up
to their

what
own.

because theirs,

they

shut

40

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

This ordinance which

is,however,
of

but
we

an are

averment

that, by
and
save

an

Heaven,
us,
as

estopped by
our,
not

barriers

confine

all We

else, to
are

their,
as

delegated
we
our

powers.

free,

are

restricted
or

by

the

safeguards placed within

nature,
I

else

defined

by
far

our

external

con

ditions.

that,so therefore, insist,

the office of it of

as

material

entity
the

performs
reach

presenting objects within

simply remits us to acts of con exterior such scious intelligence. For, when an the is freely interviewed cause by the intelligence, of acquiring knowl work latter begins its proper edge, discovering ideas,such as those of an exterior else dynamic ; or existential, thing and its attributes, and what and actors actions, they import to us, rela tions and finite limitations, subjectiveand objective them what to do with as neighboring powers ; and etc. factors co-acting with itself,
mind,
For I

maintain
an

that, when
for
of

an

outer

force

does
and

but

afford

opportunity
efforts
the

the

conceptive
touch
of

reconstructive latter such

an

mind,

it cannot

the

with

any,

faintest,trace

constraint;
this

impossible
a

constraint

being nothing, in

regard, but

co-acting and
and

senting
way,
court

its

meaning

subsidiary force pre mission, in its appointed

emphasis,
has
to

and
of

with
reason.

proper

sensorial

the

I and

conclude, then,
role of
ever

that

thought
its

its initiative and

so

action

through
to
a

inner conditions,
of the

outer,

coming
powers

knowledge
own

both,
careful

and

developing

of its

in

study

42

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

can

react

on

his

environment,
to
an

and

constrain

it to
the
can

serve

Ms of

purposes his

extent

limited
so

only by
as

grasp

conceptions. And,
from

far of

he

relieve
forces

himself

the
be
some
a

despotism
remorseless power of

its blind
if

(for it
not

would affirm

despotism,
thought
he is of his
to
a

he bat

could

com

and it),
unto

act

upon

his

knowledge,
force

law

giver
And
as

himself, putting the

of

thought animals,

into his laws. what

down
we as

say

man

applies to
is
a

all

far

thought
his
do
to

power

in
as

them, each
each has
I

and power

all of

modifying
mind

environment, And,
conclusion
of

it.

therefore, would
that
to
we are

affirm

the
as we

irresistible
can

free,
the

only
forces
"

lay

hold

power

lead

out

of nature, and
an

give them
rational
wants.

unwonted
"

extension,
her
in

even

unwonted
of

environment,
the

modifying
made

to

the

extent
our

valuations

aid of
For
or

cultivated

it is in

this way

that

mind,
is not

as

conditioned,

even

constrained, by what
thus constrained

itself

(and what
laws
of

is not

by

the

fundamental

being?), acquires power to into their logicaland them

connects

elicit

facts,and
with

resolving
welfare,
it is

dynamical applications,
our

this

latter

knowledge
very

and

so

conditions

the

things by
law

which

itself conditioned.
But

all this is in virtue

of

which,
limits

whilst and
a

it

constrains

thought
it to

to enter

prescribed
upon

func dis

tions, enables
cursive energy of the powers

the

latter,as
or

freely modifying,
things exterior.

else

educing,

ENVIRONMENT

43

With, universe

such of

system
and

of

laws

prevailingin
obvious of
to

the
our

matter

mind, and

ourselves avail may contemplation, we sanction, study their import, and extend

their ap do

their may

plicationto human simply this, not

nature, but
into
our own

interests. from
we

And
we

we

what have
a

see

of

external

because powers,

and

can

penetrating insight act up to our insight.

We fast

have
to

justseen
limited law
a

that matter

and of

are spirit

held
con

their
to

spheres
other
act

action, each

forming
I mention

which
some

limits it to

further

functions. special controllingfacts. the

measure

Every entity must

competency.
powers ble law and the with And which

within
can

of

its

none

hold

itself aloof An both

from

it must interaction

associate.
governs
most

inviola the
one

for their

other, exacting the

undeviating

reci has ap of

In other words, each procity of intercourse. to the of acting,in deference its appointed way pointed ways of the communicating brotherhood

entities. For
to act

indeed, the
had
to

way

provided
from

for the

finite

thing

be

conceived

beginning by

for a universe of interaction appointing a mode And are here, we of things sociallycoordinated.

evoking
to which

that fundamental all

law
must

of universal conform.

creation
For

things finite
or

every
to

thing, be
enabling
determine

it matter laws the

is spirit, condition of

subordinated
its

the and

which sweep

existence

its powers,

compelling it,

44

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

to slip into willy-nilly,

the

traces

of

the

un finite,

der

pain by by

of

merciless

extinction.
and

If, then, thought

therefore
and

is thus both
the

tensely conditioned,
the law
of for

finite,
that for

its

special work, special work,

entities. when that

action the

exterior
for

entities,so, also, is matter,

and that for

both its

law

its

commerce

with

discursive

It

follows, therefore,
a

things

are

put

together, under
cannot act
are

law

for

reciprocal co-action, they

also, certain
this what
at
as
own

cow^ro-socially. Hence,
called forth which express intercourse.
as an

forces
of

feature is finite
an now

social
act

Moreover,
and
so

cannot

outlaw,
of

put For,
of

naught

all-embracing intimated, it
law that its
of

law

creation. command

just

can

have

its

special
scope of
of

action, only by keeping within

law
for
are

the

wider
own

interaction

by

virtue

which and
our

powers

conditioned.

And,
it cannot

unalterably apportioned we therefore, may say of

break up any natural work. any

thought
in order

that
to

power,

its discursive it would

Whenever it
the
never runs

essay
to

preconcerted
of
nature.

work,
And

counter

any

law

latter

provides conditions, limitations, oppor

not at least,a non-conscious, intelligence,

tunities,co-acting forces; furnishes, in fact,if another,

monumental munion with
of of

but

record
ours.

of

creative For
a

thought,
law in
of

for

com

nature

is
an

thought
evidence

nature's
a

God

fixed

His

work,

superhuman

mind, imperishable, and

indisputable.

ENVIRONMENT

45

VI

I may

now

append
with

some

general observations.
is
a

It seems, essence,

then, that mind

distinct

immaterial
dis
in

fledged

discursive mated

competencies
with which

tinctlyindividual,though

body,
act
on

and

spite of
from
must

innumerable
and for
I
a

powers

upon

it,
it

within

from hold

without, and
on

which

depend
more,

its

own

resources.

Yea,

contend

single one disrupt

of these

that, if you take co-actingfamiliars, you

its initial

away may

a so

its

original constitution

that, in default

of

apprehension, and would their ready and powerful cooperation, you little to apprehend primarily, and have conse quently, few, if any, objects for thought, and no
objects presented to
power
reason

to

conceive

any.

And

so

you

could

neither you
for

nor or

act, having

nothing
one

before

thought
indeed

action,

not

working
or

efficient

for
or

proclaiming the
making

soul

immortal,
should

immaterial,
out, and

proclamationof anything, unless

seek
some
us

perchance knowledge itself pasted in our

process.
I

get

pate by

unimaginable
are

confess, though, that

of
our

some

of

us

made

pain
of
our

fully aware
our

limitations We compare

and

the

power with

environment.

ourselves for power

our

and take sorrow acquaintances, better a showing of mental the things that environ upon well with satisfied His
to

not
our

having
work
we are

for
even

us.

Yet,

have of

the

soul

furnished

of

God

number

preexisting and

coetaneous

46

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

conditions have be ical action the

"

and

finite brain

limitations

yes, that between

satisfied there

to

mind

and

so

put

together

will

well-established

concomitance within and the brain

phys

object
of

acting conception

and within and

the

counter

judgment
molecular

the

mind,

brain

mediating
;

mechanical

excitations
etc.

the

mind,

ideas,

volitions,

deeds,

etc.,

Distinctions

reserved

for

the of

next

chapter
statements.

will

give

all

needed

qualification

previous

CHAPTER

VI

THOUGHT

FREE

SINGLE

THIS

chapter
enter to

is

an

anticipation
succeeding

of
ones.

the

main I

facts

that

into offer the with

I

the
some

propose, within

however,
the in scope

thoughts

which,
may

lying
be

of

general
the
to

subject,

advanced

connection
But
now

preceding inquire single. things

of
are

discussions. how

wish
a

briefly,

thought

is, or
I

becomes,

free

remark,
distinctive is void of

first,that
characters of such

single, by
own.

reason

of what

their is have avouch

Indeed,
of every

characters
It must to
as

emptied
either
a

feature
or

existence. constituents
as

material

immaterial
to

nature

pecul
other
en

iar

itself,
The its

well

divergent
of the of

from
most

tities.
gas

tiniest full

molecule

impalpable
ele

has

complement
attributes,

characteristic
to

ments,

features,

etc.,

give

it

distin

guishing
Now,

individuality.
in is this
set

Lacking
and for all

these,
the other
same

it is nil.
reasons,

regard,
apart
of

thought appointed
It

from

things

by

an

variety
a,

uniquely

significant
of

attributes.

is hence

free single, by
its

virtue with

specific traits,
other

which For what

forbid is

confounding
and
47

things.
can

conception

responsible

choice

48

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

never

be commuted

into material The inhibition is

a

consecutions
is absolute

and and

transformations.

thoroughgoing. Thought
II

free

single.

I pass, now,
contact

to

point
with

which

concerns

the

first

of

thought

sensations.

As which tions
out

already adverted
subserves which it mental

to, we

have

nervous

system
the
sensa

functions
to

through

presents

mind, primarily as
has mediated

with

significance,until
As

mind

their

import. such, they

mind
careful
are

the its

first exterior

objects held (though

up
I
at

before
am

for

apprehension.
that
not

to note

these be

sensations

clearlydifferen tiated by their characteristic marks) are but the to the peculiar procedures of thought, their means special office being that of bringing up the latter
the

first, they

may

full

to

its

birth,and
that
of

the

assumption
have

of

its intellectual

prerogatives.

But,
into
ness,
a we

now

we

state

conscious bear
in

thought thus and intelligence

that it is not
of

aroused wakefula

should

mind

being
It of its char

of sensations

only, and
it has
as one a

conscious

only
of

these.

is

more. as can are

For

being
any
set

and

activities distinctive another.

in

own, acters

individual insulate
now

thing

from

We their

considering
with the

sensations

order

to

contrast

conscious

that intelligence

perceives them.
As modes
of

body, they

are

as

truly outer

to the

50

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

sity,and
what
can
our

several

ty, of mind
The
our a

and latter

sensation,may
is to the

be

profitablypondered.
the earth
means

former We
to

is to

power

of locomotion.
a

by

no

take

step without
as a

support

feet. is

the Still,

ground,

pedestrian plat
on

form,

altogether dissimilar

to

locomotion

its

surface.
Ill

The notice
a

requirements
much wider

of

the

problem

impel
a

us

to

between diversity and, say, an induction,as a distinctive of a free, and several,energy. if only perceived,is but A sensation, discovered in the animal sensorium.

sensation,

achievement

an

observed

fact
a

Whereas,
that
of

conception
a

is the tension

of the

reason teleological

upon

sensorial

perturbation,
of what
can

in

order

to

broader

knowledge
on our

be

affirmed

its

bearing
Let
If
a me

personal
of

welfare.

illustrate

this, also.

grain grain.

wheat
if
a

die, it
sensation

is

replaced by
is not
re

similar

But,

die,it

placed by
different
as

another

sensation.
up,

Something
either
a

wholly

is turned

namely,
of

simple idea,
or

in

perception,or
that is

else,some
from

conviction
the

concep

tion
wants

constructive
up

strictlyhuman
processes.
to

caught
herein
an

wider is

rational
seen

And,
tion

again, thought
excitation

be
a

free

single. As
rest, but

in the

sensorium,
which
it

sensa can

is,I repeat, an
when
to

object upon
in

thought
arrests

simply perceived
its presence,

atten

tion,only

loco; and, thereupon,

THOUGHT

FREE

SINGLE

51

after thought initiates,

its

own

way,

that

metamor-

phic scrutinywhich certifies the marks and rational make-up of the things interviewed, and how they with be availed of, as discoveries interwoven can the discovery of our responsibleinterests.
Whereupon,
its And it office, forasmuch
as soon as a

sensation
a

discharges
factor.

is

displaced by
as

different
a

this it will

latter

is

consciously in
to acts

telligent energy,

proceed
in

of

con

ception
with
not.

and

volition
not

had

conscious

contrast
or

acts

its

own,

whether

sensational

explaining mind by the marks it an individuality of its own, as seen of, forces tling with, or else making use
I
am

that when found

give
bat in

the
If

field of
we were

environment,
modification

inner

and
we

outer.

only conscious, all

of the and

could

know
a

would

be

that

brain,

called

sensation,
would be

to
as

do could consequently, all we discrimination,such observe, without find

we

phenomena
Moreover,
mentioned build such
up

their

way
not

into

the

sensorium.
those afore
go
to

if

could

acquire
educated

constructive and
conserve

informations
our

which

requirements,
of
a mere sen

meagre

knowledge
be at the

as

that

sation, consciously, but

stand, it may
exterior

witlessly,affirmed,
threshold

would

of, but
that I

certainly,
am

of the logicalunderstand to, the precincts

It

ing.
nothing
honest

is

to

be

remarked
for

stating

but

the

child's,or,
in the

that

matter, man's
of
an

outlook
more

presence such

sensations,
one

whose

simple elements,

may

52

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

not,

at

any

time

and

for

any

reason,

be

able

to

discover.

Indeed,
in

to

be

conscious is to be

only
like of of

of

what

transpires
having
music

the
no

sensorimn

one

who,
fine

had

previous experience suddenly

for
aware

sonorous some sonorous

vibrations,
visitation
so

becomes

played
is
fined

his

benefit.
uncanny. him

The

certainly very
is

Something
a

unde

poking
! His

at

such

storm

of

bewilder

ing fuss
crankiest
at to

apperceptions are set ajar by the of emotions surprise, fear, and wonder
intrusion!
a some

the him

anomalous
in

What

is that and
the

music

such
Is it ? from

state

of

perplexity
of of

pale
audi

affright? tory
nerves

rude
an

decussation

Or, is it
the
as an

irruption

ill-boding Or, again,

monsters

regions beyond?
undifferentiated
The

will he

take
or

it

sound,
is
due

mere

noise,
succeed tion

thud? the in

situation
centre

enigmatical.
in

However,
into

rational

will

time
sensa

resolving all

these

enigmas

of

with our conceptions vitally connected educed and susceptibilities. maturing wants

Wherefore,
ments,
I

in reliance

upon
we

the
some an

foregoing
facts

state

submit

that

have
have

placed
power

beyond
working
there
an

controversy.
upon

We

exterior and

the

sensorial called of of
a

centre

landing
never
un-

impression
on

sensation, but,
power

theless,

condition functions exterior

another its
own

with

confounding
to
a

going forward
it vogue, the
as

meet

this

power,

giving

sensorial
power.

individualitycontrasting
But

with

cog

nitive

this

latter

power,

because

of

THOUGHT

FREE

SINGLE

53

its

conscious

intelligence,undertakes
one

to

inter

pret and
does form riiun
;
a

exterior the publish what acquiring, in time, the power in purely physical excitation the and transcendent facts and

is, and
to trans
senso-

the
acts

into

of

voluntary

responsible actor.
the

Now, herein, again,we have of a free singlewith voluntary

in contrast

stamp and
to

mark

resources

of its own, be exterior

with

one

which

it affirms

and

involuntary.
IV

But, if thought be
Can
act

is it voluntary ? singleentity, mechanics

of of
own

it surmount
on

the

the
?

brain And

and how
?

achievements

its

These

questions
order

will

receive
our

hurried

passing
its

notice, in
nature
or

to

prevent

misconceiving

functions. is but
of
a

For, if mind
the
we raw

big pocket sensation;

of

for if to

storing away
know

materials
to

blue,
stuff have

have

take

the the and

pigment
centre

it
to

bodily within
clutch sound
; if the

of

sky and cognition; if we

the in the
to

tumble has itself,

it about be

audito the

rium

rose,

felt within

soul, instead

of if

appreciated ;
of termine
our

and affirmed being aesthetically it takes this to give us a knowledge

personal (emotionaland
acts,
"

voluntary)
can

power
at

to

de

then

we

never,

all, get
act

it.

But, if,by divine

nitively on

exterior
on our

can appointment, we they are things, when sensor

cog-

acting
know up

dynamically
them is to

organs

if

to

make

their

acquaintance and

make

54

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

our

mind

what

to

do

with

them,

and

what

to

do

knowledge is the facts,plus appropriation and appreciation of some shall do with a them, then, judgment of what we For indeed, know. as we can we know, and do even know as we can nothing of anything, save thought
with ourselves

; that

is to say, if

gains

power

to

discover

the rational
to

evidences

that

finds seen them as certify to be promotive of our responsible ends. Now, I claim for thought that, from the very be ginning, it has to discover and appropriate all the

betray

what

it

is,and

informations the its has

over

on

which
reasons

it acts, and

that

it acts exercise

on

force

of

the

acquired

in the and

of

cognitive,and
to

logical, resources,
informations
a

that, if
to

it

acquire these
own

in order

power

its

acts, it is
a

free and
exact

several
to

unit,with thoughts
brain

power

to

propound

work

the

that determine

it ; the

result

being that,when

within physical irritation (here sensation) of the mind's reach explorativepurview, the latter work to that object, and can, in turn, set upon to is denied the achieve what former; namely, of discursive etc. thoughts, revelations power, old And here, again, I repeat, we have the same entities confronting each pecul other, with powers and to each, one iar material,the other immaterial free by a divine right to its own discoveries.

brings

I continue

our

other upon

aspects
the
success

of

analysisin order to bring up some I have remarked the problem. of thought in capturing inforuia-

THOUGHT

FREE

SINGLE

55

tions. and

But

after do ?

all,what
The

will

it do

with

them,
If be

wherefore
at

it has been
at
see

pains to

explanationis evident. acquireknowledges, it will

to

pains to
a reason

discover for
we

what

do

with

them.

It will

taking advantage
have upon
a

of all it knows.

Here, then,
when about the conditions and what
a

discursive
a

entity which,
must

to enter

given work,
:

study
it

of the

problem
; what

what

is

furtherance,
on

hindrance

is to be the effect

self and deliberate and may

other

things when
will

the act is

done, and
that

what choice

conclusion

finallydetermine
an

for personal responsibility

act

may,

or

not, be

done.

For it is
a

its acts

are

determined and make

as

reasons,

and, if so,
as

free cause,
can

by distinctly

individual And marked ways

traits significant may

not

it.

here, we
feature and

overlook, in passing, the thought

takes in its
own an as contrasting itself,

of interest
not

work,
We

seldom

aggressive and
itself. What

responsibleenergy,
many facts in the like powers

with the

things
of

not

have
our

following:
all these
we

are

presence

sensational

how exteriorities, or, else,

shall

lead

out,

or

otherwise
But

evade, the
these
are

forces

of

nature, when

hostile?

questions for an immate rial,constructive,individual,and personal energy.

And,
for that or propound such questions, matter, any question, it is not only free, but, in in contrast and prerogatives, affirming such powers it would with others which or combat, it is, control, in fact, affirming itself a free single. For, such a if it
can

propounder
own,

must

know
can

that

he

has
out

powers
of

of his
own re-

and

that

he

develop,

his

56

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

sources,

plan, or

concept, of work
have

which

he

can

accomplish. And,
nerve,

here

again,
the

we

plan, deliberation,
and
execu

personal interest, self-command,

tive and

ability,
"

very

essentials

of

voluntary

several

power.
VI

conclude

with
or

brief

study

of

the

objection

that power
our

matter,
to
coerce

of its forms, has physics,in some a free,or voluntary, activity. That

bodily

organs I I have
now

deliver

up

to

mind

external from

im the

pressions,
beginning.

cheerfully conceded,
affirm
that

these

impressions, be
are

they
but
a

ever

so

vehement

when

acting normally,

preliminary and, so, only an exciting efficient cause an ministering to mind, never
with ics
can

cause

born

discursion
can

and

volition ; that matter

for me, in order

and
to

phys
what
can own

do

many

things
that

do
me,

myself, and
I
am

having

done

all
upon

they
my

for

left free
act
can

to

fall back

resources,

and

with

cognitive efficiency. clashing of principlesof

of its own,
and

There action

is,and
between

be, no
two.
a

the

Besides fenced
sources,

having
from

nature

the

child

is
re
or

in with

external birth. and

It

forces
as is,

constitutive

before
organs of

explained, an
outside

ganism of mind
and

external
a

acting together,
entities of in pursuance both

interacting with brought

into ordinance barriers.

world

when
a

communication,
which

fundamental

confines

within

impassable

PART

II

THE

ACQUISITION

OF

KNOWLEDGE

CHAPTER

VII

THE

CRADLE

OF

THOUGHT

IN
a

former

chapters
freedom
etc.

have the
now

aimed presence
to

to

give thought
of

conscious

in
I
am

sensations,
it
as a

environment,

regard

prov

ident, watchful,
as

and

active Of

energy, what

gathering
it does upon.
must

power
cannot

it
a

gathers
work of gone

ideas. its own, upon,

course,

be if
on

unless its

freely

gone

And found

freely

achievements back
a

antecedents should

running
we

to

childhood.
of

And,
child
as

therefore,
it
we

make in the

study

the

is
are

being
ever

trained
to

universe

of

thought,
a

if

have

anything

approaching

true

account

of child

free
acts

determinations.
as

The
"

it thinks.
I

When
a

was

child,
I

spake

as

child,
I

thought
away

as

child,

but

when

became

man,

put

childish Childish essentials

man

things." things
of
one are

indeed

put

away,
the

but child and

in

all and
acts

mind
;

and
same

mind-power,
person
acts
as a

are

the

who
man.

thinks
The from
a

as

child, thinks
of
age.

and

continu

ity
old

free

discursion The
mature

is
man

unbroken is but self. of

61

infancy
of

to

renewal

and

advance
if

upon, but

his this

immature

And,
on

therefore,
ef-

it be

founding

effort

previous

62

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

forts;
scious
we are

this

growth
upon,
to
as

upon

previous growth;
because

con

advance driven child

and

of, previous

ones,

regard the conscious

of

antecedents

of

the

prime
And this

importance, demanding
I propose
to

careful

scrutiny.
follows.

give

in

what

It

were
us.

desirable The
pen

to have

our

former

self

present
invoke

before such
a

may

fail of

doing justiceto
I

personage.
to

And, therefore, would

institute
a

collaborators
of

searching
of

re-discussion
I

this

much
a

neglected
common

branch

psychology.
Avill express
to

begin
my and man." HOAV But

with

formula
in
"

which

views, when
birth
of

taken
:

reference child

the

growth
to

thought
! The

The

is father

the

true

mature

man

has

no

other

father.
;

the

paternity
is
ever

is

unlike
and

ordinary generation
one

the

ancestor

along,
as

with,

the

issue.

Inasmuch,
and
ever
a

then,
with

the
are

child
we

is thus

our

father,

one

us,

not, therefore, hedged

in with

very
we

proximate
not

and

tight-fitting heredity ? renewing

his

And
ance

should and

feel like

acquaint
that, in
of

recalling his acts; remembering

we are

recalling them,
our

depicting the
earliest

lineaments

former The

selves ?
was our

child

teacher, an
what
He
as

active

explorer
was

of rarest
we

but originality, discovered.

he

taught
out

what

ourselves and

sought
wit

things within ened,

he

without, and,

his

sharp
field
of

ventured

boldly

on

boundless

THE

CRADLE

OF

THOUGHT

63

of every exploration. He would make inquisition In thing; peering anxiously into the unknown. the very strong rational beginning he manifested thereafter and soon thought began its proclivities, active scious
was

mission. life and

In

moment

he

awoke

to

con

its
to
a

struggles.
career

Thenceforward and

he

committed wherein power

of

thought
out

effort

he from

wrought
every

personal and knowledge

And

gained
came

quarter.
of his

when he
was

he
a

to

think, he clearlyperceived that himself, in

at

power ies.

unto

virtue

own

discover and
pro

Modest,

confiding,but artless,
the

open-eyed
a

expectant, nounced,
with We
acts
our a

start,he

becomes, in time,

self-reliant

energy,

dotting

the

centuries

galaxy
cannot
our

of deeds.
too

interrogate
child-father.

these faithfully if he
are we
now

initial

of

For

is the

parent of
on

present
we

we intelligence, as a

standing
now

what of

did

child.

And of

are

partakers
the in

these

first

things

his made

mind them

through
ours

rational

discoveries

that

the

past.
II

Here
now

give place

to

few
our

remarks hands in

on

what

is

made
of

ings

rudimentary psychologists.
are

to

the

teach

What

the
to

child's distinctive
nature.

? qualifications

(1)
mental

As

its

It

is

furnished the

with

capacities and
from

physical
in

organs,

latter if not

presenting impressions
most, of which
come

the

brain, many,
world.

the outer

The

eye,

64

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

ear,

etc., are

physical
work
our

functionaries

having widely

and disparate peculiarities cerned with

a

objectives.Each is con its own, but together rigorously

sensations within reach

presenting all
of mind.

diverse

(2) Now,
action of

word
two.
mere

or

two

in

respect of the
mental But
soon,

inter
ex

the

Our

native

faculties
some so

at first, as ist,
are
won

germs.

facts

which
of

arrest

attention, and
In

promote
that

the

growth

thought.
called former

this mind

way and

begins
those

life-longintercourse
cal

between

physi
of

perturbations
trains marks power
the
or

sensations, an
to
as

intercourse

which rational

such will

knowledge produce
convic

evidences

tion,and
between Matter

of

choice, and
mode

action.
manner

(3) Remark
these has

the
two to

and

of intercourse

friendly parties.
be in
a

position to
its When

be

interviewed.

Mind

prepares
to

to

make

acquaintance.
the
former

They
im in

begin
its One
The

exchange

civilities. latter takes

pacts mind, the visitor,and

is
a

conscious
of creature

interest
it may

what

manner

be.

conscious of the

force, the

other, unconscious.
for the former

task

latter is to

present phenomena

the

former's
the

scrutiny, and, thereupon,

work is
for

begins
For

of
a

prying

into their contents.

mind

conscious, curious, impulsive

a

energy, much

ready given
nor

venture

of

some

kind, and
is neither
matter.
a

to

active
nor

exploration.
an

It

phase,
is which

a a

mode,

activityof
facts,
or

It

simply

discoverer

of in

informations,
a

it would

employ

constructing for itself

66

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

III

The

methods
seem

employed by
.to

the
a

child somewhat

in

seeking
careful

knowledge

demand

exposition.
It is conscious

and

logical from
We have

its first start

seen

in

the field of itself is not

There
on one

discovery.
power sheer of into the
to

that

it

plants

the

judge, on

evidence.

Its life

of

physical,and
action

vital,awareness. endowment,
as

back lies,
comes

this, quite another

as soon

which
appear

sensations
to

in in the

sensorium,
of

and

is

brought fully
and acts

birth The

first acts has

judgment.
powers,
an

child

rational
up
to

ration

ally.
wherein
an

It is not it is

shut

incipient rationality
sensations.
in

simply receptive of walking

for from
a

It is
of

egoistical personage,
it
can see

the

light
the

what

and

do

itself. all
corners

It

ponders
of

the

informations
verse, of
some

gathered
then

uni

and

adopts
or

line of which

conduct fixes the

begotten

reason

choice

responsi
his acts.
make

bility upon
soul Thus progress.
he

itself ; for choice the

carries the which is

responsible
fair
power,
on

along with far,

that
our

thought
If

decides
seen

child-father further. and

to

But

knowledge impress
is
of

is

has

power, him.
as

must

himself

things about
And made what But
so so

far

he

does

he this, force

creative his

energy, into

by projectingthe
does.
not

thought
reserved

he

I may

discussions anticipate

for

treatment. particular

THE

CRADLE

OF

THOUGHT

67

IV

It is not
of

my

purpose child does

to

to
at

give
this

detailed

account But

what

the

early period.
I

its mind

is not

slow
few

act; and

may

mention,

therefore, some

of its first acts. its soul with

a

Here, then, is sensation, or

something
a

that This

touches

sensa physical excitation,named tion, has been presented in the sensorium, and result, so thought begins its investigation. The

feeling.

far, is that

we

have

both

sensation

and

its instant

apprehension,and, let me add, some tion not as yet securelydefined.

We
are on

emo wilderiiig

to bear

in mind

that of

the

child

is

just set
there

ting out
fore, such
are a

its first voyage

discovery, and

cannot

brute
tant

purely perceptivefinds as it then makes, and so surprise to its infantile intelligence, A call forth its more thoughtful resources. the concomi has sensation, perception, and
sits easy has
a mere

emotions, and
the

in
a

its duller soul

a

ways.

On

contrary, the
to

child with

little too

human that

be

content

perception,and
which
we

densest

personal

response
human

call

an

undefined
to

emotion.
as

His and

judgment
and

begins

act,

it affirms

gathers ideas,
secures
an

slow, but
of

steady growth,
and
on more

by a unfailing flow
emotions. his and mental service

rational
course,
are

moral

convictions
to

and

Of

attaining widely
another

manhood,

powers

constructive

able.
Here emergence I
venture

remark

relevant when

to

the first

of

these

initial

phenomena

68

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

presented
of

to

the

child.

If

any

one

can

get back
thereto

sensations,perceptions,and
show
me

the emotions
come

belonging,and edge
it
a ever

that
to

we

to this knowl

without
so

resorting
in

some

act

of

judgment, be
to

then, I infantile,
the
go forth

shall have

confess of

to

brief

interval its powers

earliest
in the

efforts tumult
of

mind,

in

which
But
a

of disorder.

this would

adjourn
I
am

the

birth

thought
belief freshness

only that,
and

moment.

Indeed,
moment

inclined
in

to the

at

the

of

birth, and
mob of

the

ferment
and

among

the

sensations,perceptions,
the child

emotions, simultaneously on hand, might not have time to frame a judgment

rational
have
;

squarely
not

but,
time

for

that

matter,
to

it could square

then

had

accurately
rule.

such

factors the child

not

according
a

to any

We

therefore
argue

give
there the

childish
a

mental

start,and

from

that,and

from As

previous, nebulous
a

period, if
among

be any. very
the may

matter

of

course,

first child
not

rational

apprehensions, are
own

those

by by
as

which these
the

perceives its
be

acts.

And marked
so

though
far

very

conspicuously
choice, yet,
and

feature involve
act

of

alternative

they
the will
in

the

slightest attention
rational
But and

judgment,
No
one

is both this.

voluntary.
I
am

question

indeed, if

not

mistaken
of

affirming the
be faint

simultaneous and
some

irruption
little of choice

sensation, perception,
must in
some

emotion, there
involved that the

glimmerings
nomena so

comparing
of
act

phe

disparate
be

feature
an

could
ment

not

eliminated and

without

diversity of judg
diverse

discriminating

comparing

the

THE

CRADLE

OF

THOUGHT

69

traits neither
can

affirmed.

And

hence

the

conclusion

that

sensations, nor
become the
are

nor perceptions,

emotions,
achieve of

ever

child's made
to

own

rational

ments, until they

his soul
In

rational
and
to

constituents

by

the power

know

judge

them. those of
un

this connection emotions of

can

I pause

consider
on

defined first
to

which

arise

occasion
move

our

knowledge
it

and sensations, take firm hold

the

child

act before

upon

its rational

resources.

With

idiots,the power
else
a

of

reason

is either when
are,
as

smoth is the

ered, or

total blank.

And

this
a

case, the sole antecedents

to action

rule,sen
Such
an

emotions. sations,and the equallyagnostic tecedents

same

are,

therefore, necessitating
may
are

causes.

The when incu

considerations
powers when would

apply
in
a

to

the

child

all its rational bation.

sets But

state

of nascent of

the think

clarifying power
that

thought
remark And after

in, one
blind

the child could emotions.

moment

the

strivings of its vagrant

a

this it
it

does, to
for
up

degree, at the earliest begun all,

distinct be
to
reason.

has, once
can

For, whenever
act

it

take

informations, it will

rationally,and
more

emotioned
a

accordingly,
it is my

never

relapsing into

plane
must

of action
act
as

where, seeing seeing and

and

feelingdarkly, it
now,

feeling. Remark,
I have

the

drift of

exposition.
not

granted that, at birth, sensations, emotions,

so

etc.,are
their could any

utterlynew
so

that
not
see

the child what

to to

may
do.

know

import, and
not
see

And
not

if it have much

clearlywhat

do, it could
however

well-defined, rational

emotion,

70

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

it

might

be

impressed by
almost

the

sudden

entrance

of ani

then perturbations, mal.

wholly
such
zone are raw

vital

and

Now,
emotions

the
are

truth
in
a

is that

sensations of indefinite

and and

marginal
effort

indeterminate needed
to

cognition, and
stimulate

there,
the

because

during
at

formative

period. Perception
before
of

such
an

phenomena,
inchoate

that

time,

is
as

necessarily only acquaintance, and tions,and propulsion

and and

cognition. But,
to

explained, thought

begins

make

their

thinking gives

definite
"

informa

accordant,definite emotions, responsible conduct, quite foreign

and effects. it rational,
to
"

voluntary
a

type

of

transformations vital soul

causes

merely physical
as soon as

For, just
becomes

the
soon

becomes

personal,and
and the and

thereafter

moral, having knowledge

emotions
or

corresponding
factors in
act

as

guiding

impelling

deed.

It what of

remains the child

now

to

explain,

more

particularly,
with the task it.

is

doing, when

busied the
are

affirmingand
materials mother The is

discriminating

things ready

about

The

for this discussion

one

to hand.

of the first objects to arrest

its

attention. It

It touches

her, and

sees

where

it touches.
in

clings to her, muscularly, whilst

the indications
of in

taking
life
etc.

her
love

superficies and
.detected know the her

and

movements,

voice,

It would

of significance

all these

sensational

phe-

THE

CRADLE

OF

THOUGHT

71

nomena.

But

at

one

and

the

same

time, it

is

re

coordinating,and garding, contrasting,

lactile besides sensations, it is nourished and her
a on

appreciating
and

visual, gustatory, muscular, auditory, tactile,

those her of

etc. deglutition,

For,
her

as

breast,it hearing

is

beholding
voice the and
eager

person

countenance,
caresses,

her

receiving
interest of

etc., etc., with

neophyte. And these, and similar,experiencesare repeated, It again and again, with variations innumerable. has never sensation one by itself. The tribunal of cognition and judgment never adjourns. The flow of informations onward never subsides, and
each
more.

item

is

The

sisters ; the the

discoverythat lends power to discover nurse ; father, mother, brothers, and cat, the dog, the chair ; the light from
a

window,
enchain
warm;
a

the

slam the

of

the

door, the
the Its

fall of
"

foot and the

steps, the
all
nurse

rose,

cherry,
chair is and else

peach,
feet
are

each

its attention. the

cold;

It smells
sees

bright

rose,

the

quiet blue, or
song

peach soft. tastes a red cherry. It the stimulating tints of

unutterable

hard;

the

the

bird whose

thrills its soul with

perch on its hand it is wooed with Its regardful eyes and gentle attentions. body, build, weight, shape, etc., are distinctly
raptures.
affirmed. vital and It is
seen

If the

bird

to be

alive,and

tremulous The

with

muscular

movements.

intermittent
of

pulsations proceeding
off

from

thing

life

are

set

against the
The
from

less bird

sympathetic sings, and

sound.

visitations

of

dead the

matter.

it discriminates

song

mechanical

72

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

And

the

child

ponders

all these

things with
the

deep light

for they bedew ening interest, of

reason.

its soul with

It remarks

any

judges
as

different

traits to be
as

and ad dissimilarities, traits of different things,

different distinctly It

sensations
one

from

thought, or another, and,

its power.
as

separates
a

thing from

I have

said,frames
idea
of

discrepant characters.
tated iar the
an

their on judgment founded And, herein, it has excogi individual thing, by its pecul different

marks, distinguishingthings they

to have not

by

marks

which From
came

do not
we

hold may idea

in

common.
see

hence,
self ; of

how

our

child-father
;

the

of

things

different

of

self

and

matter, mind, and their characteris

how he
cor

tic and related

and

contrasting attributes, etc.,and

ideas with

things

different

by remarking

in each. found the diverse features identifying other And having acquired all these and manifold have also acquired the idea informations, he must and of a self-conscious, personal power intelligent, is his, and of the things about not which agency

him. And
so we

all have

been

going

to

school

in that

world-wide children
a

all His universitybuilt of God, where for the plunge into business,and prepare and And we responsibility. thought-forming and judgmentoriginalresearch. fearful
of
our

life of choice the

all took

same

training courses
Ah,
those

in

inspiring school-days
years
we once

twenty

or

twenty-five
We
set out

had
of

in

Father's

house, preparing
to

for the

battle
a

life and of

thought
about

discover

universe

things

CHAPTER

VIII

PERCEPTIVE

PRESENTATIONS

PERCEPTIONS child. It it has

to

are

the

first

discursive

acts

of

the

has

been
a

explained
large

that,

soon

after

it is born in hand
some

quite
its

assemblage
some

of

objects
itself

arrest

attention, by
a

within

and it

without. their

Moved

God-given
But

curiosity,
it

begins
thence

study,
an

immediately.
of what it

imports
As

only
it

account
out to

discovers.

rational,
coming
it
so

goes

investigate
some

phenomena,
sensorial

and,

into affirms
returns

contact

with

perturbations,
and what

and

certifies

these
but
an

perturbations,
affirmation idea
or

with
seen,

nothing

of

it

has say, this

achieving
sound,

thus

an

cognition
it
names

of,

taste,

touch,
so

smell,
a

etc., and
sensation. total external notion in other of
of

perturbation,
and in It
an

perceived,
the
sum

This achieves nal.

its

like, is
of
or

what
or

it

act

perception,
fetches,
the

inter
a some

perceives,
has

thing
may
that organs,

it say:
of
our

interviewed. Some kind

of
an

Or,

words,
is
sensor

we

energy,
in
one

which
of
our

not

thought,
an

is at

work

producing impression,

impression
name

there.
a

We

remark
But

this

and

it
74

sensation.

the

PERCEPTIVE

PPvESENTATIONS

75

act

of
to

affirming change
is
our

sensation

wo

call

perception.
may say
:

Or,
A and
ment

we perspectiveslightly,
on

change
we on none

going

in

one

of

our

sensor

organs,
a

certify this
some

change, by passing
more

judg

of its

obvious

traits

(forwhat

we so imperceptible). And say, off acts we are hand : Well, here is a something whose the phe dub we witnessing and affirming. And and witnessed thus affirmed,a sensation; nomena,

has

is

and

this

report of what

we

saw

is

readiest
have

affirmingand cognition, through

one or

or perception, avouching what

our

we

discovered

more

of

our

senses.

Similar of the

remarks,

mutatis

mutandis, apply
we are

to

acts

observing intelligence. Here,

own

cogniz

ing

our

thoughts, perceiving
the mind that all the of the

or

affirming ideas,
itself. has

or operations,of discursions,

mind

You

observe

gained

is

an

idea, or
the

affirmation is
a

thing

interviewed.

Per

ception,then,
ideas

certification in the

uncovered

presentationof simplest inspectionof

and

objects.
At
a

later
in

stage, and

on

deeper study, mind sought

out

may

succeed

extending
be known

its

report; perceiving, and

of
a

presenting additional
of

ideas

universe

traits. identifying You only giving thought its first outing see, I am in quest of informations, and speaking, solely,of the first ideas gained by the readiest cognition of

things to

by

their

things,that

is to
I

say,
am

by perception.
not to

It
to

is under

stood, too, that

attempting
than

separate
what
to

perfectlywhat conception ; a

is due feat
more

perception, and

obstructive

profitable.

76

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

II

now

bespeak

an

attentive

consideration its first

of what

thought does when

I else

achieving
attribute
or

cognitions.
an

that it simply affirms repeat, for perception,

some

object,or
when

of

the

object,be

it

sensation,emotion,
we are

any

mental
are

operation. For, framing object.

announcement,
it is but reached
a our

we perceiving, or our

first

mental
And of
ment
more

outline this
we

report of the
briefest

is

tale,or

what of

have

discovered, and
informations

frag
the

the

abundant

by

thorough explorations of
I have

the

logical under
act

standing.
also
on

explained
an

that

every

of

percep

tion founds
the

act

of

judgment
of

which

identifies marks. because for with

object by
is

its

complement
a

distinctive

It

is, therefore,

rational
as

discovery, and
to

it rational, further other

reported
which

such, and kept

a

in store

scrutiny,and
ideas with
the

in order

comparison
affiliate.
are

it is

seen

to

Among
of

first ideas

acquired body
and some,

perceptions
and
emo

self, as

actively thoughtful,
of both
come

affected

tioned; ideas
source

spirit,and pointing
conscious
to

the
an

whence

they

; to

exterior and

object, others,
have that the

the

energy,

its activities.
seen

We its

child's its

own

soul, and
with and

all
the

surroundings,
And

engage
of

attention

prompt
ful.

impressiveness
so,

things, new
the

wonder
if
not

being consciously curious,

from

touchingly verdant,

outset, it

cannot

PERCEPTIVE

PRESENTATIONS

77

escape

attempting some
And
a

idea
I

of
can

as itself,

active
to

and

affected. ib has also

I feel that

venture

say that

such itself,

with specialtrain of ideas connected of bewilderment, uncertainty, those as suspense, idea

of

fear, and
which tion which

fearful
same

and

many
a

such
state

like ; all of
emo

is this

self in almost

springs from

the

agnostic begin
the it difficulty affirmation that if it
at

nings
I must of
am

of its
not

cognitiveexplorations.
now

descanting
in It

upon

have

had

achieving the
remains referred had
to to

distinct

sensations. the emotions have ideas which

point

out

had

above

(and

if alive

all,it
had

must

the

them), then, it must also have so (be they ever nebulously formu
to

lated)on
emotions tion

found
in
an

them, but
instant of

both

ideas

and

caught
moment

up

initia startling

well-nigh confounding.
a

Only
the mind

ago,

mentioned

the

fact the

that

itself is

variously affected
from

by

diver

gent ideas caught up

and inward

the

spectacleof
these

outward ideas

phenomena,

and

that

variant

beget corresponding
Now,
emotions
in

emotions. the
not

contemplating
the mind will will

phenomena
confound each

of various
one

with

another, but
it may have

distinguish
each
emotion

by

its several what of idea the first

econ

characters,and
of

thus

discretelyseparate
from

others faint

brotherhood,

eliminating, finally, a implication in

from of each
our

thought
omy, from and

of
so

their
on,

personal
and

distinguishing ideas
marks

emotions different

themselves, and

other, as

objects isolated by

contrariety.

78

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

Mind

alone ideas

perceives, and, therefore, delivers,

of
at

or

presents,
is
of
answer

sensations,

etc., and,
a

because
new

it

emotioned

those

ideas, it grasps
of the

type
which
pre

ideas

; to

namely,
the

those
of

the ideas

emotions

call
as

previously
all the this

sented.

Now,
011

otherwise

stated,
of

is

perception,

the of idea

apprehension
as
an

mental
and

contraposition
idea
in
as
an

affirmed
or

cognition,

affirmed

impulse,

emotion, transpiring

the

soul. in

And
and

this,

mind

is

discoverer,
the swiftest

identifying,
inspection
of

affirming
contents.

its finds

by

their

Moreover,
here whose
processes
as

it is to

be

observed
a

that

perception, object

everywhere,
await

concerns

concrete

elements
of

separation by
and methodical
as

the

elaborating
abstraction.

analysis they
and
one

Yefc, because tion, thought

come

together

idea
you

and

emo

its

personal

force,

cannot

perceive
Thought
nature,
is about
so we

the

without the

perceiving
of

the

other.

affirms

things
it
an

itself,and
and

external And this

And
not

and all

reports what
it does
in that
some

saw

felt.

act

of

perception.
of

may

conclude
born of

every

idea

self, or
on

self, is
dence.

judgment
then this

founded
resource

evi
of

And
must

if

so,
an

briskest

mind in

play
the

important
to

part,
availed

to

say

the its

least,
more

avouching

ideas

be

of

by

deliberate

processes.

CHAPTER

IX

SUPPLEMENTABT

STATEMENTS

LOOKING sensations
them
at

now

toward

final

view

of and

the

office

of

in the
we

respect
when ask
:

of

perception,
they
swim
are

regarding
the mind's
to

time may

into

horizon,
mind? confusion
iiescence

What
are

they, then,
a

the

I
;

repeat,
the mind

they
at

wholly
earliest

surprise
of

and

that this.
serve

period

juve-

affirming
illustration

only
may

An We anced and with

are

to
some

make

this

plain:
unbal

in

the

presence

of

seemingly
whimsical,
What the
an are we

providence,
stunning
it? We We
are

disclosing,

say,

erratic,
to

accompaniments.
cannot

do

divine Such

rationale astonishment the hideous

a

of

the is por

thing.

dazed.

quite beyond
tent

our

thinking.

And
we

remains
or

relentless, until
mission
;

get

firm

hold
on

on

its meaning
ideas

get

some

firm

grip

the

of

the it is

portent-maker.
just They
of
some so

Now,
of
a a

with
are

the

first

coming
until will

sensations relieved

child.

portents,
idea which

by
the

discovery

dispel

mystery.
And
ure,
never

until
so

we

can

frame

some

first their

conject

and

have

some

theory
79

of

meaning,

80

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

and, it may notations,

confusion

be,
can

remove

some

of
to

their
us

darker
the

con

they

be

aught
our

but

direst

resulting from
sensation is with

ignorance. Thought
of

dispels the mystery. Again,

power
a a a

manifestation that
of

physical
be
deliver

cooperating
of

mind.
It

It may
can

monster

dynamics

in its way. sensorinm

physical irritation
never

in the
an

with

faultless

precision,bnt
the inind

idea.

It cannot
more

overstep
than its
a

despotism
can

of

its its

limitations, any
functions
and

usurp

discharge
can see

offices.

While,

for

its

part, the

latter

sensation,remark ingly, the former,

its
in

character, and
turn, has
the
no

report
power
to

accord

report
fac
one

anything
tor.

in

terms

of

co-active,discursive
a

Its
our

office is to
centres.

present
It has

perturbation
to

in

of

sense

remain

an
an

impal
unbal the

pable factor, unknowing

anced ideas story-telling

and

unknown,
mind riddle. the

a portent, until visitation,

evolves

that

solve

II

The
upon

preceding
the

discussions

have

led
of

me

to remark

simultaneous brain

emergence

sensation

and

its

perception:
mind

presenting physical impres perception

and

sions, and
sensorial

perceiving them;

and taking place co-actively perturbations coetaneously. this problem of per further consider But we may from another point ception, and its exteriorities, All these of view: sensor impressions are invol

untary.

82

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

outward its
to
own

the

physical impression after thereupon the former, ever open way, and call of external visitations, consciouslyand
organ
a

mediates

apprehends sensitively
neither
to
can

it.

The

exterior
a

visitation

nor imports sensitiveness,

susceptibility
within,ere
to

sensation,but the mind

be

gets iifrom
for

it the

properly equipped
visitation. this

going

out

affirm

sensorial
But

apart, we
the

have of
enter

now

some

sensorial

ob

jectsbefore
we

bar
to

thought,
upon
or

and
our

having
rational

these,
pos

are

prepared

all

affirming ideas sibilities,

the attributes
if
we

knowledges

by affirming
dis

which

identifythe objectspresented.
for

For,
and

have

objects

thought,
rational

we

may

cursively re-integrate
affiliations.

their

constituents

Ill

Here sations As

I ?

am

led

to
me

inquire :
to

How
a

can

we

know

sen

Allow

offer

brief

explanation.
an
un

phenomena,
meaning;

they

would could

forever
not
see

remain
some

known of

quantity, if
some

AVC

tracings method;
in
to

touches

of

thought and
for of

something

in significant

their behavior it is make

a

stamped
mind
their

their constitution.
note

And

matter

these
can

tracings and

report

value.

If it

underlying meanings, and so of the tracings, it will have get out the significance something for its pains,an idea,opinion,or informa
decipher
the it
can

tion which For much the power

affirm

and any

act

on.

acquisitionof
achieved for

knowledge
an

is

just
of

so

shaping

order

con-

SUPPLEMENTARY

STATEMENTS

83

secutions well
the

known
or

to

constructive
which

thought.

And

principleon, structed,is open

it

to

con anything was will reveal in and exploration,

by,

what that his of

is,and

does,

some

intimations
so, if
we

of

the

mind

constructed

it ; and

would it to the
when

interpret thought
we

work,
him
from

we

Avho

proceed from planned it, just as

must

we

do

pro
an

ceed

human

works
or

to

human

thoughts, for
know

explanationmore
But Yes !
can

less

satisfactory.
how
we

this fetch

explain
of ideas

sensations
our

The

from

any

of

sensorial works
to

from the more as impressions, creative thought ; Avhat is it

cover

stupendous
at

of dis hid
any

bottom, but
creative

God's in

constructive

and

ideas

away

sensations, phenomena,
can

portents, or
distinctive

thing else that

butes And
know
out

lay

claim

to

attri

if, peradventure, we
them

should
to be

ever

come

to

they

would

have

laboriouslysought
of
one

and

dug up, after the

finds.

manner

excavating
be
the

antique
And

what

if,in this regard, mind

studies certifies
we

should

who expert archaeologist the and inscriptions,

For what

the and

finds,deciphers

publishes their
treasure"
many
a

import!
link But

all hud

is "hid

awaiting discovery and

in the

and interpretation, may

never

concatenation

be found.

then, our

is curious, enthusiastic, epigra.phist much halts

for his

and enterprising,

emotioned until
he has

in

view

of

re

sults, and
last secret
For

never

laid

bare

the

meet

day

and

generation.
therefore, we
feel

these, and

similar

reasons,

84

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

justified
the the

in

concluding
of of
in

that

our

thought,
other the

as

seen

in but
for

perception perception
away

sensations,
some

or

objects,
evidence

is

thought, phenomena, discovering

or

it, stowed
It

sensorial,
the

or

other.

is

human

thought
thinker.

thought

of

some

other

An

abundant

practical capacity
of

experience
for

engenders
recognizing
and

safe,

common-sense

making
in

use

evidences

of

mind

and

meaning

seen

things
And
we

exterior. find that the

to

soon

more

successfully
mother
and
nature

we

do

this,
own

the

truer

we

are

the

of

our

constructive creation well.

thought

to

that

of

uni

versal

as

CHAPTER

CONCEPTIVE

PRESENTATIONS

THE

discovery
may

of be the

bare

(concrete) ideas,
with
not

or

tlieir

presentation,
tions, and

fraught
soul may

vivid be the when latter

satisfac

still

efficient,
it
can

provident,
take
it

personal
charge
of the
more

energy conduct. power

it becomes At of
more

full moved

this

period,

is

by

comprehensive,
informations.
upon if
we some

and,

therefore,
incumbent of its

productive,
on us

It

is hence ticulars
how

to

remark

par know

progressive work,
to

would

it wins We have

its way

freedom. it

just

seen

acquiring
It

large

store
now

of
in

perceptive
a

informations.
to

is, therefore,
of
further

position
our

bethink
is

itself
to

conquests.
with
we

And

purpose its

keep
And, feats,

along though
from

it have

as

it

extends

inquiries. affirming
advanced its

been

consciously
its way
to

infancy well-nigh

onward,
forbids

achievement

any

satisfactory

statement.

II

Mind The and

alone

is

sensitive,
delivers

the

sensor

organ,

not.

latter, however, lodges

an

itself reach

dynamically,
of

impression

within
85

the

power

86

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

which,
Now,
dim
to

in

turn, first feels,and

then

perceives,the

impression.
at

the

very

moment

of

perception, some
must

pencillings of
emerge,
mere

discursive the

thought
of

begin
vistas

heralding
outlines

advent
as

wider
too

beyond
for

perception, but,
of blushful

yet,
of

shadowy
us

the

bold

conception.
real

Let

call

this vague

premonition
a

conception, the
it has

notion, because, though

not

knowledge,

clarified and affirmed by the distinctly For searching scrutinyof analysis and judgment. take it that our must we larger,rational compe tencies have been bestowing, at least,a curious been interest
and
so

in those have

earliest
up
some

discoveries discursive

of

perception, intimations,
are now

turned

darkly, yet joyfully,at

the door
of I would
not

their

worth,

and

at

conception,peering beyond.
be misunderstood.
or

Every

achievement
Even

of

mind

is,in fact,more
before

less discursive.

perception,being,as by
the

explained,a presentation
reason,
a

judgment, is,for that

first, or
methods

pri
of

mary, every

inference,or
information and

discursion. mediated

This

remark

covers

by
aim of

the test

judgment
It

inference,on
be
my

inspection of
to

evidence.
up
so

will

therefore

follow

the

psychological development erately entered

on

knowledges
pages,

delib

upon

in

preceding
reached

dwelling
when
mere

that

particular stage
those
of

by

the mind

it is

seeking
of them

wider

significance than

perceptions,but
view

restrictingour
as

inquiry
than
as

more

to

discoveries,
dealt with

potencies.

(The

latter

will

be

later

on.)

CONCEPTIVE

PRESENTATIONS

87

For when

indeed, the soul is

it is It is both

so

a indivisibly

unit

that,
of its

discursive, it is potent, and

when power

potent,

discursive.

always
view

alive and

to

the

thoughts ing
on

conception
of
a

its power

superven
wants
so

occasion

of its

growing

and emi

interests,a class of personal requirements

manifest nently human, that they never as they respond to the call of save human thoughts that inspirethem.
Ill

themselves the

strictly

proceed with my analysis of the bolder flightsof conception! The problem before us is to to know enough comes how determine thought ever it to the things about and it, to enable of itself, I instance its higher wants. conceive, and realize,
But
to
some

familiar
a

examples.
rose.

Here exact

is

an

old

illustra
our

tion, that of

An

analysisforbids

first confronted, we saying,we perceive it. When perceiveonly the excitations made in the sensorium, namely, those of sight,taste, smell, etc.,and as we said,these begin to take discursive transformation,

tremulously and vaguely, in the notion. In the act of percep But thought hies onward. of concrete tion, it feels the awakening stimulus
ideas, and, in the
same

instant,takes the road

the
we

to

con

ception in
notion.
we

the

light of
now,

faint would with

glimmerings
know
more

of the

And needs

if

of

it,

must

keep

abreast

its bolder

visions

beyond.
The
rose

emits

an

effluvium
to

which

travels

along

the

olfactory nerves

the

inner

sensorium, there

88

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

to meet

the
,

power

that

perceives it

as

an

object to
resources

be known of

and

object for study.

Here

the
are

comparison,judgment, and inference and into requisition, begin an eager,

inquiry.
See
some

brought

and

tireless,
with be any

the

result !

The

sensation

is touched
not

features differentiating without

(it could

thing
of

stituent the

these). They are identified as con elements, or, else, qualifying adjuncts, if so, they are the attributes, or rose, and
which mark it
as an

accompaniments,
thing
distinct many
uncovered

individual
we

from

other

things.
forth
at

Here

have

informations, correlated, distin

the

guished, contrasted,called
thought. Here, too, in the
and first
of
a

bidding

of

grouping
we

of

such

contrasting
some

divergent phenomena, conceptions :

whole it and its
of

have
and

of

our

the

related
of
an

dependent
force
of

parts ;
that

exterior

and mind

what
as a

does, and

of

peculiar relation object which

of

discoverer

of facts to the

it inter

views. Such brave

are some

of

the with

conceptions
Whence what

thought; Why
Can

achievements

suggestive, constructive,
come

far-reachingaffiliations. here, why

we

they ? import
?
our

studied, and
them
in

their
wants
as

connect

with
life and ?

human

Can

they

be
and

employed
be

conduct,
The
answer

exertive,
these ques

personal, motors
may the

to

tions For

gathered from
are

what

follows.

present, we
the

but

spectators, beholding
on

thought acquiring

knowledge

which

it may

90

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

It would of and
But

be

more

than
out

tedious
from
a

to

make of

mention the
rose,

every its there

idea, sought
relation
are

study

to

ourselves, and
associated claim is
are

other

entities. of in

some

with
a

the universe notice

things around
this connection.

us, which It

passing
of
so

but

one

numberless

things, all of which

dent

naturally

interdepen

depen proclaiming this mutual dence, they proclaim,as well, the creative thought
that, whilst
who of Him and conceived and constructed their their diverse

being,
func

apportioned,and

correlated

tions. And effort

are

here, it is needless
to

to

say of

that the

in

all this
we

command

the
we

meaning
are

things

interviewing,
of

evoking

conceptions
on

of

laws of
the

being and
first

action

resting

the

thought

Lawgiver.
IV

But

again, we

have

seen

perceptionsdiverge
mediate noticed class have diverse that
even

and
to

differ, parting off into distinct classes,answering

the

external And

organs
we

which have
same

impres
those

sions. which

may the

belong
of

to

many

strikingdivaricat
attract

points ing

dissimilarity. Now,
enounce

all these marks

traits

the

salient

which

attention.

What, then,
such
a

is the
? It

attitude is in
a

of

young
of

mind

in
ex

presence

land
It

wonders,

pectant and
feel that

deeply
a

emotioned. of

will,therefore,
to
un

it has
not

marvel

strange things
in suspense.

ravel.

It will

long remain

It will

CONCEPTIVE

PRESENTATIONS

91

at

once

begin
of which

their

investigation, by sorting out

of the different and statical,
some
some

the
"

component
some

elements
are

impressions, dynamical,
"

at arrivingfinally

settled

convictions

on

which

it may

act.

Yet, this

is but

one

of

the

numberless attention all

similar

problems
and life,

to which

it
to to

gives due
a

through
of what

in

order what

further

conception
them. upon.

they
Not

are, and

do with here

Another

point

may

be dwelt

forces present them exterior infrequently, selves violently. Now, intrusively, sometimes it will behoove thought to see, not simply what but, as I have said, they are in barest presentation,
"

to

come

to

some

conclusions and may

in

respect of their

be

havior mental sonal

and

meaning,
that

give them
be

place as
use

so our

much per

power

put

to

for

betterment.

It is
some

readily seen

that

we
on

are

here the

alighting on
of And

informations

bearing
the

conservation

life,health, morals, business, etc.

this
reason

it is for
our

that have

very

lineaments and

of

various in their

sensations

to be understood

placed
of
a

logicalconnections.
with their
"

The the and

coordination

of sensations every
to

causes,
own
own

sedulous

study
"

po the

tency, growth
to be

our

other's, matured,
V

with

view

of

our

conscious
and

powers, and

all these

have soul.

caught

up,

fixed in the

The
serve

sheet
to

of

paper the

on

which

am

writing
of

may

exemplify

general subject

concep-

92

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

tion.

If

one

sees

but

the

awkward,

shambling
But in ?

chirography,
let
us

he

gets but

scant

information.

give it, and

if have is

its tortuous Is that

tracings
all
we

ink,

little careful

thought.

see

All

indeed,
But
our

we

only perceptive
a

informations.

thought
ventures.

restless
a

energy, wide

given
of

to

more

rational tive

It has which is it
110

range

inquisi
in

powers

by
It

acquires
means a

discursive weak-minded view him. of

formations.

by
of

neophyte
fixtures
It

taking the
and

veriest

outside

the

features that

things about
letters
form

discovers

these

syllables,
their
allo

words, sentences, paragraphs,

cation
on

etc. ; that

the

paper

gives

them

a are

grammatical
signs
may
was

structure, and thought of

and
the

that, together,they writer, which

that all
we

of

the

any started

reader with what

recast.

Eemember,

paper,

ink,
now

cursive these

characters.
?

But

have

we

beyond
and

Many

things : thought,

pen

manship, rhetoric, grammar,

ment,
we

logic, opinion, judg

But argu of the

many the

other

debilitating effusions.
have

follow
so

coiiceptiveaffiliations
that
we

ment

faithfully
of the

rethought
released
us a

the

thoughts
We tional
of his and

thinker.
the

have

sifted

scrawl The writer

our

and

its

ra

constituents.

gives
to

sample
upon

work,

and

we

put

mind

work And
made own,

it,

affirm
was a

and

follow
a
new

his

thoughts.
work
of of

this, his
over

work,
him

withal

creation, not
a

to

by

neighbor, but
finished

his

formu

lated

and

by

force

the

inborn

power

of

liis conceptions.

CONCEPTIVE

PRESENTATIONS

93

And Your
But

you, his eyes

see

readers, what

in turn

are

you

doing
You

only
them off

the

paper,

ink,

and

cursives.

you

give

discursive

appreciation.
And
on

separate them
other
are

by

their

literary,logical,and
in this
you

rational

consanguinities.
the it writer's

remarking
You

thought,
up

evidence

for

it.

found of ink

wrapped
paper,

in

the
now,

unconscious

cerements

and
!

and

behold, it
been home
to

is

alive and And what hand may

of in

speaks
this
a

regard,

you

too

have

doing
your
you

I call

creative
power

work, brought
de

by
not

the

of discursion.
novo,
a
new

For

though

create

anything, brought
to

yet your

power

thought
cases

has

you

thing, that
your power

in
to

all

exists for you, it.

only through

conceive

VI

come

now

to

study of,

say,

an

apple.
ideas but

We

touch, taste, see, smell, and

diverse its

feel

it,mediating thus
variant
of
so

impressions, and
attributes.

framing
Here

peculiar

is progress,

far, only bare

perceptions,or
But
contrast

else,inarticulate
now, if
we

con

ceptions,in
to

aid of these. and

undertake
are are

compare

these

impressions, we
of mind. We

invoking bringing
soul. We

the
up

resources giftlier

the

reserves

and

body-guards
is connected the
bloom

of

the

remark
stem ;

that
the

the
bud

apple
with

with
; bud

the and
to

parent
bloom

with

the

fruit ; the
to sate

fruit

with
; the

its power

please the taste,or

hunger

bud, bloom,

94

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

branches, etc.,with
the seasons,
us,

the

main

trunk,

etc.

The

sap, world

the all
are

fertile

soil, the

abounding

around

thoughtfully pondered,
interrelations
are

and and

the
af

purport of their
firmed.
of For
we

sought
of the
on

out

in

search

finger prints
we

constructive

thought stamped
of

nature, and
to the

have tion

only

to

recognize them,
powers
we

in order
our
own.

assump

of constructive

And, therefore, do
rational
resources,

make
so

of requisition

all

our

and

reach

conclusions,
reach
the

con as

victions, dianoetical
these inform
us.

informations, etc., and

I

act

And

repeat, we

afore

said
of

power

of

knowledge
we

by

rational
say,

elaboration

the

things

study, that

is to

by

concep

tion
our

of their

statical and

dynamical

affiliations with

personal good (orbad).

VII

We

now

work
But
out to

our

way did

to
we

the
ever

horse, another
come

cap

ital find.
our

how him?

to

discover
some

way

He

is not

without

points of optic nerves

them
to

attraction
receive the But inner
can

within

easy

call of mind.

Our deliver

his visual

outlines, and

scnsorium, where thought

pry order into
to

they
and
the

are

per ?

ceived.
Its fore

release
the

their

meaning
where

mission of

is to

why

things, in try
sees

personal
horse,

power. its

It will

therefore ties.
from the It

to

know its
in

the

and

capabili
it

that

configuration cuts
the

away

other

objects

landscape.
we

It

follows
men

peculiarprofilefrom
of
an

which
in

frame

the
to

tal map

animal,

contradistinction

what

CONCEPTIVE

PRESENTATIONS

95

is not horse many stood

But
new

one,
from

and

so

on,

one discriminating, finally,

another, and
are

from summoned

other

things.

Here

conceptions
connections.

forth, in
foot

under

thought
and
to
ever

halts
newer

not.

It sets

forward
from of

on con

ground, advancing
It affirms the

quest
with scape. the wise is

conquest.
colors there
of

color

the

horse, its grade, and

other

shading;
the is its

and

compares
and of

these land

brood

the

Then,

physique, bristling with

These
are

signs of
to

life in all its members. and

like it

distinctly pondered
repeated
acts of

formulated.

But

judgment, in making out the parts which the horse, and, at the same identify time, distinguish it from other horses, or things. And here it is, at the same moment, acquiring many other ideas, such of proof and those inference as
put
from

the

evidences, verification
Here, too, it
and and
comes

of
to

facts, and
know the the animal

con

viction, etc.

posi
in.
to

tion, posture, ubi,

rest
or

habits all of

of

motion,

each

which
can

have be

be
as

distinctlyaffirmed conceptions.
Should
ful
we

before

they
Whence

rated

inquire now
?

all these is
:

fruit
the
two

discoveries

The of

answer

They
and

arc

faithful diverse ties that but

to

products
factors confront
can

discursive
are

reason.

The the

concerned it.

mind,
is
a

enti

Each

power

unto

itself,
its

neither the other.

derogate
What is of

from

what

is

competent
sur

the

horse, and
to

roundings,

conveys what

impressions
is of
the

the

inner

sensocan

rium, just as

mind

affirms

all it

96

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

see

and

interpretof
horse has
and

the

life, outness, locality, ways,

of muscle indicia
we even

utilities, marks, etc.,of the horse.

The and of
can

life and what he

power,

power

thought,
his train
to

does, and
a

is,are
find

capabilities. He
serve us

is hence

which

in many
an

and industrial, unlimited

aesthetic ways,
He and
can

and

to

almost

extent.

is

docile, tractable, strong, durable, serviceable,

we use come

when make

to
as

know
a

all these

things,

we

of him

domestic

animal.

VIII

The the idea

great problem of how

of
cause comes we

we

come

to

conceive

next cannot

in order.
act
our

It is

plain
drama
act

that

part in life's
that that the
we

stirring
power
to

without
It is
a

knowing
of

have
cannot

it.

equally plain knowledge

Action

we

perform

it without

power cause,

of
or

neighboring productive
and
an

entities. energy,
and

expresses
a

implies

subject acting,
is

object acted
the

upon.

Now,
acted action when

peculiarity of thought
an

that, when
receive
the

upon

by
in

exterior

cause,

it cannot

of its correlate
once

with

absolute

cognitivecommerce
meet

it goes

out to

to

it with

passivity. For, with such an object, cognitive vehemence

to

peculiar
It
acts
on

and itself, what it

power

adapted
and

the

emergency.
to what

knows,
and

according

it

knows,
But
an

of the the

mission

of its visitor.
on

very

first act which

cause.

it bestows is
an

its visitor is the

act

of attention

act

of

will,and,

therefore,a personal

98

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

serve

nothing
the
a

more.

But and

it may

afterward

remark
be

upon
tween

constant,

invariable and make

mind

sequence

given
a

antecedent desire
to

subsequent.
a more

This

will

foster

thorough
to account

examination.
for
a

And,

so, the

pauses

perpetually recur posteriority, the discovery phenomena, and makes ring, between than that there is something more mere priority unless act at all, it cannot in the antecedent ; that priority and
potent, and fested, and
its result.
that
even

if

potent, its power

what

will

be

mani

measured, by

it

does, i.e., by already

act

Now,
had and of the
acts

I have

just explained
a

that

we

have

idea
of

of

conscious

cause reason.

through attention,
For

judgment
is
an

and of

every

thought
as

act

ward sonal
me

cause,

into

its

personal power, peculiar results.

power. idea

going
It

for

is per allow

or efficiency,

voluntary
we are

And
of

to

say
or

that, when
cause, of
we reason

get this

personal
within

power,

disporting ourselves
and

the

domain
if
we

judgment
the
same us

on

evidence,
and

and,
same

should

employ
to

idea
to to

the
an

rational
cause

processes
or

help

infer determine

external
both

power

sufficient be

priority
of discretion.

and

result, it will
and

but

another

exercise
our

reason

judgment,
a

and

entirelyat
of
or reason

Now,
affirms
and

inasmuch
that

as

conscious named

act

this

thing
in

cause,

power, every
of
our

which is
an

is affirmed exterior
we

affirming any
and of

and
not

thing,

something,
are

selves,and, yet,

certain

having

traced

CONCEPTIVE

PRESENTATIONS

99

the

attribute the
a

of

to efficiency

the

antecedent that the In

we

which have

produced
conceived sufficient
we

consequent, it follows
cause,
or

power,

in

antecedent other which

or

to

produce
power

the

result.

words,
sets
conse

have
a

found
new

in the

antecedent
a

forth quence,

something
in turn the

called

result

which
to

sets

forth,and
as

makes

good,
all

its claim that

we

antecedent
to

the

parent energy
in

went
are

forth

establish

it.

But,

this,

of observa by the test methods Indeed, tion,comparison, judgment, and inference. have to make we conquest of all this cognoscible

governed

as universe, precisely

we

have is

done

with
to

the
our

rose,
con

the

horse, etc.

For

what

presented

fronting intelligence j
sensorial buried winnowed

what

is furnished

by
first to
up

any

contributor,
"

all this

is, as

I have

said,
be into

treasure

whose then

significancehas

out, and

carefullyworked
reconstructive in character and

inferences,convictions,and tions,and
in then
and

informa
vented

fixed finally
in

conduct,

the

moral

rectifications

and

repressions of

conscience.

IX

Another searches sation which And mind affirms We

step forward

in

the

line

of

our

re cau

brings begins

up

the in

principleof
formula: appear, itself:
?

universal

expressed
to

the

Every
has How
a

change
cause.

exist, or
this

the
come

question presents
to

does
as

the it

know

truth

Well, just
deemed

everything else,on
are

evidence from

valid.

advancing simply

particular causes

100

THE

POWER

OP

THOUGHT

to

supreme this is into

a

cause

dominating
for the

all

But

search, and

power
them

causes. particular that spake the

worlds
an

being

placed
cause

under effect.

orders

to

laio irrepealable

of

and for

We for
we

had

some

reasons

determining
cause

the

law

individual discovered for

instances
a

of
in

and

effect,and
which
now,
we

power

the

antecedent

accounted
would

the

changes
one

observed, and
dominates
"

contemplate
we

that

all

changes,

and

say

with

Shakespeare
"

I'll

see

these

things

They

are

rare,

and

wondrous

curious.'1'1

Yes, let
We

us

see

them. and

But

how

shall this be done and

see a

look
of

within

without
and
a we

vast

assem

blage
our

finite powers,
frame universe.

remark
laws
we

the for
see

fact

of

inabilityto
the

system of
And

changes
that

embracing
whole

yet
to
some

the

world

is under
for

bonds

potency which

will account

all its
to

transformations, and
some

though

finite,we

are

held know

convictions, honestly
the
finite is

acquired.
to

We

that and
we

incompetent
something
the

universal is.
see

power,
are

search

for

that

We

We

that
we

and pursue inquisitive, is superhuman the work conceive teaches

for
a

inquiry.
superfrom

and power
in

finite,and
what
a

an us.

adequate
We
of
are

such of

work
order
a

quest of
con

law

universe of
a

changes, the
of

ception of gether
effect
we

vast

multitude
under for

things grouped
law
cause

to

and
as

co-acting
we

and

such

affirm

the

particularchanges

have

observed.

CONCEPTIVE

PRESENTATIONS

101

We

have

long

since
on

learned the in

that

the of

idea the

of

ex

ternalityis sion, or
And
we

founded

potency
the

impres
for
an a

sensation, made
argue

inner
cause

sensorium. calls

that

universal

all-embracing
universe of

energy,

competent
And in the universal
of
some

to

dominate

changes.
force all His

sis,the fore,
but

principleof
the
in

analy causality is, there omniscient thought

and this into
cause

strictest

expressed
causative of

works,

supreme, all
manner con

thus gone efficiency, changes, is the antecedent

over

which

ceived, and
a

universal It is to be

follow that it is tions

every

continuallyenforces, for all things finite. law of causation do not that we understood pretend to turn of thought thought and every
constructed, and

goes

into any

work,

finite

or

infinite.
the
not
or

And

yet,

simply impossible to behold going 011 in phenomena, and

power

transforma affirm
one

thing :
We

of

some

kind,

in

any,

all, antece
results.
an

dents, competent
are

to

produce
to

the

result,or
such

utterlyunable
We bonds
can

ignore

able presence.
what

conceive
to
a

is under it.

power

insuper of no change but adequate to pro

duce

But

now,

that

the

regular coordination mention,

how
we

of

enti

ties has

had

incidental
of

may
a

inquire,
rational

further, in respect
basis for
the

conceive

an

interplay of their activities. If,in the display of their activities, they there accepted order of transformations,

pursue must

102

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

be As the have the way

some

reasons

why
to

they

evince

such within

an

order. reach of

neighboring
mind's
some

entities

coming

power way that

of

apprehend
to

them, they
knowable

must
to
some

making

themselves
know

power of

undertakes

them;
presence

mutely
to
our

intimating
mind

their

and

attributes

thinking possibilities.
can

Inquiring, then, why

matter,
has
a we

discourse
:

with
Matter

have

but

one

possible answer
of her own,

tell-tale

sign-language
and

implanted
attributes.
can

in her

constitution

manifested
to

in her

She
sent

is,indeed, not phenomena

these
so

given

talk,but
with

she

pre and

charged
that make this
our use

meaning
can

rational hold
on

coordination
and For
matter

thought
of

lay

their

rational

intimations.

earlier, and
its
as

non-verbal,
man's them.

speech
or

of

has

parallel
we

in

acts,

deeds,

and

is known what it is
our

know the

But, being
omniscient
the evidences

through
finite

thought
can

of

an

thinker,
of the

thought

remark behind

his

shaping intelligence
manifestations.
and all for

and

beyond
truth
on a

phenomenal
all

The founds
merce
as

is that

knowledge,
arrangement
of mind.
ever

science,
com

concerted
as a

the

of the

mind,
of

discoverer other
can

truth, and
be
our

matter,

work
no

some

And, therefore,
certified
and
some

is it that

phenomena
on

explained except
other economy viewed. Talk
as we

condition
to
us

of

finding
the

mind, speaking
of
order

through
in the

rational inter

displayed
there is

things

may,

some

pre-adaption

in

CONCEPTIVE

PRESENTATIONS

103

the

things
a

about

us

vindicate this way

in mind

rational
our

by which they speak to explanation. And it is

thought
discovers in

us ever

and in

that

matter

(or
of

in all its
of
some

thought
mune

with
commune

Him

cannot

thought or power moods) some other thinker,and does really com with elder brother; for as an with anything, if its speech
the rational

it is

estranged
And

from

principleson
that,albeit
can

which

itself founds. therefore

not
as a

comes

it to pass is whom
the
an

every be
en

thing
treated deliver able
of

ourselves familiar

outsider, it
we

may
manner

interrogateand
of the redoubt
so, because

of his

ideas,after
For

Socrates. for tells

can

what its tale

to

is

orderly, is
is its constructor
a

reasons

it,and
some

speech
of

because rational,
to
or

all work mind

a

any

that

afford
own.

frame

thought,
claim certain

devise

work

of its

It is for

reasons

like

these

we

that, when
attributes
are

by
as

an

act

of

conception, we parcel of
a

affirm

part and

given object,we
held order.
to

in fact
unre-

affirmingthat laxing grip

Allow
an a

they

are

together by point.
do
we see

the

of law

and

illustration

the

We
?

are

look

ing
but

at

photograph. superficiesof
matter.

What paper the

Nothing however,
evidences

the

and

carpentry work,
moment,
for

every
our

whit

At be
or

same

will intelligence

searching
motive

the

of

design,meaning,
Now,

for its construction. is

method exactly the same wish to interpretnature. At we explained, she is nothing to us but

pursued

when before

as first, a

physical exci-

104

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

tation
our

in

the

sensorium;

something

exterior

to

perceptiveintelligence. But
a

being under

charge

pervading law of order, she speaks for, and Lawmaker, as vicariously proclaims,an omniscient of everything subject to that law. the true cause of these avail ourselves if we And explana now,
of

tions, we
causation
us

may

to infer

approach the problem of universal which under compel guide of evidences of creative the power thought, in order
for
a

to

account

law

of
know

cause

and

effect work.

impressed
suffi

upon

everything we
must to

of His in the

Yes, there
cient could

be power the
no

antecedent

produce
no

result ;

else

otherwise, there
even.

be

change,

no result,

universe

XI

And

right here

we

are

face

to

face with

an

objec

impeaches the logic of our The we point is made that, when from causation particularinstances
tion that
more

contention. infer of universal is

it, there

in

the
but

conclusion
a

than
I

will take
the

moment,
this famous

fallacy of
and

premises. It am persuaded, to expose The argument. logic of

the
for any

in

particularfacts
make,
for

is sufficient
our

conclusion
not

we

part,
at

we

would
see

have

it
no

disturbed.
more

We

may
the

least

that
a

there

is
cause

invalidityin
all

inference all

to

universal
than

pervading
ring
truth tion For many

things and
on

changes,

in infer

things
is actual
we

of which

everybody acts, but the of verifica beyond any possibility

observation
infer of the fact
sun

which

by

an

inferred. will rise to-

instance,

that

the

106

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

conceive

the is

one

without

the from

other.

Now,

the that

ar

gument
sequence

when, identical,
of
cause we

observing
obtains the law

the

and

effect infer

among

all
uni

things knowable,
versal.
of God's
see

that
to

is
a

And works whole.

yet this is but

to

infer from
we can

part
never

the

whole, though
and

the Here

too, premise
The
we

conclusion

are

consist

ent.

part
may
of

implies
vary
a
our

the whole.

But

argument,
of

so

as

to

state

it

in the

form

syllogism.
is
an

(1.)If
the
cause

there
of
cause

order

things

seen

to
a

evince

law
to

and
for

there effect,
order. from Now

is

rational
argu
a

account

this

this

ment

is nowise
to

different
It
"

that from

which
a

finds

back

the

moon.

proceeds
is effect
to
"

part known
in
can

by

observation
of be
cause

that and

say,
to
a

particular
part
human infer that

stances
never

known

by

any
are

amount

of
to

obser
cause
or

vation.
power

For,
to

if you

compelled
infer

account
as

for
to

particular results,you
cause or

are

compelled,
cient
to

well,
for

power

suffi

account

universal

results.

The

logic
uni

is irresistible.

(2.) We
versal should

may

state

the

major premise
thus
:

for

causation

somewhat
and of
a

If

the
as we

Creator
Jcnoiu

put

matter

mind,
law that this

so

far
cause

them, under
the inference

control

of

and will be

effect,
simi

is irresistible far time

as

they
He

so larly controlled supposing all the

creation has
and

extends;
created

that of

what
cause

discloses

the

consecutions

effect,
"

CONCEPTIVE

PRESENTATIONS

107

productive power
terned after of
can

and
manner

the

result of

produced,
"

pat mind,
into

the

those of

of

any

capable
what
law
out

the projecting

power

thought
is bound other
"

it

do.
"

For

all

thought

by
with

of order which

or discursive, logical,

it could

not

affirm
are

And of the
ence

here
moon

again, we
along with
some

anything. but bringing in

front,
"

the

back

the

logicalinfer
the

from others

particularfact, or

facts, observed,
For argu

to

ment cannot

incapableof observation. proceeds upon the fact that a

contradict
of the reason,
or

rational

power

in
; and

other that
a

words, the
our

logicalsweep
ence

evidence
we

infer
to

is

valid, when
an can

advance

from

part
and

the

whole with
gence,

of all
"

order

of transformation of
we more

co-extensive
intelli

we even

affirm

God's may

works
never

though
know

know,
this order of the the

by
of

direct

observation, any
we

about the
centre
or

things than
or

about solar

earth,
of

the
moon

centre

of the

system,
on

back

the

; all which

is affirmed

evidence

from

facts. particular

This

argument
with
law

supposes

also

that

we

are

com

puting
with
of
some we a

the effective of causation and

work which

done

in

conformity
the
as

evidences

force
seen

constructive
have

creative the

thought,
in the

in all

observed

in
even

specialconsecutions
antecedent
result.

of

cause

and

effect,
"

power the

to produce speciallyqualified

unique

Tons of

of

coal

burning
send

in the
a car

open
to

air at the

city
But Be-

Baku

will

never

Tashkend.
wherefore!

constructive

thought

will.

But

108

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

cause

it is from

taught
have of and
cause

of the

lore

of

caught omniscience,
cause

up

particular instances
we

of and

and

effect;
the
con

because secutions ourselves

argue

remarked and

affirmed what
we

effect in

know
we

of
can

the

external
we

world;
see we

because
measure or

from
a

any

work
or

to

the

and
not

qualityof
"

mind,
as we our

man,

cannot,

do

see,

and

we

act

logic impels us.

We

infer and

do, and

do

as

infer.
XII

I conclude

this branch

of

our

subject Avith
of

some

general observations.
Mind
can

affirm
do It
must
more

evidences than pass

mind.

But

this

mind
nomena.

must

simply
the

observe

phe

beyond
it would
from

phenomenal
a

manifestations tive
in power.

of

truth, if beyond by

be
the

construc

It must
to

advance the

evidences observa The

hand,
smoke

truths

reach

of

tion, but
and
a

supported
that small

the
a

evidence. lime-kiln
are

light

flicker in

certainly
unseen

conspicuous
of

fact,readily seen.
which
the
we

The

core
110

fire

within, without
no

there

had

been

smoke done
some

and

nicker, is
all

real efficient of the

must

work of
to

; so, of

work,

affirm

power

kind
a

in

the

antecedent

speciallyqualified
talk about
us

produce
The time

given result.
for all

this

loud

science,
all

small

facts, agnosticism, etc., giving passed.

as

truth,
are

has

say

candidly
of such

that

these

facts

important,
reach

evidences number

for facts

of any

placed beyond the but agnostic, scientific,

CONCEPTIVE

PRESENTATIONS

109

discoveries.
mous

The either her law

with
a

purely phenomenal is not entire being or thought.

OAvn

synony Nature and

has

logic of
"

planted in
sundering
the

her of

statics

dynamics
which the facts

for the interaction

our

all entities from

inhibits which

evidential

they evidence, the part from the whole, the outer from the inner, the phenomenal the portent-maker. the real,the portent from from
The its

phenomenal,
source so

the
more

outer, etc.,must

be chased

to

in
we

some
are

pregnant fact.

And sion
cance

brought

again
is

to

our

old conclu the

that, when
of

thought

affirming
manner

signifi
of work

things lingering in all

it

and

being
of

is,in

one

way

or

other, recasting the

all His works with

thought
countless
Here

Him

who

informed

traces

of constructive be allowed

thought.
incidental
men

I would
some

to make

tion with
For
use

of
our
we

conceptions
have
own

resorted

to in connection

personal well-being.
to

discover, not alone, how

and of

to

make

of
how

our

faculties
wants

things

not

ourselves,
on

but

to

meet

all of which

depend
wants

cal
can

culation, judgment, and

have
some
no

foresight;
of

which

being,

until

mediated
our

and

authorized needs.

by
And is

rational
so

conception
mind

higher mightier

it is

that,whenever
exercise
an

any

advanced
a

conception
power, wins

reached, the

becomes

and,
for

by
and

an

of its then of

mightier
end. not

powers,

itself

order

constructive

informations, more
inclosed of its

more

potent,

to the

And,

therefore, thought is
with the

mere

content subjectivity,

aspects literary

110

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

but acquisitions,

self-conservingenergy,
whose salient function

discover is
a con

ing informations
structive

support for conduct.

has
some

Moreover, thought
structive very

conceptive and
from with

con

intimations, vaguely outlined

of its

the

beginning
as

acquaintance
external

external
con

nature,
nections.
mean, and

I have For

heretofore
an

explained

in other

whatever has

impression

may

that
all the

meaning

to be

excogitated of mind,

underlying the sensorial impression have to be remarked, and wrought out, for solely by a careful sifting of the evidences
them;
that is to
we

connotations

say,

we

search

for
are

them,
which

and

if

peradventure
more

affirm

them, they
of the

avouched

by
evi

rational
them.

conception
have
I

facts

dence

And, therefore,
not
seen a

explained
organ

that

they

are

by

an

external discursive
in

for which

perception,but
unfolds
we

by

power

of

vision

and

affirms
some

attributes

objects, wherein
mind way of Him of who
a

descry
of

evidence
; this

of the

constructed

them

being

His

bringing
with
ours.

product
For

His

thought into communion

confronts of its
our

there
con

is, in whatever
structive tells
some

a intelligence,

make-up
tale of

significant attributes
and
so

that
some

maker,

evidences

aspect of His
And it makes

thought.
no

whether difference,
or

we

know

an we

object by
have the the
a

perception
conviction

conception,

if

only
; and
a

valid

resting on
in

evidence of

to

the only proof knowing intelligence

fact is

evidence

of

thought

seen

the

constructive

CONCEPTIVE

PRESENTATIONS

111

behavior correlations.

of

things,

their

special

attributes

and

Certainly,
say
we

nothing think,
of any and

could much rational

be less

more

absurd
converse

than

to

could
void

with,
It
must

an

object
have

construction.
so

attributes

potencies

correlated

as

to

provoke
It
seems

rational

scrutiny.
therefore,
we

evident,
in which with rational evident for

that all

the

field
must

of

exploration,
be avouch
It

gather

our

ideas,
which built have

built
some

up

significant
story that,
if of
we

traits Him did

who
not

will
it

up.

is

also

this

rational could

basis

discovery
those which for
to future

and

interpretation,
and
to

we

never

acquire

constructive
enable
us

pro
out

spective
a

informations conduct

block

line

of this

day.
such witness all

For

depending

from

power is which the

interpret
to

characteristic
for

phenomena
purposes
turn

power
over

aims and

and in

pass
our own

into

we

do,

so

manifest
But I

thoughts.
to

now

turn

another

chapter,

where

my

contention

may

be

further

explicated.

CHAPTER

XI

MORAL

CONCEPTIONS

THE
ent

work that

of

responsible
in the

being
realm from
of

is

totally
matter.

differ
It is

from

found

likewise
processes be
now

diversely separated
which that
a

the

subordinate
It

develop
correct

the
account

intelligence.
of that

is to
can

hoped
be

work

given.
I

I tude

am

presently
of
we

to

contemplate
moral

mind

in

the

atti

conceiving
act to
we

informations.
ends
or

Having
and
can

these,
take

in

view

of

purposes, if
we

pains

secure

them. company

But

lack last

these

informations,
of
our

part

with

the

vestige

nobler is
a

humanities.

Man in
order

personal
maintain
and

unit moral for

that

combats views
and

all

comers, that

to

aims;
of,

cultivates, potencies,
values

allows

the

action their
of

exterior ;

Avhilst the

commanding
moral thus
what

services

that
and of

equally

qualities
he and shall
a

thought
do,
in

conduct,
the tion And the
range

devising
sanctions

view assump

moral of his

evoked,

personal

obligations.
we

here
of

have

achievements

quite

beyond
not resorts to

involuntary pupillary

transformations,
as

mention

such

training
112

the

mind

114

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

to make

vessel

unto

honor,
thus

and
a

another

unto

dis
to
a

honor";
material

commanding
agency.

result

denied

II

But

the

point

am

now

making
successful animals
can

does

not

rest It

solelyon
is
to
an

man's

power

of that

reasoning.
do the
same

easy

inference
of

the

extent

their
are

arrested
as

and capacities, free

as man.

to

that then

extent

they
the

quite
so

What and He

makes

latter from any

preeminently human,
them
? Let
us see a

therefore

distinct

begins
he

life without it

knowledge.
For order he
to

In

moment

is

seeking
for of

eagerly.
that
to

has
a

to

discover
on

everything
own

himself, in
him do.

hold

his his

way

so life,

what

he

does

is what

discoveries

lead

Indeed, if his informations

him

had

been

delivered

to

by

direct infusion
of

of divine

and illumination,

without

his power would

of
not
a

deliberate
even

scrutiny
the And

and

sanc

tion, he
the he had

have
free

faintest

hint

of

functions all

agent.
at

furthermore, if
could
not

knowledge
of had
our

birth,he
discursive
of

be free unless

after the

manner

humanity,

perchance
moral

he

some

way

comparing
between

different else

and traits,

exercising
in

some

or elective,

repressive, vehemence,
Moreover,
not

choosing

them. did

if his

singular faculty of thought

his reach manifold would
an

bring within
to

informations
an

inaccessible
all essentials.

animals, he
But he

be

animal,

in

is not

animal, and
one.

cannot

be

brought into psychological parity with

MORAL

CONCEPTIONS

115

Confessedly,there
dom is of
seen

are

many

limits
to

to

the

free

both. in the

marked

limitation which

the

animal
more

ordinance powers.
an

its prescribes for

man

feeble

intellectual
so

That

does

not

spring
from

much

from

originalabridgment
is reaction of

of his

faculties
as

(for their
the

range

unlimited) practically
some

conservative

of

his

advanced

his informations, especially the mind itself.

Man

moral and

judg
will

ments, upon
not

cannot

do many

things, within
because and
he force

easy is
a

reach
law

of his moral
unto

powers,

simply
the lie

himself,
concep any
ex

through
tions,

dignity
in

of his moral
to

may

increase

knowledge
is
But

tent, and
power. conform
to

increase

of is

knowledge granted.
and
some

increase power

of
must

That

much

knowledge,

knowledge
will

is stur

in its teachings,and dily repressive acts accordingly. our

determine

Remark upon We the

the

consequences.
or

We

fix
to

attention be done.

right
we

wrong

of

something
do
some

ought, or
We

ought not, to
The
us a

particular
move

thing.
but there

hesitate.
upon
we

wheels solemn
away

of life
sense

on,

comes

of
in

righteous
exchange
For
us

restraint,which
for

cannot

with,
of

the

less

restricted
our

liberties

animals.

indeed, though
to
new

intelligence sends giftlier

we come we

off
a

the

school
over

of

morals, and
of the

away have of

with

power
a

conduct, yet because

conversation
must

risen

to
our

knowledge
walk
to

obligatory character
and

right,
con

and the

henceforth

form

constraining pressure,
our new

corrective

of discipline,

master.

116

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

Nevertheless, man
tions
For in

is his
order

free,by right

of

informa
efforts.

achieved these
are

by
in

unique
to

intellectual
But has
now

power.

that,
a

virtue

of

moral is
no

moral but
ence as

he self,
must to

he informations, longer free to act his every

or a

become

without
in

them,
defer

go

into

act

of

choice

such

restrictive
soul

repressiveconsiderations
conscious his way
of

inspire his by
moral for
now

with

responsibility
life is deter license. In

for his acts.

Thenceforth,
unrestrained the

mined

conceptions, not
and

by

exchange
he has

unbridled

impulses
of moral and

constraint disciplinary wide vistas

and of

truth,unfolding
Yes,
forth It is

the

supremacy

sovereignty of right
even

righteous governance.
cannot
now

thought
many

itself

lead

him

into

possible and
some

practicable ventures.
very truths it has dis

estopped by
It may

of the

and discursively, mayhap to perilouslengths, as aforetime,but every tells in the steady strengthening of such excursion in turn the judgment will affirm And judgment. and validate,with ever-increasing emphasis, the duty, obligation, conceptions of right and wrong, covered. still go
etc.

forward

But

this

last

achievement and that

remits

man

to

the
con

primacy science,giving him

for conduct

inexorable

rigorous reprisals of
authoritative
on

delimitation

which

builds

moral

convictions.

Ill

My

next

study

is the

part played by mind

I need
not

in

acquiring moral

informations.

say

that

MORAL

CONCEPTIONS

117

this is done

by
now

the

methods

of

scrutinyand logical
of conscience. And sole
an

judgment.
We
actor
are

in

the

sphere
of

The

is

unit

of

moral work

powers.
a

the

thing
whose

done

is therefore

the

agency

are sovereign prerogatives use

put

to

interchangeable
in

between

all the

members,
the

which,
of

turn,

serve

it in accordance which

with

scheme

subordination

their prescribes there has

or can

functions. be
no

However,
until the the

personalresponsibility

actor

constraint,
of their

of himself consciously informed which signalizes the urgency,

authority
formed
of

moral

convictions.

He

must

be

in

awful
he

affirm,or opine,that
of

he must significance. And is bound by his conceptions

right and

wrong,

even

though
here

he

may

outrage

conviction The tion

swer

by

bad
comes
on

conduct.
up
:

question
in

Whence it found power

or over

this ?

obliga
an

morals

what
as a

does
of

Our

is that
a

man,

unit
the
or

conduct,
be

frames

judgment

of

good
their
as

bad

in qualities
to

his

acts, and

conceives,
evalue
to himself

affirms, himself
commission.
or

personallyresponsiblefor
this
him But human

And

power in
to
a

to

acts

good

bad, places
his

rank be
more

among

terrestrial creatures.
of

explicit:Because
is constrained and their

uniquely
of

gifts,he
sanctions
of

(as a

discoverer

moral viction

his

employment. personal motor

to act from con a stress) their for personal responsibility seeing their obligatory For, once

character, the force

of

the

obligationis

felt to be

in all that

pertainsto

conduct.

118

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

IV

Why
acts

conception
up
a

of the

moral

qualitiesof
we are

our

turns

further
to

conception, that them,

acts

per

sonallyunder
interest.
In

bonds other

is

matter

of curious
a

language, why
of

does

rational
wrong

witnessing
come

of
to

individual
us,
as

right
to

and

back
?

persons

open

their

moral

pressure An

answer

might be gathered from

We
are

previous

dis

cussions.
transcendence of

referring
human
reason can

to

that

astounding
we

of

by
grasp

which the

alone
of
a

all

God's

creatures

idea

righteous power
For power

seated

in such

every

moral

conception.
discovers
and

he

who
over

discovers

knowledge,

its

conduct; judging himself,

and the

others,
his very

by

what

he

they

do ;

even

appraising

thoughts
I take I

by

potencies
diverse
you
are

which

distinguish,and
of I the

emphasize,
put

their

characters.
now aware

it that the

estimate
of

on

mind

of

animals.

spoke

their

allow being as clear as that of man, perspicacity for their narrower horizon. ance They being made reason quite knowingly, within their confined out and aims which ends look. they They have even but they stop short of the Heaven-born pursue, and affirmed by the broader discovered distinctions, and which
in

deeper
moral

intellectual

vision
comes

of

man, of
to

in
an

virtue

of

he distinctions, sanctions

to know

austerity
feebler
in
an

utterly unknown
lack
power of

telligences. They
articulate

mind

to

frame

conception

of the

divine

mission

of

right

MORAL

CONCEPTIONS

119

to rule
reason

in the that

realm

of morals. power,
as

And

it is for this and

moral

both

constructive

beauties, humanities, and conceptiveof the equities, to soul,is unknown duties,and culture of a human
them.
But

wherein of
man
"

lies the

diversely marked
that he
as

ority
with

seeing
demit
to

also those

is

superi hedged in
? is

limitations,as inviolable
can or one

of animals

For, neither
to to

iota of what
But
man

peculiar

himself,
him the in

itself.

has

committed

human strictly deference

extent
to
a

charge of doing right or

wrong,

conception giftlier obligation.

our

of

the

steps and
the
meum

of
tuum

the of

He

discovers in

and this

humanities, and

acquiring
sanctions. It is to

knowledge

he

acquiresits obligatory
a

be

remembered, however, that, on

with this
human
meum

first

acquaintance
the mine and
see

and of

tuum,

thine, the right and

the actions of the first that

wrong

morals,
actors.

etc.,we
This And of

only
is
me our

different

alone let

seeing.
it is
to

add
wrong

just here
emerge

that
in and

the

ideas

right and
concrete
:

begin

through
in

their way

relations.

And and and of

it

occurs

this
acts

On

one

seeing himself,
of
mine

others, doing

involving questions
wrong,

thine, right and

remarks which that claims actions is not

he

is in the of those

attitude
acts.
a

conceiving the moral

he

character
are

For

they
and and

accredited

by

certain
over

tone

enforces
among
an

precedence
all
men.

all

other
seen

But

the

thing
wrong

wholly

apprehension of right and

in the concrete,

120

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

nor

even

judgment
more.

of

the

act.
or

It is

further

qualityof the judgment of approval

moral
or

censure

of

the

act, as

good intrinsically
the latter's

bad

in the

doer, conies

in to affirm

responsi
sits in

for bility

its commission.

It is to be

observed, too, that

approves, of
or

the

one

who is

judgment,
himself ulars them.
tion of
so

and

reprehends,
in qualities

having partic against,

affirma We
an

informed

the he
act

such
or

of

conduct, that
But

can

side

with,

this is

an

of

choice,or
evidence
one

the

personal preference,on
he

for it.
or

conclude, therefore, that when

act

sees,
or

does,
he

which

conceives

to

be

right

wrong,

is

in fact

adjudging himself to be a right or wrong time, vis doer; affirming choice,and, at the same moral himself the reprisals of selfiting upon For the judgment is that, approval, or rebuke.
inasmuch be
as

he

is the

doer
or

of else

the

act, he

is to

personally commended,
case,

either

he

is

upheld
asserts he

reprehended. In by that fealty to him

of his moral convic

self,and
tions sides eschews

the which

accepted
he

stress
a

by

personal preference,or
so or

with his

what
own

does, and
as

commends in the

or

acts,

good
the

bad,
of

light

of his moral

conceptions.
thus,
from
a

And when is also

an

ever one

hour of
or

reaches

judgment
of

affirmingone
or

praise

responsibility, he right or wrong, censure (which is

he is there

affirmative also and these

and negative choice), his

fore

affirming
conduct.
reasons,

for personal responsibility

choice
For

therefore, I regard

judgment

122

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

personal implication
view. sive
I go
sume

with is but

the
an

moral

acts

had

in

Much

of pure
my
own

this and

exercise But
or

of
we

discur say
; I
as
:

power, upon the

or

simple.

until
wrong

opinion, right
my

sole

for responsibility
we can

every

effective
are

choice

act; until

say
a

this, we

not

evoking
or

the moral

stringencyof
the soul

judgment
in it
more

of

right
than

wrong.

We

see

then

that

has and

intellectual be
aware

conceptions,pure
of
our

simple. paused
in

For,

to

only

affirmations simply intelligent

But
to be
a

is to be
of

simply gnostic.
to

state

moral

tension,by questions which

catch
to

call for final in moral

action, is

the

idea
in

of

power all

conceptions
of

bear

rule mine

deciding

questions
but

right and

wrong,

and

thine, equity, justice,

etc.

It is to

be

not
as

only competently moral,

well.
or

competently human,
It the

may

take
of

longer

shorter this last

a

time

to

make of

point
in

welcoming
as

discovery
law

reason, choice conduct. carry

out

revealing,
the The

it

does,
of
a

new

aspect of
for

constraints essential

righteous
is

thing

faithfullyto

its behests.
VI

But
our

is the

authority of
for

unaided

human sway of

reason

sole

support
if

this

universal
as

right ?
to to

Certainly not,
show, every

indeed,

have is
so

endeavored far
to
an

exterior it leads

power

aid

thought

that

it forth

afield

its wider

supports.

MORAL

CONCEPTIONS

123

But finite sonal

must

thing superior to point to some thought for an obligation so intensely per that it vehemently cries out: "Something
cannot
we

be

done, and
me,

something
to

other
test

must

not

"

Allow
a

however, first
of

the

strength of

judgment
a more

right
not, as
of
an

and

wrong.

The

for

careful It is view

treatment I have

than before may

give

it.

subjectcalls I can pretend to to take a stated,

to be
to

careless either

act that

be conceived

right or
value
so

wrong.

It is rather

discover, and
of individual

put

upon, be in demerit
mere

the
a

right and

wrong

acts, and
merit and
a

positionto award and apportion to the respective actors.

may of
no

Now,
its
a

casuist the

make this

what

his

little
But

pate pleases of
one

force trait

judgment.
can

ineffaceable

man

disturb.
in

As
con

psychologicalconstituent, imbedded it so commands our ception itself,

it
can never

the

homage

that

be divested
our

of

one

iota of its

peculiar

stress But

upon

conduct.
to
our

to return
own

inquiry !
as seen

As

the

affirmance

of
of

our our

moral

powers,

in the

oughtness

is the subjectiveground of our conceptions, so a conception of divine as intelligence, obligation, of moral moral and originalfurnisher our governor
must susceptibilities, tive discovery.

reinforce

the

earlier

subjec
is
seen

For, when
to

the

idea

of and

right and
beneficent

wrong

be

fundamental

conception
home

of
to

One

inexorably just,the obligationcomes

us, fortified

further!

justified by divine When, by the help of this

and

sanctions. wider and

And diviner

124

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

knowledge,
esties of

we

pause

to

estimate

the

practical hon
our

conduct, we
a

shall side with

judgment
for what is ourselves

with emotionally, involved in

an

profounder regard
for which
we

act

deem

personallyresponsible.
VII

As
our

further

qualificationand
of
I

contention,in respect
the
the

the

development of of thought march

a

into upon

realm

of

morals,
of
a

submit

few

remarks

problem
not

revelation

of morals the

by

God.

This tioii

I may

linger upon,
else the

because
we

Eevela-

like everything itself,

witness

for,can
of

be accredited transformations what

we

only through

evidences

moral

and in
were

perpetually affirmed in affirming others are doing and thinking when

engaged
which it evidences And
for

our

ordinary avocations, and without utterly impossible to appreciate the

Revelation. have the reader
to

for

here,

I would for

pardon
to

me

making

room

sundry statements,
and

prevent

misconception.
I
am aware

that
are

all civilized

Christian

peo

sedulouslytaught of the ideas of morals by pious parents, pastors, Sunday schools, ad the catechism, etc. But whilst Bible classes, contending for is that mitting all this, what I am if man, the Revelation fail of effect, would even or and the child, lacked capacity to remark upon, what founded for morals on evalue, the evidence
ples,nowadays,
we

observe

of

our

acts.
our

For

if these

acts

have

no

moral

significanceto

the intelligence,

Revelation

MORAL

CONCEPTIONS

125

could
man

never can

be

accredited

to

us.

The
or see

truth,

is,no

believe

anything,Eevelation
he
can

not, unless
abundant Belief

from

and
must

point of view overwhelming evidences

his human have evidence of
some

of

its truth.
to

kind
to
us

support it.
in

If,

for

instance, it were
sun

revealed is borne

of the nineteenth the heavens

him

century that the

aloft that

by

pair

of

enormous

wings

propelled
be
a

through

the

immensities, this would

revelation of any

because incredible, absolutely tangible evidence.

absolutely void
!

But,
were

now,

note

distinction that in and

If, for instance, we

sun

told

by

scientists spaces he
we

the

sailed

through
would be
to

the

interminable which that

reasons

quest of little pelletsof

fire, upon
a

fed

fattened,this
in

revelation

might,

time, be taught
allowance

accept, for ing made

dimly plausible ;
such

be

for in

any

poetic or literaryembellishments
a

employed
ery, and the the lookout
sun

announcing
for

sensational

discov
now,
on

remembering
the
or

that

science of

is,even
the way fires.
average

discovery
If

in which

keeps
is

up,

his replenishes,
a.ny
one

So gence

of Eevelation.

of

intelli believe of God

given

show

of he

evidence, he
has moral
if
a

will

it,the
in the he
at

more

so, because
seen

revelation

as flesh,

in the

conceptions
it be that
we

which

achieves.

And,
have

therefore,
to

accredited

all, it will
of mental

lean

upon

God-given
the

reach
austere

vision of

by

which
For

conceive human of the

sanctions

morals. and

conduct concep

is determined tions that

enter

by

the tenor

tone

into it.

126

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

But

how
had

fares

the

moral

attitude

of There morals

peoples
are

who

have such

no

revealed
Have

religion? they
Her
no

many
?

even

now.

Take

China,
and morals

for

an

example.
braved the
?

sturdy
of of teach

civilization time from Who Chris Paul

"

have

the

ravages

period taught
tian

anteceding
them morals
at he

pyramids
Who before that could the the
if

Egypt.
them of St.

morals,
even

any confessed

time

days
heathen this

But,
law

were

unto

themselves." whence

But,
came

their

law

was

not

revelation,
of

it, except
the "law."

through
On without the

power other morals

mind
if

to

conceive show
to

hand,
of
I
some

you
kind

me

people
eccentric

steady
a

its
of

gyra

tions,
wretches.

will

show

you

mob

unintellectual

CHAPTER

XII

EESTATEMENTS

SOME

desultory remarks,
may find of

growing
here. within fade

out

of

previous

discussions,
1. In

place
objects
would
same

default of

reach into

of

mind,

the

power

thought
the

nothingness.
be
the
zero.

Without

mind,
if
our

objects
are

would

Again,
to

informations would
out

imperfect,

power if not

shape

conduct rooted
we

be

equally imperfect,
For,

wholly

of

being.
a

just

as

we

lack
in

knowledge,
all
our

suffer

corresponding
is added
came

shortage
power.
to
us

possibilities.
if

Wisdom
never

And with other

therefore,
a

thought

home for

distinct
we

accession should We

of be

power
more

combating
conditioned slaves.

powers, those
2.

than be their

by

powers.
In

should
I

these
upon
an

remarks,
one
or

am

endeavoring
:
"

to

fix

attention

two

points
God,

(a) By
whose tive. power dom with
no

ordinance of power

of is

there
of

are

sensations initia
our

source

outside and

man's

And of

being

outside,

therefore with

beyond
our

initiation, they
more

interfere

free

than

our

bodily
being

members

interfere

it; their
of

office

determined
for

by

preus

arrangement
into
a

superior
we

wisdom,
can

helping

position
the

where
same

help

ourselves.
course,

(b) By

ordinance
127

(of

with

the

128

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

there is body, sensation,environment, etc.) the plane of being the faculty for projected upon

help

of

discursion discover
a

and

personal power,
of deal of with

whose
and

office it is to
our

knowledge thereby
view

ourselves

exteri

and orities,
not

ourselves,and things

ourselves,in
we

for personal responsibility

what
3.
cance

do.

When that

things appeals

are

it significant, mind. And

is their

signifi
reason,

to

for that

the

makes active,curious,seeing intelligence

oppor obscure
some

tunity of everything about

and unobtrusive

it,even
turn

the most them

and For
to

traits, to
with
our

ad

vantage connected
and every
upon

hopes

manner fears,

plan
one

of

life, business, etc.

of the rational

the

future he

of

is born

estimate
hid

puts
in the
con

the

or significance, meaning,

away
which
not

appearance
front

and

behavior

of

the if
not

things
we

his

intelligence. And, signs, we

be
noted could up

could

inter
in

pret these

employ

them

mapping
4. have
me

out, and

working
that

to, our
in all my

future.

It is to

contention,I
to act
on

given
for

sensor

irritations
not

the

power

dynamically, though
have
my and
OAvn

cogni lively; whereas

free
to act

part, left myself

dynamically. Now, if this be a correct psychology, cannot thought affirm my exterior these dynamics, and so get me, thus far, the road to a more familiar on acquaintance with neighbors, and the mine and thine of our inter my You course. supplant my thought, see, they cannot But here the though they can, and do, act on me. act for, or reciprocity is thoroughgoing. I cannot
cognitively
even

PART

III

INFORMATIONS
OF POWER THE

CHAPTER

XIII

INTRODUCTORY

REMARKS

IN

the

preceding
of
are

discussions,
we

offered

some

ex

planations
that

how

acquire knowledges
achievements,
mind.
I

holding

they

conscious of

and, therefore,
now

faithful different. been

now
"

products,

My

object

is
we

quite
have
are

Hereafter,

shall with what

POWER

presume

that

measurably
casting
about is

stocked
to
see

knowledge,
we
"

and with inasmuch

can

do

it.

Knowledge

(personal)
we are

and,

as,

by supposition,
its

now

somewhat

conversant

with of
an

pretensions,

I feel

like of

giving

it the

benefit

experimental
is
;

display
that
I
as

its

peculiar
have

dynamics.
to

It ideas

apparent
but
not

shall
mere

still

do

with I
am

now,
as

acquisitions,
dominating
to

for

regarding They
are,

them

potencies

conduct.

therefore,
factors

henceforth,
in It

be

viewed

as

personal
work of

employed
in

consummating
will be
my in

the

thought
to

hand. the

aim,
conduct

ac

cordingly,
is the

show of

that

real

efficient

power

knowledge,
etc.

information,

opinion,

conception,

judgment,

You Locke

are

doubtless likens mind

familiar
to 133
a

with sheet

the of

theory
paper

of

which

blank

134

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

written attention. the

even

upon

by

sensations
a

and

foisted

upon

our

Such

crude

theory effectually estops

for
the

individuality of thought,
sensitive. and
It

paper
and

is not

is

blank, simply
It has
no

sheerly
is

passive

receptive.
own.

activitywhich
know
a

its distinctly
nor

It

can

neither

sensation,
It has
no

define
of

its functions

and

connectives.

way

acquiring knowledge.
let the paper

But

theory
But

pass.

Locke is

would

deny
the
not

much

of all this.

Locke could
a

inconsequent, accomplish
We
can

inconsistent, and vacillating,

not

impossible. delay
upon
my

His

theory is
task

failure.

it. immediate that

not

However,

is to show what

that

it is

misleading, in
to

it dwells
on

upon

is delivered
does. I shall

thought, and Nevertheless,

what

thought
that

presently make thought

offered
up
some

this

point. noteworthy
on

it is
a

the

office of have

has many

been
a

mystery

which

writers

brave

conjecture, without
now

clearing
to

the

mystery. mystery

But,

that the

we

begin
the

make

steady

progress

in

remorseless
as

capture of
facts
ac

facts, the
cumulate.

may

subside

II

Availing myself
venture
to

of

these
a

recent

advances,
more

I may

pronounce of

theory
as a

in

keeping
energy

with

the

power

thought,

discursive

competent
Locke tions
in

for its summoned

appointed
us

work. the power of

sensa

to note

furnishing thought

with

something

for

its

INTRODUCTORY

REMARKS

135

study.
this
to

In
be

I spirit of liberality,

may

presume

Locke's

view.

And

it is On the

correct, when contrary, and

relieved
in order

of its one-sidedness.
to

clear upon

up what upon of

the

trast, dwell
energy with sonal

working
the
to

problem, I would, in con thought does as a discursive but ever itself, things not
some

intention itself.

promoting

interest

per

My theory
children fast and

of little exemplifiedby the spectacle playing in my front yard. Snow is falling sportingin its fleecy furious, and they are is the the

folds, delightedly imbibing

power,
For

joy

of

childish

spite of struggleswith
chubbiest cheek
among

warring elements.
has
the
cour

the

them

age

of his with

infantile the

and convictions, of
a

welcomes

the

fray
The of

enthusiasm

would-be

Eoman

gladiator.
reader may And
contrast

this be that of

picture
began

with this

that
con

Locke.

it
in

might
mind

helpful,in
I

nection, to bear
tions with
a

my

lucubra It will environ

little that

nursling
we saw

the

cradle.

be remembered

it

battlingwith
the

inner etc., ment, conditions,

For
we

and

outer, innumerable.
full benefit
And now,
our

allowed

these

exteriorities limited should

of their
it is

but offensive, fair that

we

dynamics.
be
as

only
of

liberal with for

a

child, giving it,likewise, an

opportunity
Every
the the waxed
kindest

dis

play
on

its counter-activities. child And

up
was we

power

acting

the

greeted with explained

is how and

apprecia
For

tions.

youngster gladly
stronger.
power. And

caught

knowledge,

getting knowledge

gettingpersonal

136

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

now,

it behooves
"

power,

seen

in and
act

frankly children,and
us men are so

to

acknowledge
in
men.

this And

seen

yet children

very,
of

very

finite that

they
act
on

cannot

in So

disregard
of all

the

objectswhich
; for

them.

things

exterior the

these

also
act
on

are

similarlyconditioned
them. heretofore
man,
or or

by
upon

objects that
all this. For

I have

remarked
or

child
or

or

animal

thing, or
and laws

"

principalities
to

powers," by

things present
fundamental

come,

are

bound and

the

for
come

their of
some an a

being
sudden

interactions.
roots

They
I have

did

not

without

extending away
all these

back

to

original expla
little

thought
nation
to unfold

in God.
of

likewise

offered

how the

exteriorities

contributed
our

slumbering intelligenceof
as a

folk, giving it place

by

reason

of

its

uniquely personal and preeminent moral, discursive,

power all these human distinctively

progressive traits.
Children
then traits, !
to revert to

have

Otherwise,
comes

my

whence illustration, and Is muscle

the

this

sportive tilt
forth
of

of

mind
?

with veri
re even

the table
sources a

pitilessforces stepping
other than

of nature
a

it not

with counter-activity
and

material

naturalistic energy that of

conscious, eager,
as can

thoughtful
the
no

makes
?

conquest,
Mind knows.

it cultivates
no

powers

thought
as

have

life and it is
so once

activity except
known that
our

it is

For,

when

that nature

governed by laws

tempered
their

finite intel and

ligence

can

discover

meaning,

employ

138

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

coordinates
a

the

parts

or

attributes
we

which
are

constitute enabled
to

concrete

object,or
and
the of

objects,as
them

conceive

affirm mutual different

and

their

kindred

affilia

tions,or
a

dependence subsistingbetween objects interacting under

that all such the

group

law

for their social intercourse.

I need
are

scarcelyrepeat
up from

informations self
in

worked

the

things

of

and
order

its
to

and exteriorities,

carefully compared,
our

strengthen
of

and

extend
to

own
our

powers,

every
or

item

which

tends
; for

increase

personal
enable

individ
us

ual powers
for

such

conceptions
are

to

act to

ourselves, and

hence

prized according
our

their

efficiencyin
are
our

accomplishing conceptions,
is
or

purposes.

They
duct.

true

informations,
con as an

being discursive,constructive, and

And
here truth

efficient in
so

valued, not

much

isolated but and

as a

idea, good for its spectacular significance, something

up into other
we

would

carefullyinquire
relations
we

into
our

work and
secret

its distinctive
from

to

selves
some

things
or

which

would

wrest

of power,

advantage
am

to

ourselves..
to
ones con
:

Now,

it is this last class I

proposing
subordinate

sider ; and

it is divided

into

two

"

(1) Preparatory Informations. (2) Actile or Ultimating Informations.

I facts
am

not

now

concerned

with
to

describing the
either

mere

of

conception,
is to of

proper

class.
to

My
acts,

main

object
power
us

call attention

to, and

empha
our

size,the

knowledge
and

remarked

in

giving

the

operative

finalizing aspect of

knowledge.

INTRODUCTORY

REMARKS

139

One

more

remark

Mind
whether

is

equally
engaged

active,
in

effi

cient, ing,
is it. tions such born It
or

and

constructive,

acquir

utilizing
of is the

knowledge.
constructive
true

For

every

conception
that

exploitations
that the the

achieve

nevertheless

mind's

acquisi
stress

are

one

thing,
in another

and

ultimating
the

of and

acquisitions
of

actualizing thing.

purposes

plans

life,

is

CHAPTER

XIV

PREPARATORY

INFORMATIONS

HERETOFORE

I have

been
as

engaged

in

the

study
to

of do

informations,
with
as

but What
or

not

yet concluding
now

what

them.

propose

is to

regard
before

them
con

discoveries
as a

achievements,
or

standing

duct
cause

ready,
a

else

expectant,

impulsion
or

or

exercising
over

directive, controlling,

decisive

power

conduct.
I

explain
the

briefly. metamorphic
on

All

knowledge

is

obtained
and

through

scrutiny
We of process
and
we

of

attention and

affirmation,

evidence.
an

observe

distin

guish
on

parts

in

ensemble this

contents,
is

i.e., judge
to, it

evidence.

And
a

resorted

may of

be, with
clearer

blushing
even

halting
are

anticipation
our

results,
a

when and

demarking
subtle
or

first

ideas;

subsequent
in discursive
For

more

elabora proper
very

tion

bringing

informations

rational

discoveries. of its career,

mind,

even

at

the

beginning ing
order
of to

must

inspect

the

instreamin

exterior
construct

(or

even

interior) impressions
of them.

ideas

II

But
as are

what framed

concerns

us

now

are

such ulterior

informations

in

view

of

some

result, and,

140

PREPARATORY

INFORMATIONS

141

for that tive.

reason,

are

both

constructive

and

prospec

Here, the

but acquisitive, preparing for a

only inquisitiveand of innovation, a pronounced power of thought. It will, there work

soul is not the and

fore,have
own,

to

ascertain powers,
a

and

other in

practicallimits of its the participa measure

future, and
discoveries that And
so as

tion be may
some

of each
a

result make
to

still in the
use

in

positionto
the way

of such
a

open

complete
it

work

conceived ascertain

advantage
what it it and
ere

to itself.
can

promises here, too,

what it

it must

do,
most

and

also

prefers doing;
this

must,
can ever

acquire literally, intelligently

knowledge,
and

become

active
I
am

directive.

struct

We

proceeding cautiously. For I have to con I advance, in tenebras,in ignotum. as my way knowledges ; are, as I said,about to apply our
them
as

employing
which
in
to
we are

powers

going
But

into

deeds

for

responsible.
of what We
we

this cannot
to

be done conducive

disregard
our

conceive be

be

preparing to do reason a contemplated work, for some intensely and human personal. The logic of enlightened is to know and do. self-interest and self-protection for our keep a sharp lookout And, therefore,we
good. interests,seeking
need when
we come we

shall,hence,

such

informations

as

we

may

to act.

Observe
our

that

have

now

reached

stage in

we begin to psychological pilgrimage where etc., project desires,hopes, fears, joys, purposes, our bearing upon happiness, and to ask ourselves

whether

we

are,

or

are

not,

so

conversant

with

our

142

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

own

and

other of the

powers
to latter,

that
our

we own

can

secure

limited

control But

betterment. informations
are an

all the

aforementioned
of
so

accumulation

much

personal

power

in the of

pros

pect of actual fruition.

and

They pertain to
a

future, things
and stultifi

bring
to

under
be

review

multitude of
our

thought
which cation.
in the
we

promotive
not

happiness palpable
to

may

ignore without
do not propose
we are

And

if

we

utilize them

present, it is because
until
I may

served

put,
wants

inquiries in
and Our power

judiciouslyre More the day for final action. tersely We have been prosecuting our say: cultivated prospect of appeasing our
act
'

would

even

as

we a

know.

problem
of

is, therefore,
and soul And those shall how alive
we

question employ
have
to

of

the

knowledge,

to

it deci

sivelyin the acts of a moral requirements.

pare
our

intelligentand
to
com

shall of
our

powers what

with
we

surroundings, ourselves, and

in
we

and
what

to

decide
our

do

with

with

surroundings.
of

The and
a

object
to
our

pursuit
work

is not

now

existence
must

ripe
for

contemplation;
a

but

open its

way

doing
do

of

the

future of

that, on
our

completion,will
And
new

evidence that which

the power
we no

thoughts.
world until
our our a

if

we

work,
had

give
it,
"

the

something
went

existence for

thought
or

forth

to establish

blame.
we

It is in this way,
canvass

and

with

this

praise intent,

that And

and

solve
see our

every

problem

of life. is

here

again we
power of

that

knowledge

personal

power;

the

ideas.

PREPARATORY

INFORMATIONS

143

Proceeding
another As
more

further

with

our

analysis,we
expand,
Our
we

note

distinction.
ouf

intellectual

powers

become
pro

intelligentlyinquisitive.

native

be satisfied with the pensity for knowledge may But once mere having acquisitionof knowledge. have its power, and in turn become it in hand, we anxious to test more intelligentlyand definitely and so we its practicalpossibilities, begin to rate things as useful, aesthetic, good, or bad, etc., in

respect of

ourselves

and

others; and

the

ever-

from repeated springing sanguineness that comes prelimi triumphs of thought prompts us to make investigations bearing on the object had in nary view. But
not
can

until
we

we

are

in
to

charge

of

our

rational

guides
tion. in order

venture
we

realize been

any

just expecta
the

Meantime,
within reach

have

weighing
value

facts, get

to determine

their
our

relative

for

ting

of

object.
Ill

In

practice,the
and

process

resorted

to

is

partly

remembrance

comparison, but, preeminently, it is a preliminary wrangle for a working theory of constructive involving the exercise powers, us are whereby the potencies of things about
retouched and
so

with

the elastic transformations

to

of

mind,
denied

brought
unaided

display
is

range

of

power

to

their For

nature.

instance,here
years of

something
and

still in the future.

It will take

thought

muscle

to work

it

144

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

up.
as we

For

it cannot
line

be of

realized,now expectancy
to

and and

here.

But,

it is in the make
a

hopefulness,
our

vigorous
it is

effort
so

consummate

pur

poses.

And of

that, by the

steady pains
and finished
in nearer,

taking
to uct
as a

thought,

it is and
now

brought, by,

nearer a

completion. By
of
reason.

it is

prod

It is

realized,and
a new our

position,
and
ours,

veritable

creation power

something, thought.
is not
an are

by

virtue A

of the

of

fact like
A

the number

following
of with One
one

unusual

oc

currence:

farmers
a

thinking
one

of

establishing
thousand

bank

capitalof
dollars.

hundred
agree But
to

dollars.

hundred

farmers

contribute; each
is the
money to in hand?

thousand

where
none

come

from, seeing they have

to

They

resolve

go

home

and

work

for
At

it, laying by their surplus earnings annually.

the with

expirationof
the and few But
structure

four

or

five years upon, Here had

now,

each and is
no a a

is the
new

ready
bank
crea

contribution

agreed
agone,

is established

officered. years

tion

that,

existence brave
on com

whatever. mercial

it confronts which for

us

years

hung

the of its

constructive

and

prospective
same

informations

projectors.
But
now

the

farmers done? upon

would

build

road.

And

how

is this to be and conclude its

They put
its

their heads

together

feasibility, prospec-

tivelyplan as planned.
The
tous
same

execution, and
is

ultimately build
the

it

plan

adopted

whenever And
I

railroad

calls for money.

ubiqui might make

146

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

its
as

accomplishment;
instrumental
to

appreciating object in
in

our

discoveries

the

view.
of

In

any
we

event, and
must
we see are

respect

any

proposed
traits
in

work,
the

and

interpret certain
which

things

contemplating
the

promise
then
our

to points applicable

problem

before

us, and

aligning
purposes,
will
secure

cause

and

effect with upon

a

the

direction of conduct

of

conclude
our

course

that

object.
apparent in what
with
corn,
as

This

will be

follows.

We But
us

may
now

be conversant
we

merchandise. it behooves

wish

to

grow

it.

Here

to

be

prospective,constructive, and practical. It is a So, question of bread, and a living competency. must we satisfyourselves that the land is produc
tive,and
horses

that

we

have

the

means

for its cultivation. is considered: and whether

etc.

And, therefore, the question of labor

and
are

men;

their

hire and

board;

they
And,
But

trustworthy, tractable, serviceable,

we are

if

satisfied
and

on we

these
go
to

points, our
work. of

pro-

spection is completed,
wherein informations?
powers held
in

consists

the

peculiarity They
are

such

Only
reserve

in

this:
the

rational
mean

for

future.

They
a

business, but, for the present, it is only

venture

proposed
of he it!
act

requiring special thought.

farmer has He
to

Think

The

control have
to

himself, lest
command purposes. with the
a

prematurely.
forces, and
order
to
so

must them
must

of

natural
But in

bend

his

this, he

know he
can

them discern

knowl supreme

edge

searching that existing

correlations

between

things individual,

PREPARATORY

INFORMATIONS

147

but

in furthering capable of co-acting, if needed In other words, he must contemplated result. a acts to through the special con shape his way siderations that
go to establish

them.

IV

I foresee

that my be

account

of

preparatory
I

informa
for

tions

will

imperfect, unless

allow

their

qualifyingthe mind itself for its peculiar suffice. A brief expositionof this must work. Every accession of such knowledge adds to the mind's efficiency;for every efficiencyis born of condition, in its proximate antecedent the mind
effect in and
comes
so

carried the fact

over

into all
our

the

new

birth.

Hence in

that

informations

become

time
to

investment looking psychological conduct, and finally reappearing there

a

forward
as

the

result

previous thoughts. For whilst thought is being trained, it is of prospective informations lating a fund held and in the faculties, intrenched are
of
our

accumu

which
over

for reap

future

exigencies; acquisitionsof

the

past

of the present. expert efficiencies pearing as Indeed, if we have knowledge through an intelli found must our on of facts, we gent appreciation and present dexterity; every previous acquisitions the being dependent on succeeding information view the mind
as we can

then grow in

take

of

its then
we

wants.

Wherefore,
the the
to
reserves

knowledge,
which

augment
with

of

information

continue

soul
our

as

trained,or educated, efficiencies subject

call.

148

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

And

yet,

it

is

still

true,
shall

that have have make

when reform

we

would

do

something look, consider, acquisitions,

meet
wants

new,

we

to

our

out

somewhat. alone be which

For how

we

to

discover,
of
our

and

not

to

use

present
how
to
to

they
are

what

they
now

may,

but

just

responding

our

sharpened

apperceptions.

CHAPTER

XV

ACTILE

OR

ULTIMATING

INFORMATIONS

IN

the

matter

of of

actively
their and
I
am

em

ploy lag
is

our

rational
out
reasons
011

faculties,
a

much

character

brought
of the
to

limited
we

experience
act
at
our

observation
now

why

all.

referring
For

the
we

be
are

ginnings meditating
in

of
a

experience.
or

instance,
act
to

possible,
now,
answer

probable, why
is
:

be

done

futuro.
an

Inquire
act.

are

we

contemplating
have
reasons

such
it.
son

The way

We

for
a

In for

this

it will any

be

seen

that
act.

we

have

rea

pondering

future

But

now,

if

we

regard

man

as

an

actor into

going

beyond
ance,
we

his

preparatory
that
reasons

lucubrations
takes for it. this He of
he

perform also,
we
"

find he has

he

last has the would

step

because say, this

a

had,
first

may and

minimum

of
a reason

experience
why
forward

kind,

may
of

be the

know

some

thing
but of he and both

power

of
or

his

purely subjective,
;
reason

preparatory,
his

reasons

contemplations
a

the

fact

being

finite
to

affording
the all

sufficient
extent

why
his
own

should other kinds

try

discover At

of the

both

powers. of

events,
is
a

efficiency
reason.

in

informations
149

controlling

150

THE

POWEE

OF

THOUGHT

And

a controlling reason, similarly

good

or

determines
even or

his mind
so

willingness to
has will
For
ever man

do

anything.
to value

bad, Yea,
good
se

as

his

been

schooled
a a

bad

acts,
of
act

it have what
answer

corresponding responsible or
the
an

quence sonal

acts. must

is

per
some

to

power
actor

of

foregoing opinion;
virtue
act
on

being

solely by
every
rests

of the
man

power
an

of his

thoughts.
character

Indeed,
which that

of the

has

individual

different
we

kind
are

of informations
to

inform that of
reason

it.
we

And
can

hence,
neither
nor

driven

the

conclusion train
in

begin, nor
to

continue, a
any

ing,

give effect
this

thought,

any
our

way, every

without

of controlling efficiency

thought.
II

Having
the
more

done
we

with
are

the above
now or

tions,I hope problem

of

actile It

preliminaryexplana prepared for considering ultimating informations,

be remarked that every

distinctly.
the

is to

information, on beyond tion, and

when
that

reaching
of

its final
a mere

stage, has
final
term.

passed
For,

condition

subjective acquisi
a

pushed begets
a

its way

to

it last
and

time

completed work, it has assumed change which a knowledge of the approved of place, and other finalizing touches
It becomes and there. is
a an

action, determines.
in what But
reasons,
one or we

operating power question

of one's

do, then
last
or desires,

this
or

phase, too,
choice
we

; and

it

ultimates,either
to

the

other, as

may

choose

regard them.

ACTILE

OR

ULTIMATING

INFORMATIONS

151

For,
an

as

will

hereafter

act

without
some

explained,one cannot desire to nor desiring to do it,

or

be

do do it
nor

without indeed is

reason

motive
at

for the desire ;

do it in any

way

all without

choice,which

simply the final stage of our operative or actile And, therefore, our thought, or reason, or desire. desire to do it is some reason or motive, ending in preferenceor choice,which is the ultimate term or decisive for doing it. Choice reason phase of our is reason, or motive, ultimated. I remark, further, that if we ultimate, or give do it on the final tone to an idea or information,we
choice, and
information and choice which is the decides actile
our

power

in

given

personal preference

the in responsibility.So then, to ultimate in formation is to give it our personal adherence But this is to act, which is preference or choice. liberate its actile or finalizing And, there power. we are responsiblefor our opin fore,when say we that we have the last mean given them ions, we touch of final approval or choice.

Ill

Glancing
the
as

for

moment
are an

at

the

moral such

aspects of

problem, we
urge now,
an us

to consider

informations

with if
we

authority intensely stringent.

these

And upon the

ultimate

last,we
which

have

gone

act

of

choice responsible of moral

so
once

expresses

sovereign power

convictions.
?

But

why

are

these

urgent
for

Because

having,
have

all, adventured
an

their
of

discovery,we

uncovered

element

vehe-

152

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

mence

in
not

them, presented,

it may

be, more
that of any

tensely,
of
our

but

more

than indisputably,
For

ordinary informations.
an

every

information

has

actile vehemence from

of its own,

which And the

qualitatively
now,

distinguishes it
are

all others.
must

if

we

to act

on

these,we
And
an

have
the

light of
of the

other

to informations,

determine

question
is

acting,
reason

then

and

there.
to

therefore,again,
of
to
one. or

for

coming
force
of

act

choice

some

ancillary
ultimate add

information
the
as

with the in

power

precipitateand
And
I

main

may

that,

the urgency

moral,

for that
a

matter, in any

other

conceptions,is
on,

itself

it will be acted

has been
as

found

or finally trained to prize it in comparison on slighterconsiderations.

discovery of thought, not, just as the mind

with such

IV

have, before, explained

;

that

thought lives by
and this utilizing
and

knowing
power,
reasons.

acquiring mental
own

power, for

in its
I

way, also

and

good
out

sufficient

have
and

pointed
are

that

ultimating
aspects of
and

informations
the
same

desires For
act

but different
are

thing.
in

the latter of

present

ultibut ulti

mated,
express

every

choice,because
or

the

emotional

they do personal phase of the

mating information Inasmuch, then, as

rous

(or reason).
desires

represent the omnivo

the office upon

gatherings of thought, they perform

of

furnishingus
we

with

provisionalorientation
choice
or

which

may

act, on

preference. And,
up

if thought therefore,

does

gather

all

knowledges

154

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

The
sun.

Gulf But

Stream
here

is
a

impelled by
of
me

the

heat
of

of the desires and

is

stream psychological

propelled by
evaluations
;

the
a

fervor

rational

convictions

fervor, let
in

repeat, which

is awak the power

ened,
of

and

continued

being, solelyby

thought.

few

words
in this

about

desires

finally rejectedmay
has aforetime
of

be

allowed The these

or

place. ipse dixit of thought

their
measure

stored

with

choice. provisional, acted upon is left

and

preparative, But whether they be chosen to some thought or finalizing

and

degree

opinion.
A what what similar
are

exposition applies
but
or

to

motives. hold
we

For
on

they

the

soul's

rational
?

it

can

choose

finallydesire

Or,

may

at looked desires a as as preferably define them rational,or moral, impulsion or personal fervor, with a clear purgation of unthinking animalism. These indifferently are So also of inducements.

rational

impulsions
; the

or

rational first

desires,either

sub
upon

jective or
the intent
the
we reasons are

objective ;
latter drawn
an

the

looking

within

regarding, more
the
"

particularly,
why
it should purpose issues

from

objectconcerning which
reasons

taking

interest,
as

be

prized or
In

valued either
or

ancillaryto
the

the

true

within.
from

case,

determination
or, if you

the
or

intent

purpose,

prefer,the
thought.

desire

personal potency
in this

found

in the final
an

And, therefore,

regard,

objectivein-

ACTILE

OR

ULTIMATING

INFORMATIONS

155

ducement

is In

in

fact

subjective
we

desire,
may view
of

motive,
the power

or

purpose.

other

words,

of in

an

objective
to

inducement

as

that

conception being
power

order

rational

action,

our

every
or

act

de of
of

termined final

by

subjective
conditioned

cause,
on

the the of

some

thought
have have
on

quality
the oppor

mind tunities receive

we

hand,

as

the But in

result these

we

improved.

points
discussions.

will

fuller

explication

subsequent

CHAPTEE

XVI

POWERS

IN

AID

OP

FREE

DETERMINATIONS

THIS

chapter

is not

intended The
as,

as

mere

summary consid

of

previous
are

discussions. all such

to

powers

under

eration may
or

when
an

correctly
aid
to

understood, volition,
on

be
free

taken

be

for

thought,
indeed,

determinations.
in

They,
ways, but
are

operate
its volitional

thought,
powers.

special

not

I
them

begin
as

with

the

Appetencies.
born with
as

may the

describe child. As

native

impulsions,

such, tions,
of any

they
ere

present

themselves has
come

sensorial
the

visita

yet the

child

into
or

possession
of of
at

idea, emotion,
unless
I

desire,
a

knowledge cognition
attention,
is the of
a

any their
in

kind,

except

confused upon its

simultaneous
stant
as

irruption
And,

the

of have

birth.

therefore,
the presence
at

child such time.

startled,
unbidden

said, by

and
I

unheralded
shall

strangers,
very infant

such
of

speak
the
The in

guardedly
soul.
centre
to
some

this

dark let
us

delta await mani of the

from

that

begirts

Meantime,
is not

disclosures. fest

desire

slow

to

itself,

response the rational

discovery
never

rational.

For

is

off

duty

156

POWERS

IN

AID

OF

FREE

DETERMINATIONS

157

the At

beginning.
the
moment

The of

moral

enters

the

later lists, chance

on.

birth,there thought
must

is small

to
a

accentuate

definite

and have The

action; and
a

for

brief
to

thought interval,
Here

herculean situation is

task
em

clutch

its first full idea.

barrassing.
and

is life full of blind

impulsions,

here, too, is thought without

its first articulate

idea, and
Facts

only ready for its discovery. There of the result. will testify
the
to

is

some

thing
of the

in

sudden its

fission

from

the

foetal
outer

state

child

separate life
first freshness in

in the

world,
im
to

something
unwonted
these

in the

of

its animal openness law

something, too, pulsions,

visitations
"

its tender
more

but

in God's

for all

experiences. But the child breathes. Its separate life is revealing itself, and, with life, is born unto for appetencies state of the centre a agnostic sensation and impulsion. the the question comes And can up, how now,
child pass these

infantile

adamantine

barriers

Can
as

it

ever

get beyond
the pulsive,

its blind

gropings?

For,
active

native and im then

and instigations,

therefore,blindly
of the then them be and

mission
cannot

appetencies is
known,
their
own

not

known,
mediates

and

until

thought
unknown auxil

between

their, then,

thus, to objects, testifying,

in respect iary office,

ancillaryor

of its

cognitivefunctions.

II

The

office of

Native

considered. aid of

These and

thought

be now Dispositionsmay also are originalfurnishings in personal responsibility.They

158

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

peculiarin the tone and temper and the bias, mental moral, of men, as individ another. from man uals, and so distinguish one remarks The physique, as same apply to man's what But now, part of his original endowment.
constitute
what

is

"

shall powers, We

be

said and

of

this

formidable
on

array
or

of

native

their

bearing
are

thought,
and after

volition ?

answer:

They
which

simply

solelya subjective
the
for
manner

environment,
of

does

for man,

external

conditions; like
the

those,
or

instance,
have
;

which
from

differentiate

Chinese,
and of

Polynesians,
we

Teutons,
groups

or

Caucasians,

whereby
individuals his

distinct with
a

of

peoples

each

destiny

which

smells

localityand
involun

surroundings.
As
our original,

native

are dispositions

tary
I

to

us.

And

as

manifested
as

in the active details of

some life,

regard them
once

equally involuntary there.

to

have,

before, demurred
that
so
our

this

last

view,
of
con

by explaining competencies,
duct,
and
are

entire, original stock

and
ivhen

far

as

they

affect

under

the

strictest

supervision of thought,
whose

thus

become the
if

intelligentmotors discovery
we

objec
of of
the
an

tives await
latter. For

and

appraisement
the full force
the act

grant them
would

animal
to

impulse, they
us

still lack
we

power deliber

make

act

blindly,when
But of adult for

would
we

ately and
on

knowingly.

when

employ
such

them,
as as we

the

morrow reason a

all responsibility,

have

any
as

entreating hospitably are

and

vol

untary them,

discriminating apperception can

make

in

exercising its right of choice

sanction.

POWERS

IN

AID

OF

FREE

DETERMINATIONS

159

So when

then,

if

we

hold
as

them

to

be

involuntary,
character and
in

manifested
are

modifiers

of
as

habits, they
like the

to

be

regarded

goods
like

stock,
;

environment, conditions, the potter'sclay,etc.

having voluntary efficiency

in
some

power

over

them,

way

consistent

with

its free

deter

minations

and

distinctions.

Ill

As

coming

within
some

the

scope

of

my

present
of

in

quiry,I
such its
as

mention

natural and latter

vague,

states

the

body,

vitality, power
the
two
or

its

opposite ;

feeling of unrest,

health and opposite, opening the way for a disquieting apprehen

sions, etc., etc.

so

For

the

most

part, these
demands

are as

not
to

clamorous

in

their

primitive

Indeed, they require any particularstatements. than of sensations of the character partake more appetencies. Nevertheless, I regard them as con native efficiency com tributing a quite perceptible, ing in before an act of thought, as auxiliary to its But, being a part of the peculiartransformations. outfit of thought, and therefore constitutive dating prior to, or they
advent
are

else
no

contemporary
to

with, its discursions,

its volitional
for

in

condition

antagonize
a

determinations, but
and

only provide subsequent behavior.

IV

way

their

Here,
unate

now,

are

some

impulses
states

much

more

import
or

than
are

simple

of

either
"

body
true

mind.

Such

hunger, thirst,etc.,

the

appeten-

160

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

exposition of such viewed as auxiliary to those be strangely imperfect, if these

cies.

Any

power of

as

may

be

thought,

would

most

importunate

motors

were

omitted.
seen

We whose
have

have office the

of

that
to

thought
discover
own

is

watchful

energy and
so

it is

knowledge,
role of action

advantage
other

of its
"

in the
or

midst

powers, for

co-acting with,
of

else

modifying them,
Now,
that
are

here

are are

they
mates
we

policy,choice,etc. to thought appetenciesplaced so near For in, and of, us. body and mind
reasons

from

birth ; and
a

because

of this of of

intimate and and

union,
action.
Hence

have

home

acquaintance material, modes

mental

moral, physical and

being

our

from sufficiency, and

early childhood, for

emotions which
are

achieving
ours,
as

informations unit of

and which fur body and spirit, arise nish us with the voluntary impulsions which of our knowledges. from, and express, the power the As
we

thus

furnished, there
when

can

be

no

doubt

what

shall do

confronted

with

the

appetencies.
not

We the

hunger
careful
are

and

thirst, etc., but

be

without of
mind.
;

inquisition and
seen

cooperation
and

They
whilst
mind

to

unthinking

blind

and

attesting this, their

is

contrasting

itself

as

involuntary character, voluntary,with what

now,
we

is

involuntary
the

in them.

And

may

discern

that

part played by all these involuntary impul

a

sions is that of

blind, incognitivestimulation, vital,

animal,

and

even

brutish, etc.
of

And

may

say

of

them, what

I said

that sensations,

whatever

else

162

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

phrases
not.

without

revolting
to

at

the

inaccuracy. Ap
and emotions be it.

petencies are
are

native is

us, but
one

desires
cannot

It
at

plain

that

desire,or apprehends
be
an

emotioned
It is

any

object,before
that there it until is

he

equally plain
any
out

cannot

object,
out

for

appetency,

sought
thus
ever

and

pointed
and

by
is

mind.

Only
can

when it

discovered be such
an

mediated
It
a

by

mind

psychology which describes them native or as predis appetencies,propensities, acting as blind instigations. For we are positions, affirm immovable but enouncing an we fact, when that they depend on some propaedeuticteachings of to reach mind their most even proximate objectsof of much and yet it is a matter impor gratification, distinct conception of what tance to have a they
object.
better
do in

aid

of

mind.

And

this

shall

be

our

next

problem.
VI

In

man

the

vital
of

or a

animal rational their

impulses
power

are

under
con

the

guardianship
human

which

ceives has

events

and

gratifications.He

which or vaguely and propensities, appetencies, desires which the emotions and blindly foretoken to birth upon a intelligent conception of our come Ever wants. through life, he employs the dis of some thought to ciplinary stress and efficiency curb
or

modify,
For

or

else

assist

or

adapt, his
are, and

animal

impulsions. they
ways
can

whatever

they
his them

whatever
in

do,

he

will,
He

for

part, walk
what the

the

of

thought.

is to

shep-

POWERS

IN

AID

OF

FREE

DETERMINATIONS

163

herd

is to
. . .

his and

sheep:
the

sheep
This does the

putteth forth his own sheep follow him, for they know
"He and beautiful.
Let
us

his voice." is
correct

But
we

wherefore
can

lie put them

reason

forth ?

hope
in
But

divine that and

not

It is because him
to

there take

is in the

sheep
could

which minister do

provokes
to

them

charge,
he

their blind could

not

cravings.
discern evolve and

if this,

he

those

blind
a

cravings,
way for

and, discerning them,

their

devise

gratification.
this blind is the literally within them
case as

Now,
and them the the

between has
to

man

powers lead

him.

He

give

sight and
distinct

forth,providing by
his

for them

opportunitiesrevealed
we

mighty
explana
he the So

discursive But tion. be

at

energy.
encounter
a

here The the

wish this
:

for fuller A
mere

situation mercy of
see

is about blind him

child may
;

impulsions doing
for

but,

as

grows
manner

older,we
of his
secure.

them

after

maturer,
And

human

type of mind.
what

far

we

are

yet there is in these blind

from
man can

impulsions something apart

with have them. This also should

do We

be allowed

for.

already given these native impulsions the office of blind instigationsto thought. But now, what is their specialoffice in respect more precisely, of the essential competencies of thought, as a discov of their functions ? erer they are intended Plainly, dark intimations of to orient the beginner with some between animal the sequence an impulse and its sat
and isfyingobjects,
so

lead

him

to

ponder, and

ulti-

164

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

mately discover,their and responsible wants

And this is the discursive allowance

connection and

with

his

personal

voluntary impulsions.
of the
as

commencement

distinctively
you
see, due

exploitsof thought, and,

has been and
made for the

parts played both

by voluntary
I need

involuntary forces.
the fact that this orienta is
some

scarcelymention
in the
seen

tion discovered divine be

appetencies

aspect

of

thought

in all His

works,
His

whether

they
aught

or dynamics, attributes,relations, statics,

else,and
order

seen

there

because
to
our

of

law

of

rational

which

appeals

intelligence.

VII

But

perhaps
I
mean

should

explain
who

what
are

by orienting the
of
a

explicitly beginner. Well, we

more

thinking by
dint into

beginner
careful

has

to

discover carry

his them
to

facts forward

of
a

scrutiny, and
transformations and

field of

denied

native impulsions strictly

Now
a

involuntary. just now

sets

for the

orientation.

I have

named

feature what

in the
we can can

appetencies which
do with them.

them
mean

apart
some

from

They

thing,and
is their
upon,

do

something significant.This, then, thought

them it has
to remark

orientation,and it enables
and know
now

what

to

do

with

and

with

as itself,

instructed their and of

by

what

discovered.

And
states

as

to

meaning.
and

Sensations,impulses,

of

mind

body, etc., yea,

matter,
of

everything
each
one as

in

the

universe

thought

has

its may

allotted

complement
into and
act

meanings
And

which
so

inquire

upon.

far

these

POWERS

IN

AID

OF

FREE

DETERMINATIONS

1G5

meanings they

can

be wrested
to
a

amount

very

objects studied, sig important orientation;

from fruitful.
create

the

tangible,potent, nificant,
But,
nor cover as man can

neither

these task line

potencies,
is to of dis conduct

fledge them
that

with

meaning,
and pursue

his
a

meaning,

corresponding with

the

knowledge
VIII

evoked.

I have

been

all and

along admitting co-acting familiars

to
our

that of

our

native

endowments
are an.

every

kind,

indispensable aid
Now,
for
so

voluntary
is thus

determina
on

tions. them

far the

as

mind

dependent
not

aid,

question arises, does

some or

this pre

dependence rogatives of
Here
we

imply
a

infringement
volitional power that
?

of

the

free

it is needful have

to

remember

any

freedom

may

and finite, tions it is

a as

(and that is all we must, therefore,depend

finite. We

contend
on are

for) is
limita

such

restrict it to the

but finite,

fact, equallywell pronounced,

011 us

that
so

everything
finite that any
as

that acts it cannot least may

is likewise
a on

finite ;

even

deliver

neither sensation,
us

make

the it

impression
be. As
to at

without

our

help, poor
he have

present constituted,it is certainly

man, if

something enough
The ards
to

help

only
him

sense

help

himself. has

Omniscient for his and

more

given

veracious of

stand

guidance in all this

matter

potencies
he his de
own

within
and

without,
he several

their

help, orientation, etc.; them,

the
more

the

studies

velops

his

ability to

command

166

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

resources,

and

if

so

be

he

help himself, is
and for
oust

not

that

something
We work

to his
a

credit ? of So But
? corn,

crop
us.

the the
us

land

in

turn of
a

kindly helps friendlypower

we

much does that

help
of the

work

do ourselves
I

We

opine

not.
to

pass

on

to

another

point closely allied

the

Are not previously touched upon. mental and hunger and thirst, physical states, etc., not to mention sensations,compulsory ? Dare we neglect them ? all these that I concede, at once, involuntary

above,

but

factors
cannot

have refuse

dynamic
them upon due

character

so

forcible

that

attention.

Indeed, they
not

oftenest

intrude may is
a

my
me

thought,
at

seldom

vio

and lently, this latter

destroy

any

moment.

(But
present

question apart however,

me,

from

the

exposition.)
It may

be observed

that

they

are

destroying
"A house

they

are

by as much as destroying them

itself
cannot

selves. stand."

divided

against

Still, so long

as

am are

not not

totallydestroyed,my estopped.
social
note

vol

untary efficiencies
a

I have

simply
of my

very

painful feature
to

of the take normal

dynamics
act

co-actingfamiliars
However,
if

of and

upon. these

any

visitation

from

allow but me an involuntary impulsions does it will be opportunity to exercise my own powers, that,so far from being a serious infrac readily seen to a different tion of my freedom, it simply calls me assertion
of my

discursive

powers.

POWERS

IN

AID

OF

FREE

DETERMINATIONS

167

If my be

freedom

has that

been

it rudely assailed, its and repair,

me.

may pos

abridged, to

extent, but
under

sible

reestablishment, may
from

still be accorded any

Apart
stances

this,and
and

ordinary
of

circum
cannot

of health
to

surroundings, thought
amount

be
ing

got
on

complain
part
of

of any

so-called

forc
to
a

the

involuntary factors, either

to

get
free

it into
cause

or position,

maintain

it

there, as

sufficient for its from

as

Wherefore,

appointed tasks. point of view, every

in

we

may native

regard thought
entation
to

charge
and

of

all these

forces, opening their

our

eyes

dominant

adjusting their ori personal outlook, apprais

ing

and

It has native mind

former

requiting their blind importunities. the underlying sympathy between discovered

then

impulsions
and
are

and
It

those has

which

spring
that the

from the

morals.
an can

ascertained
to

ordained be

support

latter, in
vital effi

that

they

transformed

into

intelligentand
as

personal motors. motors, they are

ciencies
our

For, emerging
transformed
into

purely
trained
so

the

of the

and governing intellect, and emotions. The

become result is

familiar

desires
once

that, having

compassed the meaning and mis sion of our we strongappetencies, begin to see some for effectingthat cognitive trans personal reasons
formation which
an

commutes
or

what

is

an

animal

crav we

ing

into

emotion,
be let

desire, for

something

conceive And

to

here

promotive of our good. me explainthat, in every

manifested is to

such be
or

trans
seen

mutation, the
our

interest

in

desires

and

emotions, but this desire

emotion

168

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

is,after
or

all, nothing
interest
an

in
seen

the
in

world every
or

but

the

personal
of

partisan
all

achievement

thought. with,
emotion aforetime

It is

element, personal
the

phase of, and

born

knowledge.
this
or

Moreover,
or

this partisan interest, substitute

seen

desire,is
state

actual

for

the

of

appetency
when
we we can

in

our

native
for

impulsions. acquired
some

Hence,

have
never

once

all the
in

knowledge,

commit
an as

inadvertency of losing psychological it. For knowledge is personal power,

in. emotions

interest manifested
anon.

and

desires.

But

more

of this

IX

When aid of
so

one

is told of is at and

instincts
a so a

coming
to

forward
or

in
;

thought, he

loss what much ban

say

think them. their

an

little is known
are

is made which

of

They

stifled under the

current

forbids
I Still,

entering opinion
Of send-off

of

thought.
of the

have

under

advisement. every

course

faculty
ere

soul

has

its first

spontaneously,
in order
to to

yet the
all

intelligenceis
onward from

born,
that

and

its birth. achieve

But,
And

time, we study
an

have of

knowledge

by

rational sometimes any And

are

phenomena.
of
of

yet, there

is for

appearance elaboration
some a

acting too
the
of
matter

quickly
in

rational this has taken up

hand.
we

little show

support, when
may,
in

by
the

sharp surprise which

processes.
common

part,
are

break

rational
up,

For,
alike.

if these

quite

broken

the and

catastrophe
I

would

overwhelm

instinct

intellect

confess

170

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

You
ous

remember the
rose,

the

and protracted,difficult, resorted

to

tedi

processes
the

child the

in the

effort to

conceive

cherry, the
careful

nurse,

the

father, how,
it and

mother, having
set

and

other

domestic this the

familiars, and

undergone explore
the

home-schooling, perceived
and

off to

universe, and
God.
same

conceived law
we

horse,the landscape, cause

even

effect,

and may

order, and
never

But

once

completed,
will

repeat the
of

discursions,except
which

under
us.

pressure We

circumstances toil of have and

justify
of
so

abridge
now,

the
we

repeating the
the

discursion. details

And

that
we

completed

conception,
behold
the

may,

do, neglect them, and

rose, the
"

horse, the landscape, the

not

cherry,

instinctively), that is to in the mass. So that it perceivethese objects say, we to this : If, when comes looking at the horse, nurse, of their previous elaboration rose, etc. (after our of attributes), content we only perceive,that is,see
etc., directly(I say
them

it is because directly,
out
see

we

keep

all

previous
the back

elaboration

of

our

eyes, or, at

in least,

ground, and
And
be

them
sense,

immediately.
and for above reasons,
we

in this
see

may
a

said to and all

even

cause,

law, order, and

fast of
to

God, by

direct At the

immediate

vision; i.e., perceive them.

can reason or

events,

we

slow, to

suit

occasion

and

the

degree
no

mental

culture
a re

reached, and
crudescence
on

still have like the of

see
"

need

excogitate
of
a

so-called

instinct

child
some

the

threshold
can

intelligence. And nothing

in

yet,

evolutionists tion of mind

all this manifesta and selection,"

but

nature," "

natural

POWERS

IN

AID

OF

FREE

DETERMINATIONS

171

even

"

reflex

action," etc.

; and

put

it to

selecting

for selection, of their presentation in advance objects mystery involved in by way of solving a postulated forms of life. accounting for the origin of new

But, if it
need for be

can

be in than

known

that
as

there
in

is

as

little
it

instinct
worse

animals absurd

man,

then
for

would
all.

to

contend the

it at
on

For,

not

many

years

agone,

text-books

comparative psychologyassumed that animals instinct alone. Nowadays, however, most on of losophers recognize intelligencein many
acts.

acted

phi
their

Some is the

later

scientists,whilst
factor in

holding that

instinct found
as

dominating
"

it with

reflex As

action," "
I

animals, con automatism," etc.,

agree with of

stated

above.
I

find
to

cannot

either the of

view,

propose
disclose

examine the
nature
on

brieflysome
and which

facts the

which

functions these

activities psychological

theories rest.
I
see
no

reason

why
to

animals

should
to

not

have
con

power ditions
man.

of mind

adjust themselves by discursive methods, after

delay
upon any
in

their
manner

the

of

I cannot

within activity character power

to etc.

the

phy

sique

which

is reflex the

and, therefore,
attemper, such

wholly beyond
as

mind's of the

the circulation
or

blood,

Physical crav
to

ings

animal
I may

propensities, etc.,are common appetites, and man, and shall not be enlarged upon.
emphasize here, however,
as

bearing

011

172

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

what
of

I shall

urge

that later,
are as

the

physical
that

activities
as can

diverse

organisms
in which

diverse

in character

the make

organisms only

they act, and

as

they
to

such

appeals

will

conform

the

diverse

addressed. intelligences the when above

we

Bearing
itself that

statements
come

in

mind,
we

it

suggests
moot

to

animals

are

ing questions of comparative physiological appeals

addressed
to

intelligences differing among

man,

them

selves,and,
And
ion

from

here, we
whatever

have

phylogenetically. a general consensus

animals
and

of

opin

that

mind

the
rest
on

higher
some

insects
sort

may

have, it must, like man's,

for and its
But

of

physical basis
man

psychological
have
much
a

trans

formations.

animal

different after from

to

physiques, and they

manner

differ in
from
an

type,
ox,
or

the
an

of

bear

bee face

ichthyosaurus. And with those profound

which
a

this and

brings

us,

face,
in

ineffaceable

distinctions
and

prescribe to
to

each

species of animals, individual,a

its role of

lesser

degree, to each
the

activity
phy
differ

adapted
powers,

play
and
a

of

diversely circumscribed
For,
as

mental of

physical.
and
a

the

siques, say,
so

fish

humming-bird,
cannot

their physical wants radically,

same, and
so

be

exactly
to

the

cannot

make Given
a

identical

appeals

bird
and

and you

fish

alike.
a

peculiar physique,
of

will have

peculiar class
determine such
to
war

appetites and being, and

to

propensitieswhich
limit it to the

its scale of

pursuit of
minister
at

objects,and
It

such

alone,
enter

as

will
a

its welfare.
with

cannot

upon

career

its

organism.

POWERS

IN

AID

OF

FREE

DETERMINATIONS

173

Now,
as

I take
are

it that

mind

and

brain, in animals,
;

in

man,

co-acting and
deal with

co-dependent factors
excitations the

the
as

one

delivering such
other
can

intra-cerebral

the

cognitively ;
of and
if

latter
to

passing upon
it. be
In in

the

meaning

what the

is delivered

other

words, mind For,

be

organism
one
or

must

perfectaccord.
it. For
a

not, then
to

the
set

other, or both, would

before
we

inadequate
in order
to

the

task

example,

perfectvision,

and a perfectvisual organ compe with the objects to confer tent perceptive power presented. disclose some facts At this point,our important
must have

distinctions
cannot One

between

man

and

animals

which

we

ignore.
consists in in the latter's whilst

apperceptionsbe
embrace the

ing limited
universe.

range,

man's

Another

takes

its

departure
that
a

from of

the the

fact, now
lower clear in ani and

universally admitted,
mals and insects

many

capacity for surpassingthat of man, quick perception

evince
How

sundry easier,
with

particulars.
do
we

account

for

this ?

Nothing
class them

say

certain

leading thinkers, who

instincts, or

physical impulses, such as hunger, thinker careful But can thirst, etc. surely, no of some confound ani the surpassing intelligence with the mals blind, physical impulsions of the if not most of which, spring from organism, many,
local secretions
from

which

separate
a

one

class of animals

another, giving each

several nature.

174

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

Still

another

class

of

thinkers bias
for

propound
natural for

the selec

theory of heredity,with a Animals inherit tion, etc.

tasks, these
that
man can men aver.

aptitudes they

special
the fact and
and per

And

adduce

acquire great dexterityof

argue,

mind

muscle, etc., and

insects
cannot

thence,

that

animals

only acquire singularlyclear aptitudes,but

have like
to pass

ceptions and
progeny, who

them

over

to their

the

fun

of

using

them

instinc
I
can

tively, much readily assent

little

sucklings.

Now,

theory that animals, insects, does ; as man etc.,do acquire knowledge, precisely of explaining their and if they do, where is the need acts by aggrandizing their dumb instincts, seeing that all your dexterity of muscle, etc.,was acquired by the intellect and not by instinct ? The produc tive efficiency is the intellect, and so, if we inherit
of the ancestor who come was anything, it must this whole But productive of the thing inherited. thing of heredity is badly complicated by the doc trine of reversion to (itmay stupid an be) some who of cestor might impart a huge momentum who as dulness, quite as infallibly acquired any one of mind or special dexterities body. For, in a tell whether the can question of this kind, who progeny
of
or or

the

has
men

been
or

fecundated bad
; from

from

the

graves

good
Juno

of the Solon
or

Jupiter
; from

Tonans Socrates

; from

his mother heart of

Xanthippe
to

And

whose

has

not

given piteous
many

place
torn

mingled feelings
first coming
to
a

aversion

and

on interest,

knowledge
of

of the

and

mutilated

fragments

humanity persist-

POWERS

IN

AID

OF

FREE

DETERMINATIONS

175

ently reappearing,generation
families
a

after traced

generation, in
back
I

whose
line of
man

lineage
ancestors
can

can

be

through
that

long

However,
over

agree

animals any the

and

pass

to

their descendants that is because is at

and

dexterity or
ancestor

habit
an

acquired, but
he knows thus

is

experienced teacher, and

to his

pains to impart
familiars. be mistaken And for

what
a a

progeny

habit

acquired might
this

well

so-called fatal
man

instinct.

Still another is

and

objection to
has
an

theory
muscle,

that,notwithstanding

immeasurable
and

of capacity for acquiring dexterity

even yet his posterity,

mind

if

he in

could
no

pack
better

it off to condition

them
to

would by heredity, insects and

be

equal

animals

in

their

special con
the
ancestor

ceptions and
was

clearer And
more

cognitions,than
it
seems

himself.

to

me,

therefore,that
with the

another may be

theory,

in
; and

keeping
it may be

facts,

stated precisely and clearness The follows: as astounding facility latter is backed of perception displayed by these for qualified specially by an intellectual endowment essaying the tasks allotted to them, but denied to

propounded

man.

Their
same

level of that

capacityhas
determined widens of of

been that

determined of the
man.

by
Human

the

law

which intelligence

with
up

universe materials

is not which

equal to
are

the task

working

the

local food

to,nor

discriminating and

appropriating
in

the

substances of the mind

of, say, for instance,a fish

ocean. a

the bottom But the

of

fish is

and qualified definitely

176

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

appointed for accomplishing fore the reason why the fish

sique
access

that
can

task. do

And

there
man

this,and
has
a

cannot, lies in the fact that the

whose of blind

former be sated

phy
an

cravings can
power,

only by

mental his

and the

evalue other

fitted to conceive specially piscatorialwants. Whereas, on

man

hand,

has

no

power the

of

mind,
or

so

to

identifyhimself with either of a fish as to appreciate the his habits, and struggle with
A
human

physique

mind

latter's

cravings,adopt
human And

his environment.
can

intelligence alone
animal

appease

appetite,an
if so,

only

an

animal

appetite.
animals
must

why
seems

postulate an

instinct that

for either ? because and

It

plain, then,
and
if so,

insects

have

unique organisms, they they

must

also have
to

unique wants, by
an

be ministered

intelligenceuniquely qualifiedto provide

their

for

them. For

organisms
which

are

furnished and

with

the

pecul

iar secretions

provide for

their specialize

cravings, etc. appetites,

And

therefore, may
local to

we

say

that

even

the the

envi
most

ronment,

different

beings, is,for by
the
For

part, that which

of

is determined and

unique mind,
in
can

cast

their

minds

physiques.
factor materials
the

every

where, is the dominant

an

employed
of which with
of

selecting
be
re

environment
to

the suit

modelled
mated
to the ;

physique

which

it is

anything

in the

teachings appointed

evolutionists

contrary notwithstanding.
distinctive of tasks
are

The

to

the
a

different

classes

beings

determined

by

God-given

178

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

within perception,
man

their them

narrower

horizon, than
world-wide
construc

for

to

surpass

in

his

tive
I

conceptions.
mention, here,
of
some

few

concrete

examples
argument
and
em

in

support
braces
the

these

views, though
Consider

the the

all creatures. its many

bee

its wax, other the

spider and
of

thread, and
other

the

viscid

and

secretions

insects,along
each that of these
of

with

special aptitudes acquired by

Now,
could
verse

the

above.

it is
not

readily apprehended
at

creatures

all act

upon

knowledge
so

these

di

anatomical

structures,

furnished,
shadow

neither

could

they interpret their

and
not

offices in

respect of the forth, if

inti

physical they
were

rational

needs

they
an

part

and

parcel of
the and
act

organism
mental their

mately

connected
to

with

diverse
upon

powers

appointed
intimations.

conceive
And

dissimilar
of all

this is the

rationale

that
some

keen, sharp, quick intelligencedisplayed by

animals
and

insects.

They
animal

have

mind

specially
and appre
to

appointed
ciating
their
the

and

qualified for discerning

unique

impulsions,

native

diversely appointed physiques.

XI

And
am

now,
to

at

the
a

last

moment

before

I
In

close,I
remark of the

led upon

make the

further

explanation :
and

ing
human
to

resemblances

differences

and
a

animal

I intelligence,

felt constrained

express

high opinion
the

of

the

latter,holding
and

that, within
an

pale
reason

of

its nature
as

possibilities,

animal

could

correctlyand

clearlyas

POWERS

IN

AID

OF

FREE

DETERMINATIONS

179

man,

nevertheless,that protesting,
mental powers that
an

the

of similarity furnished with

a

their
no

and animal

sensorial
was

data

evidence

furnished

sweep

of mental
to

vision,and
that is
own

power On power of

of elaboration the of

of
I

data, equal
hold
to

of

man. a

contrary,
and

that

to

each his

given
world

mind

adapted personal
several

construct

egoism

satisfactions,in precise conformity

which
And
nature

to

his the

of to appreciate the significance ability

can

things

be

made the

to

contribute
as

to
as

his

welfare.
a

this and

remits

one,

well

the

other, to
can sur

destiny whose
reason

barriers

neither

mount.

Each confines

can

and

act upon

reasons,

within

the

and confronting prescribed by his nature is appointed a meas to each environment, because
ure

of

mental
And

power

suited
as

to his nature

and

envi and
a

ronment.

therefore,
animal
a can

thus frame and

constituted and

conditioned,an
terminate tions that of wants,
use

put
and

to

de

certain appease

kind
a

number kind

of concep number

will

certain

peculiarto an animal and denied to man. correlated A definite physique and mind, definitely and for a conjoint work, is the measure promise of all man, or animal, can do ; and as thus empowered his indi each is left free to seek and restricted,
vidual As
or

wants.

these illustrating
which

views, I
when
to

recall
we were

an

incident

two

transpired
may
serve

children,
in

and

which

place

my
In

contention those

clearer

outline

before

the reader. with

an

halcyon
that

days, we

companioned

cur intelligent

180

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

had hares and

discovered in
from
a

habit line
to

of

running
holes

away in

from
the down

the

direct that As
we,
a

their

ground,
at his

position running
matter

them in

pleasure.
childhood,

of

course,
were

the

dawn than
we

of de
were

his such

companions,
wonderful
of the

more

lighted
destined

with
to
see

feats.

But

more

surprising and
dumb

surpass

ing
and

power
once

of mind
upon

in
a

our

poor

favorite.
up
a

For,
summer's about
was a

time, he barking
down

kept
the in the

prolonged
part
of
a

deep-mouthed day,
mile from away
our

major

bottom

lands,
little

house.
a

The

evening twilight
of
us

approaching,
our

when

half-dozen
with he

children,
fierce and

hearts down
To

flushed
to

rosiest still

anticipa
up his innocence

tions,toddled
barking.

where in
an our

kept

us,
was

infantile

inexperience,it
wonderment,
wider

outing of
the rude

eager

inter

est and

which

touch

of

time,
of
a

and awful of

experience, had
The
at the

not

yet robbed
unearthed hole excavated

its den far

significance.
the soft
"

dog had
end and of
a was

foxes, nestled

within the after

ground,
feat there !

busy destroying accomplished

soon

whelps,
our

which And

he
so

arrival

it
fox

happened
hove
in

that, sight
of

just at
of this

this
scene were

time, the
of made
or

old

mother

slaughter, and
spectators
death.
we were

the the

dog espying philosophy

her, we
a race

to

for life
not

I need
fox

say that
a

wildly excited.
on

The of
a

made

for

precipitouscliff
she The stood.

the bank and about his

the
mile

little river from where

along which
we

ran,

dog, for

part, was

POWERS

IN

AID

OF

FREE

DETERMINATIONS

181

familiar

with folds

the and

approaches fissures,
"

to

the

and cliff,

its

crumpled
that the

the

safe

refuge for
have said

all the foxes river

for miles here

around.
a

I should

complete semicircle between where we were standing and the afore mentioned cliff. As I said,the fox ran along the so river,and, of course, with the semicircle, that, in she were case hotly pursued, she could take advan that fringed its border. tage of the undergrowth for the fox. And So much imagine now, you may the amazement of the little children one of,at least, he saw that his aforetime when sagacious cur would not not so run after the fox at all,indeed, would much as deign to look at her, but kept heading for ward along an inner line pointing directly to the
describes
and cliff,

four fox. her !

or

five hundred
to
one we

yards of, and

off to
not

one

side

of

the

Off And

side poor,

looking
were

toward
sore

little innocents

a mystified for many weary for, to us, it seemed passing strange that our day once run now conspicuously intelligentdog should so witlesslyoff to one side of the fox ! But then, as afterward his point and we learned, the dog made captured the fox ; and this reassured us somewhat. And after the lapse of more than sixty now, abundantly plain that both dog and years, it seems fox alike had been doing some remarkably clear evincing consummate judgment, and prac thinking, tical insight in mastering the details of a problem in all And involving the issues of life and death. the equals of any man. The this, they were dog, in particular,must have reasoned his mulfrom

confounded

and

"

182

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

tiform foxes
race.

experiences of the to the particular case

But
to

behavior of the have of

fox

of

hares
the

and
foot

and this

he

could

not

done

without

resorting
which
of
ence

some

process the

rational

elaboration
resources

would

call for

exercise

of the

comparison, discriminating judgment, and infer from facts, solving thus the difficult prob
"

lems

which

grow

out

of

present and
from former It is to be

pressing
expe

emergency riences
to

by
the

grand

induction

case

in hand. range of

understood,
and much both elab be

however, that this

oration found and
in these fox

mental
never

vision extends
For

animals

yond
and mental framed animal
For

similar
are

experiences.
touch with them
a

dog

equally
nature

at

which

restricts
to

physical and to conceptions

in

conformity

their
to

definitelyappointed
with
race

and possibilities,

nothing beyond.
them the
in

instance, to compare
who witnessed could of them
in

toddling
the

infants neither
a

their

field,
build,

conceive, much

less

house

rooms, little

sand, with, say, chimneys, doors, sundry other, windows, etc.,not to mention
the toilette

appointments, just
mentioned

constructed
mosses,

of

chips
not to

and
"

cobs, sods, rocks, sticks,

such
as

and

what

the

children, heirs
seldom conceive
did

larger conceptive visions, not build, and, mayhap,

and upon
ter
on

and

that

very

day
and

conceive

build. which
of course,
a

For, the
human

inferences

deductions
as a

being acts, though,

mat

limited

by
of
a

his human constructive

nature, embrace
vision which

the

bolder and

flights
empower

inform

human

soul.

POWERS

IN

AID

OF

FREE

DETERMINATIONS

183

We
creature

conclude,
determines
of

therefore,
the

that

the

nature

of limits

any the

character,
even

and individual the

scope,
of of

his he

intellections,
will take when

the

point problems

view life
and

attacking

personal
you
to want

well-being.
to

But,

if

put

all

thought keep
even

of this

correct

psychology
prattle
"

grief, animals,

only
and

up

dusky
on

about
"

man,
so

acting

instinct,"

reflex

action," leading
takes
and
an

etc.,

much
An

affected, animal,
of

nowadays,
for self
to

by

some

scientists. animal is

example,
and

simply

view

him

surroundings,
from needs
to to

he
and

just

as

competent
to

reason

his

nature

surroundings
his
nature

his

peculiar roundings,
or

as

man,

from needs. all inner he and

and

sur

his

peculiar

Let

us

have of

man

animal

discover of

can

discover and

the

significance
all he
can

things,
of

outer,
the

connect

discover and social

them

with

personal,

in

dividual,
nature

requirements

indicated

by

his

and

surroundings.

CHAPTER

XVII

THOUGHT

AND

EXTERIOR

POWERS

CONTRASTED

THINGS

exterior that
account

do

impress

mind,
of

but the

is

the

latter

on

only receptive
in

impres
not

sion, only

subjective
for its

their
as

presence?
active,

Might

thought,
discrete
resources

part,
own

be

aggressive,
of its

and
own

in
as

its

way

and

by

virtue

any

exterior

power?

Observe

that

the

appeal
for
an

is

to

mind,
And
is

and
if

not

to

anything
so, with

exterior,
clear antecedent is bound it
:

opinion.
former that

this in court
in

is

it

seems

that

the claim

already

an

everything
For,
as

the

universe expresses

to
we

respect.
know mind
we

Hamilton

If

everything beyond
know

through
for

mind,

we

must
reason

know that is

doubt,

the
it.

paramount Now, potent

extreme

all else

through
such
on a

if

thought

thus
I

admittedly might

pre
the

affirmative school of

energy,

retort

sensationists,

by

disallowing
For,
is
a

the the

claims

of

sensations All
in my I

altogether.
know

look

at

argument!
seen

of and

mind

subjec
So,
same

tivity
too,

thought
of
as

inferences.

all

know
seen

external above.
184

nature

is

this

subjectivity,

Moreover,

though

186

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

without multitude face

so

our

having,
of

in
to

the be

selfsame

instant,
us

things
and

done

staring
the
and

in

the

and

calling for attention; punctually

take
at

is intelligence

promptly Indeed,
we

active
most

aggressive.
and

cannot

the

indifferent

cursory

glance
some

anything
of its

without

framing
conceived
ests.

opinion
in

value,
way,
we a

as

immediately a discovery
to
our

to be

related, in
all such

some

inter
as we an

And,

cases,

advance child

perceive and
interest is in the
power

conceive.

Observe affairs. its

taking

in its childish direction from

; to

Its

every
an

thought

of

welfare, as
faint first,
a

individual
mus on

diverse powers kind

all

others, say, mother,

the
as a

to feel its

cular
the

put

some

estimate

attentions her
"

of

nurse,

etc.,
source

to

recognize
its
son,

presence it may

as

frequent
whims,
we

of
per
or

happiness,
or

be,
for

great outside

alter

ego,

caring
and

its

wants,
a

hurts. sonal and

not

And
power,

here, beyond
at
one

doubt,
same

have

per

the

moment

affirming potencies
founds and

contrasting
itself.

itself with

things

and

Thought, then,
on

is

distinct for

entity which acquiring

without We And
not

its discursive
of its
we own.

resources

power

action
then

But

if sensations

give
the have

it

ideas,
found

have

informations
to fetch

rational
not

scrutiny needed
truth, but
is

them.
us.

it has
on

found
and
us we

if this

is so, it

imposed However,
hold
to

us,

are

free.

let

examine

this

point carefully.
intervention

We

the fundamental

postulate that nothing

the active

is known

except through

THOUGHT

AND

EXTERIOR

POWERS

187

of

mind.

From

earliest

infancy onward,

this

our

thinking
every very upon

and affirm equipment has to discover fact for our guidance, noting intently the first coming of sensations, and so entering broader

plane of explorationand discovery. mind takes The cognitive interest in these sensorial impressions, and straightway proceeds to
a a more

form and
to

intimate exterior

activities
act in

acquaintance with entities to itself, acquiring power

what
it affirms

accordance mission.

with

of

them

and

their

Indeed, it is incumbent ourselves; affirming and

of
we are

on

us

to

know

tilingsnot
content

their appreciating

attributes,actions, and
be at their
not

relations, lest otherwise

that
we an

mercy. for

It is to be observed

claiming
or

thought

the
It

position of
it essays in
some

isolated with
a

independent entity.
of other know
as

is surrounded
to

universe and
must

entities which entities

must
commune

know,
way
as cance

coupled
a

with

its

welfare;

with

these

things of meaning,

each

having
who

imparted
can

to

it

by

Him

specialsignifi place gave them

must
own a

to

sport their powers

learn of them

hereabouts, and
so

make that
it

all it
can

employ what promotive power

It is to be

it learns

of its

own

entirelyits of them, as good.

I

personal
allowance

remarked

that

make

due

which act on, or with, potencies our thought, endeavoring to point out their relation call out and personalfactors which to the volitional For educated, or personal,traits and wants. our understand should the reader now that, whenever

for the extra-mental

188

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

we

have
as

the rational
our

impulsions
motors
or

called powers

desires, they
and
so

act

personal
forth

act

because tive tions

called

by

the

rational

and

construc

appreciationsthat beget personal and a personal outlook.

II

considera

Knowledge
different
to
our

is not
an as

made

over

to

us

by

any We

power have

from

ordinary
we can.

discursion. We have be

acquire

it

best

to discover
to

rational rational There

humanities,
is

and

so

moved trained

act

from sions.

considerations
a

and

impul
and

close brotherhood
man.

of mental roofed

physical
from

forces

in

They
constitute

are
an

together
au

childhood,
work. such

and

original,or
to

tochthonous, conjoint
economy,

brood

co-acting

in

furtherance the

of animal

Some
as

contribute

sensations, physical cravings,

all these blind

appetites,etc.
occupy until the

physical factors sheltered retreats, speechless and sightless, their mission to disclose by they are made
But with wisdom. is
on

party that intermeddles

the confines horde
of
vast

Quite
that
"

of this close brotherhood and material

physical
"

entities immen It

our

outdoor

neighbors
and

who the

people
mind

the

sities of time
were

space

with

of God.

well

that

these make

parties
party. contact,

should And
and

they are exchanging

is the
a

physical,vital, and remoter the call upon a thoughtful face to face, in actual now,
civilities. of this
of

Now,
tation?

what

effect

exterior business

visi of

Simply

notification

THOUGHT

AND

EXTERIOR

POWERS

189

importance to proclaiming in
have Do We
men our

rude be the

parties, the exterior parties and effect: "Try forget it. We of coming into your presence. way
both least disturbed.
to

not
are

No you

harm with
a

meant.

commissioned
our

furnish

speci

are some peculiar dynamics. Here in the sensensorial impressions to your hand for sorium thoughtful appreciation. We your but are pursuing the letter of the enabling act

of

which
as

prescribesand
yours. the social
cannot

limits
we

our are

functions,

"

even

it does

And

doing
not

our

part
if

to

promote
both. would.
our some

intercourse, if
act

welfare, of
we

We

even anti-socially,
our

It is neither

fault

nor

yours, should

if this entail

social grave
our

compact

and

intercourse

upon that

and responsibilities intelligent brother. Omniscient.

trust
we

rough experiences
Sufficient have for all
our

is the We

We have

fulfilled

mission. intrusive.
not

not

been

Business for you

to

is business.

offensively we Still,may
a

look

give

us,

in

turn,

touch
to

of

your

leave friendly regards? We reflections. Good morning to you! "

you

your

III

The leads
I
am me

order
to

of

treatment

of

such

vast
our

speak of another referring to efforts

of
our

aspect of
made with
to

subject problem.
the

confound

contents

sensations

thought, feeling

(emotion),and volition,etc. For we are informed that these latter are simply complexes of sensa tions, that is to say, of elements, each essentially

190

THE

POWEK

OF

THOUGHT

similar
in toto. I

to

blue, hot, cold, sour,

that
I

etc.

This

we

deny give
the fac

had

thought
and of

had their

said proper

enough

to

thought
scheme
tors

sensations

places
the

in

interaction
But
more

devised here is

for the

diverse

concerned.
to

perhaps

proper of

place
the

define and

power

preciselythis very matter interdependence of the two.

so

Every

sensation,

this

doctrine

runs,

has
nature

quality and intensity which and strength of the stimulus

thought, emotion, etc., of
we are

represent the
which determines And thinker. of
But

the

the

this,
is
truer

told, is

deliverance and final.

as

science, which
how much

incontrovertible
to

science, and

sensations
for

well, it would
can

be, if,

whilst would
I
am

allowing
allow under

all

sensation
can

do, science

for all

thought
to

do?

constraint

my

practicable limits,

proposing to place before my reader only a few of facts quietly ignored by the scientist. the controlling
I

grant the power,

does
to not

stress, and
to

tone

of sensations. has

Thought
no

propose

interfere,indeed
nature

need

interfere, with
or

the

and
I state

powers contend of mind of its

of

things, external
this
an can

internal.

What
a

for is that which

own,

never

explain
outfit of sensations
must

has for

appointed
and but either

resources

dealing with

and

their

tone.

Finite
as

thought
tone

sensation co-active be what

hang together,
stress

contrasted of

factors, let the

and
any

they
of

may. should

But

that

normal the

peculiarity of
distinctive

sensation

antago
or

nize

efficiencies

thought,

that

THOUGHT

AND

EXTERIOR

POWERS

191

of

thought,
that

those

of

sensation, is
false. has
I

to the

last

degree

unpsychologicaland
tended power, culiar sensation
to

have,

all and

along, con quality of

its pe

power,

sufficient

impress thought

with

dynamics, arresting its attention, and so of its cognitive for the assertion opening a way
transformations.
ment

And Creator for and

this

is but

pre-arrangeconserv

of the

the

establishing and
co-action
of

ing

interaction concerned. says

an

the

diverse

factors

But,
and

what objector,

becomes
a

of the tone sensation?

too.

temper, dominant
I shall
now

stress,etc., of
to

Well,
I would

attend
to

that

point
and

And

propose and

my

objectorssimply
have and Let
a

to let both

thought
their

sensation undisturbed

tone

temper
and

of
so

own,

undisputed,
the in sensorial the and
I
as

preserve cies let

both,
an

intact.

efficien and
and

deliver

impression
its
own

sensorium,
the
am seen

thought

do

thinking,
be and

tone

temper of both

will

preserved.
its tone

intently
in the how

regarding
sensorium that And is
as

the and

sensation nowhere
set

else, and
up

inquiring
sets

tone

is there

and and

what
stress

it up.

I affirm that the tone

of sensation
as

much

set

up

genetically by
It takes
may both in

mind
to set

by

the up.
out tone

exterior
For

potency.

them

whatever

they
mind's found
we

be

anything placed (and

that
as

side of the and

stress

the cooperative efficiencies, in have and in

a

sensation for

is the much

only
on

evidence for

them) depend
as

mind

being
made

action

upon And

the if

sensorial

impression

the

brain.

they step

192

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

forth

as

distinguishable
have hands
to to

elements
some

of careful

sensation,

they
tion I

will
at

undergo
of the
tone
as

manipula

the

thought.
least
or

deny

mind either
I
am

power pressure in

to

fledge
proper

exterior
to to

things
nature.

with And the

their these
tone

emphatic
to

denying
with

latter
or

least

power to

fledge

mind
nature.

any The the

pressure

proper
to

its several But exterior the

inhi
tone

bition and mind power

a

applies
pressure
can

both.

conceding
to

of

things
to

be but

what

it may,

lay

claim

diverse,
tone

correlative,
pressure
to

of

reacting
tone

upon

that

and

with

cognitive

and any its

pressure external
own

peculiar
power. with
out

itself, and
has
a

estranged
and

from of of

It

life

growth

furnished and
goes

intellectual
to

peculiarities
clusions with of

its own,

try
so

con

exterior their and

mode

impressions,
and up
manner

and

make

conquest

of

being,

gathering ties,
and
as

power it

building
idea after of is

its counter-activi from the static

captures

idea

dynamic
every say,
an

naturalism idea

things
born
a

exterior.

For,
that

with is to which

captured,
or

personal,

emotional

desiderative conduct
or

vehemence,
acts

is consummated
contrast For
we

in with
are

held
trans

in

conscious formations.

exterior
now

powers

and power

in

the
as

of think.

our

thoughts,

and

can

make

our

points

we

CHAPTER

XVIII

DESIRES

AND

EMOTIONS

IN thesis
and

other that

connections

I is its
ours

have

maintained of

the

knowledge being
and
ours,

by right
is also
same

discovery,
for
our

that,

power

ours,

guidance
in the
are

governance. of

The desires the and

stress
or

view emotions. of
our

obtains For informa power is the

treatment

these tions in
the

nothing

but
as

manifested realm in the of

personal
And free

voluntary
this view

conduct. of

keystone

arch

determinations.

Let

us

carefully
us

consider

the
we

problem.
are

We

transport
the and
to

to

the

time,

when that

inspired by
our

aims

and

purposes At
we

express
we are

desires

emotions. think that

this have

period,

permitted
the and

measurably
which

completed
inform

discoveries educe
our

and rational

distinctions
wants.

And,
birth
or

here,
our

it

is

important
wants

to

remark birth
of

that

the

of

rational
powers.

is the
seems

personal

voluntary
the

This
us

evident. is the

But,
fortune
we

for and may

moment,
of

let the

inquire
and
For
195
we

what

function
not
now

desires

emotions
see

which

embrace?

them

tempora-

196

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

emphasize our pres rilyreplaced by others which And ent or prevailing views. yet they continue along with us, as psychological possessions,reap pearing, it may be, on a sudden, as a provisional instigationto conduct, and though we may repulse their importu their cannot demands, we repress
nities.
If

this
two

be

so, then of

we

may
one

be

prompted
active, the
likened
to
a

to

act

from

sets

desires,
may

other
man-

potential.
of-war is
more

The

former

be

steering in
like
and
a

the face of the of

gales.

The

latter
to

league
the

gunboats attached

the

command,
We
the
our

subject to
that

the

orders, of the admiral.

What, then, is
have
trait
seen

office of these
our

floatingdesires?
possess
But

native

appetencies
for mind.
of
are an

of

an

original orientation
possess For

floating desires
for conduct.

that

acquired
influence

orientation

they

trained, and,
the

therefore, personal motors, and

of
a

show

careful
if

teacher.

But with tion

trained, then

they
And
some

are

not
as

to

be

classed orienta

native
was

potencies. by
in
set
a

yet,

their

determined
must

prior thought, their

a

impulsion
the
as manner

before

present

one,

after

of

native
are

appetency.
traceable
are

Nevertheless, solely
to
as some our

their

intimations

foregoing thought, they

own,

to

be

regarded
to

personal i.e.,

and

voluntary impulsions.
as a

And

so, when

they

emerge

present

spur

conduct,
off

they
into

occupy

the

border

ground

which

shades

both

past and
can,

present.
a

They

therefore, make

strong personal

DESIRES

AND

EMOTIONS

197

appeal
on

to

due

authority of consideration,they
the
we

reason.

If, however, antagonize appeal.

character
some our

should their

present views,

may

dismiss

Still,
and
trace

they are a fairlycorrect and forcible of for conduct, exhibiting a diversity

vehemence of whose every feature

demarkation

reveals

previous thought.
II

Keverting
remark time that trained

now

to

former

I illustration, these

may

man's

position,touching

afore

exactly that that they were

curement,

impulsions, or floating desires,is not of the shepherd to the fold, seeing called forth by his voluntary pro
that he controls them their him his
as

and

his

own over

voluntary
conduct

efficiencies.
a

Hence,
between him

power and
own

is not but

question
between

another
some

something, thing.
and what is his.

and
not

Stated

otherwise, it is

between him and

him what

is not

his, but
Ill

between

I turn

now

ated
we

in the

have

an

desires
to

and

subjectof active desires medi present. I explain by remarking that original capacity for acquiring such the emotions as ability depend on
to the

discover

their

satisfying objects.
is
power
an an

For

every

rational

satisfaction the mind's

object
of

of

desire
and

solely
elabo
must

through
ration. also know
ever

conception
for

Knowing

object,once

all,we

why we should desire it ; our intelligence going before, to witness for our desires.

198

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

Indeed,
entertain

if any

sane

mind, nothing

turned

twenty,

can

rudimental it is because it. rational substance

impulses
of

unchallenged

of

thought,
can

superiordignity
his
own

impress
One his and

securely
own

imports

desires

from ful

(here actively thought

substance voluntary), and puts his own affects conduct, (explainedas above) into whatever be it regarded as information, emotion, desire, or what
not.

And, therefore,I by
a

affirm

that

our

freedom
and

is

won

carefully intelligent sifting

ways of that which
we

testing
unde

in

manifold contribute

conceive otherwise
one,

will

something desirable,or
us

sirable, enabling
the other.
For

to

choose

the

and

discard

the

conceit in
our

of mind

is

everywhere
we

trying

conclusions
we

respect of what
best

should
we

desire,and
are

put
and

thought
to
or me

into what
an

pondering,
Reflect

incline

it,or not, by
ultimate

act

of

judgment affirming choice

a

desire.

moment.

Make the
I

altogether human, proclivitiesof

less
a

but
beast

endowed
:

with could

brutish

How the

perceive, much
human have
a

prize
soul say,

and
be

prefer,

qualities of
We of
must

excellence, to
human is to
or

desiring them?
its broader
must

and
we

sweep
the
us

vision: of human

That

have

power the

ideas

informa

tions, to give

appreciating being;
shut
us

what
must

psychologicalcompetency for can placate or repel a human

act

for up

we

upon
as

informations

which

to

final choice

completed
attests

desire.
Here is
a

Every

fact of

experience

this.

DESIRES

AND

EMOTIONS

199

class of emotions tion of

which

spring from
or

the

contempla
and

objects of beauty,
In

else the of such

or

sublime

wonderful.
is not awe?

the

presence with It is
A

objects,who
subdued

either
But

thrilled

ecstasy,
all
in

into

why?

the

of mind. qualifications pyramids of Egypt, as significance as of the beneath award

of

dog

would of

heedless sorriest hies

on,

quality and speed by the their majestic

dust

his
even

feet.
a

He

protoplasmic outspeeding

the

then, he passing glance. But for either has no mind protoplasmic or pyramidal is all! Intellectual,or moral, grandeurs. That in an aesthetic sense or empty pate is a nonentity be baited into being. that can by no means mental But man's competency is ceaselesslygen

dering
lord of

the the

emotions

and

desires We such

which

crown

him

humanities.

must

appreciate the
we

aesthetic

significance of
to feel the to

objects, ere
emotions. cultivate
to

are

permitted
in order of

characteristic shall have

And,
a

this, we

class
can

refined

conceptions
behoove

whose emotions

presence and
see

alone

inspire the appropriate

It will
to the

desires.
our

us,

therefore, to
to

way

out

objectsspeciallyappointed
desires
can

inspireus
human
to

with

such
gence

and

emotions

as

our

intelli
them

elicit and

sanction, imparting
of
our

the
can are

life-givingforce
never

conceptions.
for with

For
as

they they
then,
in all
to

become

factors and walk

conduct,
our

save

inspired by
Emotions and
must

thought.
power, but

desires
as we

must

have

they

energize
the

think, carrying out

our

literalness

force

of

thoughts,

as

I wish

200

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

make
can

evident, later
almost visualize

on. some

Even

now

as

write, I
fair and

object divinely
that this
me.

bright.
power

Suppose though imagination

either emotion

reconstructive How could

of the

is lost to
or

I,then, have
It
seems

desire for the

some

object?
moral
a

that plain,therefore,
must

mental
to my

or

power
reason

be resorted interest

to, in order
in the

having
mind

for my

object desired.
for any human
blind

It is
to

absolutely impossible
at the

desire

bidding

of

impulse.

In the

psychological sense, therefore, the self determines conduct by making choice, or effectu final desire final desire; the choice or ating some personal simply expressing, or emphasizing, our or preference or prevailing reason opinion. Desire
strictest is
as a we reason

personallyattempered.

We

desire

only

think.
IV

One desires

may
are

contend, however, that

as

many

of

our

implicated with

our

native
in

cravings

and

propensities, they prompt,

conduct, in spite of the

and power

prompting affect, thought.

upon remark This
in former

of

misconception
pages, it in I but
as

has been
up

freshly gone here, we

function and may

it turns

upon

passing. have explained

source

the

of

thought

as

the

genetic
with therefore But
one

of

emotions

desires

in contrast shall
not

all

these
go

involuntary forces, and

all that

into

problem
to

here. if

I may

be allowed
not

remark, further,that
or

should

become

deeply moved,

else sup-

202

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

antagonize thought
fact is

in

the

slightest degree?
there
can never

The
any
our

indisputable by
any
in
us

that

be

prompting desire,or
can

impulse
an

independent
it.
And

of

seeing something
moves

object which

prompts
mind

the

to

desire

alone

do

that.
who
or

Now,
who

what

does

this

seeing
the

or

thinking; responsible
prompt
power
is but of born
an

affirms

the So

objectdesired,if not then, if

a

actor, man?

this be so, the real mediated

comes so

ing

is done

by
For

desire
desire

by
of,
is
or

the
and

thought. with,
It is
some

all

thought,
of

and

really
power. blind
He

expression
fails to
rawer reasons

its

personal
for

force
a

evident, therefore, that

account

mere

impulse quite
He he
acts

man's

acts.

is not

than
and

the
acts

rawest

specimen
his reasons, choice
can

of

an as or

animal. indeed fulfils

with
he

them,
for

whenever

makes

desire,
but the

a fulfilling

desire
or some

is,and

be, nothing

actualizing personal
From

choice of

preference, ultimating thought.

that the

power

all

which,

it is evident

elaborating
volun

and

constructive
not

efficiencies

of mind

give us

tary,
not

necessary,

actions; intelligent desires,

even

blind

promptings;
and reached accordance

ultimate

desires, and
the
man

personal power
conclusion done
and

responsibility.And
is that with he and whatever rational
from

general
does

is

in

his
acts

convictions,
he
may

that, whenever
both desires and he

reason,

have
as

their

objective satisfactions,
of his
we reasons.

reasons,

because

And

this means,

further, that

may

put

term

DESIRES

AND

EMOTIONS

203

to the

any

floating desires
moments

that of

we

might
sinful

go

upon

in

unguarded
we some are

solicitations.
we can

For make view fore

free, moral
choice

agents only when

the

final,in

light

of

judicious

personal responsibility. I may there the two following propositions as lay down
of
our
:
"

incontrovertible
1.

Man

discovers mind
to
a

what

to

choose
and

or

desire,

training his
of such

knowledge

and objects, prefer, or choose, or

energy the upon
some as

such

appreciation he can as satisfactions,

the
of

desire; employing thus

is to say, desire
or

found

in

some

intelligentappreciation
must

object desired thought, kind,

choice. Man
" "

; that

lean of

here order

opinion
that

information

in

it

maybe

responsible

2.

must

know

what
in

to

choose,

as

re

sponsible person
or

walking

the

light

of

educated the
for

voluntary impulsions; and so he walks by of the thoughts which beget the desires power
which

my

responsible. The following illustration may I am contention. beholding

of

he

is

serve a

to

support
with all

rainbow
come

emotions these

wildering pleasure.
emotions?

Whence

unquestionably mine, if not by former experience and personal espousal, at least by present, intelligent, propae The assertion seem deutic elaboration. bold, may
fervid

They

are

but
me

they
at

cannot
"

be
are

rightly described
so

as

all,
of

they

intimately my
or

prompting own. Every

contributed the

effort its

thought, past

quota of

present, has personal power to give me

joy

of

204

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

such And

a
now

resplendent display
that I
am

of

prismatic colors.
to
:

possessed of the corresponding

emotions,
would between
I
not
me

it is not be

impertinent
to say

repeat that
It is
a

it

correct strictly

question
is

and the

my

emotions.

Nay, rather, it
before

myself,

with

I have susceptibilities
an

fostered,
my

taking pleasure thought,

such For
can

in

object brought
of my beautiful
a

to

the

extent of of

capacity for affirming

stored in of of
nature. nature to

elements the
never

the such

gospel
be

glad

revelation absence

enjoyed
one or

in the

mind

appreciate the
Now dred that will any

revelation. dare say that the these and kin of my

not

emotions,
which
acts

desires,are
the vivid

promptings
of Have mine of

without

intervention

and intelligence

appreciations?
me

the

desires

which

prompt
I

been

made

by
what dis

whole

life of and

achievement

in the domain
am

mind,

morals,
I desire

aesthetics?
a

moved

toward its careful ultimate

upon

by

power
I enter

of

thought judgment
what

and
or

and tinctions, with the eyes

I

upon

choice

desire the

of
enter

my

opened
I do

object,and
this very

upon

by projecting
of the beauti of

thought taught

into the those

thing

to be done.

Yes, pleasing

were

emotions

ful, and

of all the and

humanities

thought

to

in rejoice

its ways

do them.

am

still

debating
the mode

the

abilityof
which
move

responsible
him
to act.

creature

to conceive
me

reasons

Let

vary

of

inquirysomewhat.

The

DESIRES

AND

EMOTIONS

205

finger responds
the stimulus factor of has moral trained it
can

with

but

little On

thought.
to

previous trainingto the other hand, the

to act

with

sedulously and continually ere foresight of consequences,

be less

entertain, much
office of the
so

finallyact by

upon,

its

peculiarstimuli.
The

finger is
the
seem

denoted

its obvious it and

But

structure, and
moral
we

analogy
to

between

the
if

factor

might
the

be

imperfect.
some

could

teach

finger to discharge by
upon the when

nobler
a

function life to

determined be entered

exigencies

of

higher

properly instructed, of intellectual and that such as personal power to our con we might bring home responsibility, ception an instance of intense and vivid training
parallel to
Now
am

that

of

our

own

voluntary experience.
this

it is led

just here,
observe
as

and that

in

connection,
centre,
of
to

that
when

to

the

desire the power it

can

trained) responds
reason as a

does desire

the
as

promptly finger. The promptly

shut
as

authority
release

of

thought
and

begets
control Permit

the blind
me

forces

up

in the

finger.

Let us imagine explain further. in possession of much that we that reason are now affirms to be desirable; objects for which we may strive. have affirmed their points of attrac For we tion and struggle for their possession. Now, all this is in the line of our or voluntary powers, per
to

And, responsibleachievements. fore, it has not been our fortune, so far, to of necessity in any promptings any element
sonal and emotions
or

there detect of the

desires

involved.

206

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

But

after

all, do they
to
our

not

often very

make often. up

very And

urgent
so

appeal
may be

reason?

Yes,
to

here

chance A

trump

necessity.
goes

I call for the

appeal.
ask

presbyterialoverture
overturists either The

before
some

the

synod.

The for

suggest

action, or
down it is
a

instructions.
the

synod
it may
court.

may,

if it chooses,act with
a

suggestion,or
for the
or a

lay
As

rule

of

conduct advice

inferior rule
case

petition for

of

action,
for the

it acts

and finally,

that

settles

the

overturists. Now desires suppose

to
we

take

the

appeals

of

our

floating

separable from any power distinctly their wonted to morals of thought or give them efficiency though this supposition is contrary to Even fact! an then, the fact of their making
be
"

appeal
And stand

to

reason

is

confession

of

subordination.

now,

when
an

in

cal members But made

and now,

they obey the latter 's behests,they of our attitude analogous to one physi of thought. moving at the command
let
us we our

suppose have

that
on

we

have
to

long
be
our

since
own,

the

desires

hand in

this, whether
cultivation be

success

their
or

elicitation What

and

could the

be commended character be of
or

not.

would, then,

their bad.

appeals? But,
if

Evidently, our
our

own,

own,

and

elicited taint of thus

they good own by our

made
our

where efforts,

would

be the

necessity?
own

impulsion reason) is,and can

Any

be, nothing
which
and

but

(and for any personal and

our as

voluntary vehemence coming into being

bespeaks

thought,
it

taking orders,

does,

DESIRES

AND

EMOTIONS

207

from tion

the
or

power
"

that
even

mediates what the and

we

every and
or

possible
what of bad

emo

desire

should

should what is in any,

not, be
ours

desired. been of

For

good

has forum

pondered
reason,

felt from have

to

aforetime
act
on

the

and

the last of
our

instigation, proceeding from

we

the

last

phase
;
we

desires,as
or

did
our

on

any

previous one
of all

choose And

rejectit
or

at

I contend

that

peril. this dependence

our

impulsions is so allembracing and thoroughgoing that, at any time is not do something, there would one we single is not conditioned desire which emotion or by some force it may of mind, for any have, when power
emotional desiderative

rising into
all the

consciousness.

For

here of the

is concentrated

antecedent unbroken every

new

experiences

soul, embrac

ing
such tions that So

the
as

and

desires

series, continuity of the whole emo thought and its power, even keeping step with the thoughts
of and

inspiredthem.
much train for the power

thought
desires.

and

its

insep

arable

of emotions

VI

It

seems

cies,nor
tives tion. of

plain,therefore,that floatingdesires,nor for

or

neither that upon

appeten
any

matter

force,exterior

not,

can

trench

the

preroga

thought, choice, or
are

They

all bound law

as

voluntary determina by the enabling clause

prescribesand
man,
as a

of the fundamental their

which the

limits is

functions, just
and

whole,

similarlylimited

bound.

208

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

He,
powers.

too,
He

has

to

submit alter

to

law

for of

his

finite
of his

cannot

the

nature

any

members,
command it
a

say power

again,
which

finger.
will of
move

He it. desire

can,

indeed,
And,
if it it.
struct

move,

is

because, muscles,
are

say, and

his

to

move

The

bones,
etc.,

jointed,
by
annihilate

prehensile
and these

ure,

furnished neither

Another,

he,
furnished

for

his

part,

can

materials, (and idea,

ments

nor

vacate

their

functions. into for

But

he

can

that

is

all

claim)
desire

summon

being
such

every
move

emotion,
of

or

needed other

the

finger,
the in

or

physical
personal
and else him.

members,

as

will

actualize involved of the tasks

(now)
moving
life
set

voluntary
required
for

power

it,
before

or

any

of

210

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

of temptation, practicalconduct, under conditions alternative choice,and personal responsibility. choice between have We good and bad, but we
must

reap

the inevitable
we

consequences
a

of

our can

choice.
never

And

though
the

make

bad

choice,we
blessedness
on a

question
albeit
even

authority and
morals divine
are

of

morals,
which

conditioned choice

law

protests the
dous

right of

and

its tremen

responsibilities.
the idea
of
or

Again,
as

conception
between
But

of

right and
are

wrong,

also

that

choice

them,
mind

equally employ

achievements these

of

mind.
at

cannot

conceptions
in their

their

best,

unless

they

are

maintained

integrity. sanctity of
morals
as can

Furthermore,
be weakened between
nor

the

neither

effaced,except right and

wrong

the

right
or

of

choice

is effaced This

weak be
ex

ened, through plained

Ponder
more

its sinful

abuse.

will

fully as right and

can never

we

proceed.
The
or even mere

another

distinction.
wrong,

discovery
choice. fearful

of the idea of

that of choice

between We

them,
have
which

destroy the right of

otherwhere
the

shall

to

look

for that

undoing

overwhelms
a

right

of choice.
on

It would
a

certainlybe
of
a

if surprising discovery, discoverer

discovery

moral had The that would the

find,the

should
re

discover

that

he

thereby
moment

lost the such

the

right of
a

sponsible
would force
be

choice.

discovery obligatory
right
cease

made,

very
cease.

instant

of

morals
even

Displace
morals in the

the

of

choice,and
with

conception of

will

it,as

will be

explained

sequel.

CHOICE

AND

MORAL

SANCTIONS

211

Lost

it may let of
one

be, however,
choose sin

"

but

far

otherwise.
he

Only
know

HABITUALLY, because he

and will

will
so

the

process;

have

that they will compel propensities the promptest subserviency to their behests. It would then, that there is nothing in appear, fostered his evil moral The

conceptions
compulsory.
of the way of

inimical

to

the and
to

right of
because
us

choice.

though obligation,
It

divine

divine,
the be
to

is not force hold

wrong
our

appeals

through
us

righteous convictions, imploring

and life, with

choice,and

ponder the mischiefs of a violation of it a profligate

of
an

conceptionof right.
Now,
in all this matter
we

appeal to
On the

our

loftier annihi

humanities,
lation
an

fail to

see

anything
solemn

like the

of the

right of

choice.

contrary, it is

and earnest, loving,tearful,

appeal to
to

our

remitting the discretion,

nal of
as

final decision

the

tribu

judgment thus viewed,

a

thought,
"

search

And, personal responsibility. it becomes a problem for careful and for conscience matter information, valued and employed for ideas which are
and

in the

affairs of
our

mations, at
We may retributions such
an some

personal conduct, like peril.

pause, follow
But

other

infor

well which

in the

view
wanton
a

of

the

fearful
of

disregard
to

appeal.
sinful

here

is

temptation

in
to

dulge
certain
contrast

inclination, very

persuasive

tude.
wrong.

We of choice. proclivities this with the life-giving principlesof recti alternatives The are good or bad, right or latitudinarian We have choice
among

the

reasons

pro

212

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

and

con.

What

happens sin,and

The

sinful

reasons

pre

vail! We choose take the consequence !

II

Now

reader of 'We the

happens that I hear an indignant have You exclaiming : opened to us a view divine authority of right,and yet you say :
so
"

it

can

prefer
of

sin.'

What
of

then

becomes
?

of What

the

divinity
clothed

the

obligation
sanctions
so

morals should

is

with

divine and
do

forever
one

be the
not
so

strongest
clothed.
est
reason

reason,

prevail against
concede
"

And

you

not

that

the

strong

always prevails?
seems

My
sin. this bad.
our

reader

to
are are

be

clever,but
agents

trifle
can,

touchy.
and
do

However,

facts
we

implacable.
moral of
so

We

Indeed,
stubborn

solely through good

and

power
we are

choice

between and
can so

Yes,
frail

human,
that
we

taught
delight
But

of
in

humanities,
have

take

naughty preferences and

we

sinful
for it,
are

pleasures.
one we

if so,

must

reasons

for

cannot

sin with
to must

out

them.

And,
And

therefore,
if thus
are even

determined

sin

by
us

them.

determined, they
the power
to

be to

between the
for
most
us

as we (gifted diverse, and

with

choose
of

opposite, ways
For

urgent
to act
ones.
on

reasons.

it is

any

reason

which

life) quite impossible is overborne by

of

stronger
You

may

be

dazed
But

by

an

order
a

things that
above man's.

permits
The truth

sin. is
as

there

is

wisdom

I have

stated

it. We

cannot

be moral

CHOICE

AND

MORAL

SANCTIONS

213

agents without
and

this
our

power

to

choose

between

good

peril. And, beyond doubt, we have varied have a experience of both, and must inclined to sin,for some acting with it,or reason, the else resist, to overcome, or not, as we had power of our moral The evil. convictions,if not power wholly blotted out, will assist us in the struggle.
bad,
"

at

But

indulgence will,in time, repeated and profligate

the dominant from factor. the
an

become
I ent
am

arguing
the

force

of the

reasons

pres

to

sinner,in

act

of choice.

Mark His

the nature
reasons

of his soul. be

may
"

good

or

bad
never

in

the forum

of

conscience, long
of
as

an can

he
two.

authority he appreciate the

what is sin its

questions, so significance
violation But
now

normal but
a

the

For

of

right whilst
that and
the he
too

acknowledging
dallied with the the

sanctity?

has

baser

choice, too often

long, he puts
of not

court

conscience.

question evasivelybefore feels his obligations He

them. is but his temper Still,

and is
a

would

part from
He

little uncertain. season."

awaiting
grant you
do

"

more

convenient
He

continues

speciously.
of

"

the mag

netic

impressiveness
my

morals, and
lamentable

it

homage,
views of
an

notwithstanding
But

many
in

aberrations.
my
me

then, it is quite
and

keeping
of

with

choice

for personal responsibility

to have

adequate, practical standard right and

had
a

comparison
none

between
I have
to

wrong

; and

can

have of

until

sharpened experience
for any

the

two, easy
of their

hand,

trustworthy

estimate

rival

214

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

claims.
not

And,
me

even

though
to

do

commit
my

sin,do
venture

I ?
"

hold
not

fearfullyresponsible for
inclined endorse this

I
not
ner

am

euphemistic,
the

if

fantastic,subterfuge,though, perhaps,
may be hour

sin

assigning his
of

reason

for the choice.

on.

commission,
His
excuse

in the is
no

temptation
too

and

Of this,later justification.

And
the
some

yet it is
sinful

true, that when

eyes still open the power
of

he
to

tramples
its that

on

right,with choice;
of

his

sanctity, precipi
for all

reason

carries with

tates

and

choice

sin, its wasting allowing

that what aid to is often is left of

train
the

consequences.
he does
to

But,
still count
an

after

mischief

himself, and
upon

he irreparable, his and

may

right of choice,as
reformation.

important

discipline
the

The

conclusion
of

is is
a

irresistible, therefore,that pervading

it and morals
never

right
which
to

choice
mere

constant

feature
no

the

authority of
can

has

power in

displace, for,although
of moral

be asserted
may
not

dependent
be

conceptions, it though
the
one

always
his

upright.
he

Moreover,
way
to

be
will

convinced
wrong

that, if
moral

give

bad,

he

compunctions, yet if he does give way, he may still be regarded as maintaining his right of choice,
a sense

albeit under
not

of

moral

degradation which,
choice the be

if

relieved,and

the

right of

yet further
to choose.

abused, may

ultimatelydisable
Ill

power

But,
of the

am

not

done

with

the

more

serious

aspects

problem.

It is to be

understood

that,though

CHOICE

AND

MORAL

SANCTIONS,

215

everything
information

must

give
the

way

to

that choice

final and

phase
is under

of

which

determines

personal
the

yet responsibility,

sinner, meantime,
which

going

moral

declension

is

undermining

authorityof his moral conceptions. The preroga for and beneficent tive of choice,as a normal power blotted out, good, is being graduallyand insidiously sinful practices have as sapped the by as much
foundations of morals. wonted Moral the convictions sinner
are

los into

ing

their

force,and
would

lapses
the

forbidden

paths.
if
one

For,
should

preserve
same

intact

right
it

of

choice,and, through
for both shall

at

the the
He

time, be perfectlyfree,he
and maintain of
a

choose life.

right
will

then

learn

firmly perfect law

which will
as

right
him the

and in

choice,good
all he

and
a

which liberty, law

so

bless

does;
of

uphold
does
I make of

equal primacy
distinction For
our

both,

long

he

right.
no

between
power
to to

the

power

and

right
on

choice.
we

choose

depends
from

whether

are, and of

what

extent, free
slaves
to

the the

despotism right doing,

and to of
we

and profligate desires, For if

we are

this involves the

choose.

madness
so

passions,we
shall

shall

do their under

bidding, and
both the

trample
choice. that
no

foot

power I
can as

right of
force

have have mind

to
a

explained
no

the

constraint in

of

morals

and the

place
of them.
vacuous

conduct, except
wrong, I could in.
not

uncovers a

ideas

right and
And
as

order

choice

between
so

imagine

stultification

the

contention

216

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

that wrong

the

mere

should

discovery of such ideas as right and effect of wresting have the torsionary
choice is from its foundations. This the discov it
never

the

right
do,

of
and

cannot
erer

done,
if he very

so

long
moral

as

is free
he

to

put the force

But

of

convictions

into what
if he

does.

sin,and
that he

particularly,
themselves is
no

his persist in it,

so

convictions

become able
to to

utterly debauched
the

longer
so,

resist

tyranny
that

of

his

passions,and
of moral

that This

the right of choice. extent, abridges,or loses, is not

a

to

say

the

force

concep

tions
to

in

authorityto as many as defer it,by a godly walk and conversation,only that, the sinner's lapsed condition,the sinner's sinful
is not supreme
are

reasons

the

strongest to him,
For
same

"

some

of his fairer
a

gifts of moral
tial deformation.

appreciation having undergone

the power the pure
me

par

of

moral

concep

tion is not
to

the

to

and

imp pick dump

and

are.

And, explic sin,the shaky,

afore

prevent misconception,let

here
to

state

itlythat, if we stoop too when day will surelycome

moral time
will

often
we

up
our

shall

compunctions
office of forever
now,

in

the

mire,

their

reformation

and

righteous repression
I have

cease.

And that the

we
are

to

sum

up

what is
to

said,I

reaffirm

right of
in
a

choice

never

evicted,so hand,
all
we

long

as

condition
But

assert

it,in opposition
at

to

vile that

practices.
the moral

then, on
is

the other

I claim
to

law

competent,

times,
have

protect this

right, if peradventure
our

not,

meantime,
its

sunk
a

distinctive abuse

humanities
of the

beneath choice.

reach, by

reckless

right of

218

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

of

the

two

principles involved.
of
we

We is the
upon

would

know,
an

from

personal experience, what

choice
how

effect of
our

actual

good
feel of

and
as

bad

welfare;
actors

personal
"

and

personal responsible important

evi

in the

drama

life,
the the
we

still other

informations.

Suppose,
dent

now, have

we

choose

bad.

It will be

that

we

outraged

authority of
have
as we

morals. the
set
at

It will be

apparent, too, that

weakened have if the

power

of the

choice, by
sanction the

as

much

naught

of morals. of the

For

latter is

contemned,
will appear
Bear

mischief

vicious

appreciation
a

in the former.
that I
am

in mind

not

making
of

distinction
for

between
are seen

the
in
an

power
act

and of

right

choice,
as

both weak is

choice,even righteous
the

both of

are

ened, whenever
substituted constituted
ter must

the

sway

morals

by
as

the
we

domination
are,
one or

of the other

passions ; for,
of these lat

rule. this may any

real

However
can

be, let
freedom of

me

repeat that
choice Choice who is

no

man

have the

of

lightly always play

If
to

holds

authority
if not

morals.

weakened, ing
not

exterminated, when
between it should

put
to

the

artful hold

dodger
its own,

right and
cleave

wrong.

it would

the

right,

it it is right, but also because solely because I shall endeavor would be free, to explain. as It has the whole that been already remarked the careful for is a matter problem of conduct appreciations of thought. If, then, we should dis should the fact that the sanctity of rectitude cover
"

CHOICE

AND

MORAL

SANCTIONS

219

be held but for

not inviolable,

solelyfor
as

reasons

of if
we

morals,
should
on,

those that
us

of

choice

well ; and
if

conclude
secure measure

this

information, good
the
can

acted

will
a

both

moral
to

and

free

choice, in
of choose
our

adequate humanities, right

nor

satisfy the
power neither

demands
to

nobler
tween

then

be
from if

and from

wrong

derogate
And

morals
we can

the

freest
mount
our

choice. of

now,

attain

unto

this in

knowledge,
conduct,
both
:

and
we

abide consistently shall have and

it,as
a

rule of establish foundation

discovered
on an

way

to

choice shall

morals,

immovable
the

we

be free to choose If any

ance one

good. object that

rectitude it would the habitual observ the
free

would for

of

the law

may

abridge

dom choice moral

of

choice, seeing sin,let

we

of

him
are

choice,
and

inhibit practically observe that, in every act of in effect choosing between

cannot

good
without
our

bad,

and

so

choose the latter

the
in

former

comparing

it with

order

to

preference. Suppose, though,

we

do

retrench

the

sweep

of

choice

in

the
are

direction

of the

experiential immor

not retrenching the sweep certainly of judgment and wise discretion; and if these lat ter lead us to turn sin, permanently from away have we as then, surely, inasmuch repulsed it for of judicious choice,we have been fortifying reasons the authority of morals whilst extending its sweep in the direction of our But, on higher humanities. the other hand, if we indul permit us an unlimited in sin,the sweep of choice will be similarly gence
we alities,

220

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

retrenched

in

the

direction the

of

morals, if

not

alto of
un

gether supplanted by
bridled
Here

conquering

hosts

lusts. allow the

a

another
man

word,
that
he

per

contra:

We

may

say

of

good
bad
of

is

constantly approxi
wherein far
he
can

mating
eschew

condition
for

of moral

power,

the

inhibitory reasons
man, of
not

surpass
of he

ing
his has

those better
a

the

bad

simply
but

because because

appreciation
estimate of

morals,

truer

the

intrinsic

repulsiveness
and

of sin.

An als.
new

immoral The

choice

deforms

both upon

choice
us

mor

crushing
our

facts

gleam

from

every

vista in Behold

pathway.
process, have
for
a

the

moment.

Bighteousas

ness

and

sin

been

deliberately affirmed
Before
no

contrasting done,
to

alternatives.
can

us

is
of

an
our

act

to

be

and it.

there The
us

be

question
of careful
we

ability
wrong

do

whole
; and
see we

problem
are

right and
not to act
a

is

up for

before
we

hastily,
is

would between
we

to

it that
two.

make
so

judicious
choice
is out

choice

the

And
the

the

made, and

side
her

with

wrong.

Right
She

raged,

and

authority
the

contemned.

may,
out

nevertheless, continue
rage

struggle, chasing the

remorse.

with
a

the

painful repressions of
for

She
to
con

inflicts

penalty

and disloyalty,
But
an

in

order

possible reformation. temned, is, to

remarked,
science is but that

authority,once
is to all this
to

extent, crippled. It
in

be

however, that,

struggle,con
the
sanc

making
proper

an

effort

uphold

tity

of

right by

reformatory methods,

but

CHOICE

AND

MORAL

SANCTIONS

221

without
or

ever

challenging
one

the

right to

choose

good
rem

bad, in any
of it

who

has And

still any, this

we

the least

nant

remaining.
bad

seems
are

plain.
in
go
a

And, therefore,whenever
affirm
we are

position to

that

choice

shall
to

not

unpunished,
that
we are save

calling
conform
true

attention

the

fact

neither
as we

adequately free,nor
to

completely human,
of rectitude which

that
on

law
a

condi

judiciousand conscientious choice. us And, as bound by that law, it behooves effect some to see to it that we conception of right, would have ever a or self-respecting duty, if we have And, if we would regard for ourselves. per
tions fect law

freedom

freedom,
which has of

we

should

walk the

blameless

in

the

in

charge
nowhere law

conative

aspects and
freedom of

retributions

morals.

For,
choice. ation and which which

here A

and

else, is
tells its
own

real

violated ruin.

tale of humili death the is

and

The

sentence

of
in

already,
act

ineffaceably,jotted
follow its violation.

down

creative

guards the sanctityof right,by the

revenges

We of the

are

still in the of
act

shadow

supremacy
as

overthrow partial choice, noting developments.

a reasons. us

of

Now,
every
content

ever,

we

on

The has

sinfulness

of

desire

that

besets and

received

its every the

a

of power
of

character
For

through
is such

active desire the

at

intervention

mind. the

what

(and
desire

I may may

include
be

propensities on
but
our

which

founded)

thought gazing

222

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

some

objectwith
potency of
our

an

of intensity
reasons

emotion

that voices

the
It

is to be understood any
moment
on

that hand

we

take
a

the

propensi thought,
be dealt

at ties,
as

to

present
and
to

under
as

charge

of

that any

thought,
of
our common

with

it deals with

sensations.
a

For, like the latter, they contribute

of

peculiar batch
make
use

characters,of
a

which

thought
because
we

may

in

reaching
Some

decisive

choice.
we now

may

be sinful

conceive
so

the

sin; others, because

and

have

done

aforetime,

sin

sticks.

We
count

may, of
our

however,
from

still

choose, though sin, we

of
a

on

ac now

frequent dallying with

the lower level moral with

make

choice
our

depraved
a

outlook;
sion

powers

undergoing
of
our

declen

uniform
once

the
with

grade

turpitude.
so

For,
the

tampering
of

sin, we
desires have then
we

may that force

foster im
over

mob

unregenerate

their
of

portunities may
mastering demands.
is

begin

to

the

And

the power may

of choice its

shattered, and
shall

though
be
a

still affect in

exercise,we
dated

but

parading

the

dilapi

toggery of

fallen

empire.
is not
so

Nevertheless, if thought
this has
so

right
a

of

choice, now
claim
in

utterly vanquished, and abused battered,

of

valid
even

the

court

conscience,and
supremacy.

may

yet regain its normal

VI

Here

the
of

can question suggests itself,

mind sinful

lose
de-

the

right

choice

utterly,even

though

CHOICE

AND

MORAL

SANCTIONS

223

sires be
of

to cultivated persistently ? beastly excess If one be thrown headlong down

the

last extreme

the precipice, mechanical

in

propulsion is
than In

much So
to

more

forceful reckless
to
a

and

rational. this
case,

of

indulgence

sin.

revert

previous illustration,
a

presbyterial overture. For, here, the overturists directly an tagonize,and finallydisplace,the authorityof the add that this fate,not not need we synod. And
the

appeal

is much

stronger than

seldom, betokens
and conscience. then shall
How

the

fall of the

authorityof

reason

we

interpret this palpable over

?
a

throw We
to

of moral do not
see

choice that

soul

ever

becomes

slave

unaccountable passions, either through some or even eccentricity of his desires, propensities, hereditary bent, or, for that matter, anything not procurement. himself, or, at least,not of his own
The He but
man

himself
have
not

is the

author

of

his

own

undoing.

might
he did

controlled
do it.

his

sinful

impulsions,

In

other

privilegeof
from

paragraphs, I witnessing him

then its power have
; and

availed

myself of the acquiring knowledge

many
up
came

all

quarters, and

adventuring
; and

per
my of

formances mind his his

do.
own

through
he
could

I made
as

that

such
act

desires with all he that of

procurement
I

clear vision

of

for personal responsibility

did,
he

or

could his

And,
he

endeavored
over

to

show

had

desires

made

to

him

by right
that

discovery,
them.

just

as

got the

thoughts

inspired

224

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

And he

so, with framed

such,

views, and conception

sinful him I

as feeling,

did, that
not
secure as

every of

of

sin
as a

and, therefore,

of the

objects
to

desires

well, I
way

was

surprised
those between

find And

devising

to

objects.
a

remarked, further, that

thus conceived had the

sinful the

inclination

and

fostered,and
and made himself

object desired,he
to

actually preferred
For, did
this advanced he

commit

deliberately sin, and so

for its
care com

personally responsible
not

mission.
secure

take of

abundant

to

order

personal motives,

and emotional, desiderative, them and take

to

the

office of
for his

moral
own

voluntary,and to train deliberation on factors,

And does he not very them with the

purpose, abundant

behoof?
to

pains
he if he thus

sate

satisfactions And
act
on

prefers ?

now,

deliberatelyprefer sin,and
act

his is
of

preference, the thoughts, which voluntary

human
to

is his has

own,

and in
a

he

alone power

responsible. For,
and

he

walked
to

the

awoke

him

knowl

edge of the
due
to

responsible impulsions
in

his

nature.

But

it is well

remember,
the his
power Be

passing,that
of

there
at

is

one

thing beyond
of
man.

thought

the
he

command
has his
to

thought what
REVENGES can

it may,

defer

to

the

inevitable He

which

follow
de

sinful indulgences.
his moral control choice
and and

by

no

means

bauch
mate

standards

without and

losing the legiti

desires,the
an

of his emotions morals

power

of

undergoing
In

equal
Jonathan

declen

sion is
an

final breakdown.

other

words, there
Ed-

inability of will, as

perhaps

226

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

we

have

once

gone

into

sin,do

we

not

see

that
no

the

normal
so or

force
our

of

our

moral

convictions
can one

is

longer
the

within

grasp

that

we

have who

either has

joy
in
?

strength
if

that

comes

to

walked uiidefiled

all the

ordinances
we

of

moral

freedom,

But,
so

weaken
or

the

authorityof right,we
the
very

shall moral

confuse,
that moral
truer

else
we

efface

idea

of

freedom
our
our

shall

lose the
so

conceptions,and
humanities and

capacityto appraise keep in touch with

freedom. with its

truer

amended is fettered within

out

by

profane tampering
And which moral

Liberty, sanctions,

in chains.

choice
not

is confined pass, with

limits,beyond
of serious

it may

danger
To

breakage.
our

be

truly free flaw, or

welcome the

is to have

freedom of

in
any

hand,
kind.

without One
must

lapse, or
the bastard

declension

austere

authority
the

of

right,

let it retrench
ever so

liberties of

evil-doer

much. of
a

libertythat comes passions ends in death.

The

monster

craze

of

the

VII

So
measure

then, it
of

comes

to this

One
a

cannot

have
enforce

full per

freedom

without

law

to

its violation ; and if this responsibility, upon law be overborne by the despotism of unbridled than are passions,we really worse brutes, wanton

sonal

ing
we

in
are

excesses,

without

thought

of

constraint;
with vitals.

sensualists, voluptuaries, libertines,

of
can remorse we

the vulture

preying
account

upon

our

Now,

how

for all this self-inflicted

CHOICE

AND

MORAL

SANCTIONS

227

ruin, so
there
to

is

seek

mournfully prevalent? We in our inherent an proclivity wilder through an a liberty,

lack
never

may very

say

that

nature,
of

infraction

its

underlying principles.
may
we as

We albeit such

faith

in

our

moral

convictions,
of

may walk
a

doubt

their

promise
For

good

to

in their is

ordinances.

the

realiza

tion of
our

promise
to

projected into
its power

the
;

future,and and, lo, we

excesses

frail faith may away seek This

suppress

turn

the

present

happiness in sinful is the libertyof

it end
a

of and

license

death.
But Here

why

should
to

in

banquet

of

death

I confess

fear
my

that, notwithstanding views, the

horde motion
of

the

careful may ties

see

of presentation nothing but a

young

reader

vast
own

of vile and

propensi
force, to
But pro

going forth, of with,

and have
him

their

finish
I

disarm, the power

remember that

morals. very

would

these

apparentlyso inimical to morals and free pensities, be their native force and dom (and whatever may the cognitive mission),cannot, at all,act without act upon of mind, and do not surveillance conduct,
unless much and as potencies, of thought, or potencies as any power by thought; and consciously achieved
as

trained

our

own

any
if

power
so,
com we

have

brought
of.

upon

ourselves

the

desolations

plained

as Intrinsically,

I have

said,the
any

power

of moral should defer of God

convictions have
to it

is stronger without

than

others,and
if
we

precedence

question, and

we habitually,

shall know

of the power

228

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

and and

be blessed. moral

But

then, in order
as

to
soon

our as we

freedom
we can an

responsibility, just right

can

distinguish between
alternative than this law

and

wrong,
even

have the

choice, and
to

prefer
end

baser
; for

which beastly gratifications

seems

in death

be order

the of

constitutive

and

fundamental

for

this
we

transformations.
some

Indeed,

so

intent

may

be the

upon process

proximate
moral
we

sinful in is
so

dulgence, and
subtile shackles
as

of

dwarfing
not

and
we as

insidious
are

that until

may
too

feel But

the

forging
say:

late.

this is

much

to

There

is
we

something originally
had
never

tempting
our

in
to

sin,otherwise
it with its

made

up

mind

lengthening

train

of

pains

and

penalties.
truth of

The
an

is that

it could it
were

never,
so

at

become all,

object
our

choice,if
and
to truer

repulsive totally
that
of
we

to not

fairer

humanities
reasons

could

feel inclined

it for

choice, seduc
it

tively and
alternative
of
reason

deliberately immoral, seeing

we are

is

an

not

driven

to

choose

in defiance

of

preference.
VIII

How,
to choose

then, did
between is
an

we

ever

come

to have

this

power

right and
offer

wrong

This this
can

old, old
candid
reason. see
a

problem, concerning
no

which
one

paper look

shall for is
a

bold

teaching.

All

expression of views, within

the of

the

pale
I

of finite I cannot
see

True,
but

with

eyes
for

Omniscience,
the

may

valid

reason

permitting

CHOICE

AND

MORAL

SANCTIONS

229

dispensationwhich provides for a moral government coupled with pains and penal which with a plan of salvation ties,and connected the angels. above exalts the true believer even
rise of sin under
a

And

allow

me

to

say

that, although

this

plan

is

complicated
ment,
ures

with
I
are can

the

I think
as we

"

question of eternal punish such frail creat see why even always excepting such witless
as

and

godless
to go

humanitarians before the the

take
as

it upon
an

them

selves

Omniscient of

emergency
"

force,to
even

soften

rigor
as we

eternal would the

a

justice
not

why

such
as rise,

creatures
one

are

hesitate pun

to

man,
even

and

demand

limitless

ishment, and
criminals

of extinction,
it
were

class of obdurate
to

whom upon upon

rests.

impossible
the

deter

from social

trampling
rectitude

the which

of purity principles very

life of
our

and

common

humanity
But

the ultimate
no man

reason can

why
tell.
can

sin and Omniscient

death

came

into the world and But

so

thought question.
at

righteousness why
long
as

alone

answer

that

should
we are

we

stumble
not

at

the

mystery,
have
an

least,

permitted to
?
a

all-com

prehensive vision
Outside formations animal
from
own.

of the universe has rock-ribbed herself. each

a

nature

scheme The

of trans and

peculiar to
have
so

vegetable
scheme

kingdoms
the And

several
man

distinct his

former,
no

also has
can

one

uniquely
it be
to

man

understand

either

thoroughly.
com

How

unspeakably unjust, then, would

these diverse Who
can

pare
either?

works compare

to

the the

disadvantage
poel Keats

of

with

230

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

Achilles
to ability

or

Ajax?
mind

Who with may

has
mere

the

psychological

compare

two Still, of their

paintings

be

physicalpower ? compared in respect

may
see

will
of

to nature, and fidelity the other,for we surpass

man a

we are

that

one

comparing
now

works
us con

one

with of

another's. diviner

But vision

let any

ceive
man.

painter
He has its

than

other

for

the

sea, and

let us motive-subject, The wild rollingwaves. the illimitable eye

imagine, painter's
distances.

vision The those

is away

off into

perceptiveappreciationsof. his
of any

surpassing

ordinaryman, it would be quite natu at great ral for him to depict a coloration of waves distances quite different from the dark, deep, seain our best canvases. seen Indeed, green plastering the characteristic peculiar to positions and curves the shiftingand blending of the fluctuations might rendered with a degree of truth, be caught up and
But whether a bewildering to outsiders. literally superior power of perspectivecould accomplish this, I know not a painter. not, for I am would be the judgment of contempo Now what Not seeing nature, rary artists on such a picture ? it as a sheer he saw as it,they would pounce upon spoliation perversion of her actual look, a wanton of her features. Whereas, in fact,he alone would bit of nature, a picture truer to be giving us a with our imperfect eyes. nature, but not to be seen visual It is readily seen that, with shortened the apperceptions, and denser perspective insight, It takes be justified. adverse criticism could never of mind to pass upon a higher order a higher order of work.

CHAPTER

XX

ALTERNATIVE

CHOICE

THIS

problem
not

is difficult. it. It should

Du
"

The have

sturdiest careful

thinker

may and the other says

solve

thought begin
or

fair

treatment.
:

Bois-Reymond
a

shall
one

argument
of
two

That

in

given happen
not

instant is

the

things
enter
no

will

unthinkable,"
where
to

he.

I
comes

dissent, For,
as

seeing thought

the
free

trouble is
no

in.
so

taking
I
can

be
acts

reason,
are so

far ordered of

see,

why
a

its

of

choice
one
or

that

"hi will of

given

instant
or

the shall of

other

two

things

happen,"
a

that

either
erence

happen
one.

irrespective
lay
Reasons
no
"
"

rational of
"

pref
and

Reasons other choice is

a
"

hold

one,"

cast

out

"

the
no

determine and
no
"

choice. other."
"

No

reasons,

one

And
011

choice

rational forbids of

preference
our

of

one,"
"the

information
; not

which the
one

selecting

other"

indifference

an

idiot, flitting heed

It is the
means

lessly

from
of

thing
rational
on some

to

another.

absolute that

negation
we
"

indifference,
final We
a reason

and for the

a one

are

acting
of
two

preferring
and

one

things."
until
we see

prefer
reason

reject
of
con

the

other,

for

change

viction.

The

stronger

reason

will

forever

displace

231

232

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

weaker.
we

So, whenever
have
our

we

have

this

stronger

rea

son,

choice, or rational
the

preference,and,
"one,"

along
"the
not

with

this,a righteous personal responsibility. therefore,we

a

When,

choose

we

reject
and

other,"by
then

rational

preference and
we can

rejection, apple difference,

the

because, for example,

take

taste

peach, and
without
two.

ignoring either,
or

the

concern,

wish,
of
some

aversion,as
reason or

between

The

force

information, in
to
one

accordance

with

which

we our as

cleave

of

two

determines alternatives,
ence

for it.
act

The of

person

in every

choice,as
to to

in

or prefer partiality, responsible,is as much every act of thought.

And
acts
on

so, it is indeed

"unthinkable"
from
one

for
to

one

who

choice

stride
one,

the

other,
differ chosen

whilst
ence.

holding
The
act

without

making
of choice.

any

of

choice
"

confines him
"

to the

at alternative,

the

instant

The
tion

result is
of

that, if

choice

of

the such

one

is

rejec
is
pre
a

the

other, then,
choosing
the
to at

every

choice

rational cludes instant

If
we our

discrimination,and
our

preference, which
latter
in

the

self-same

we

are

holding
choice

the

former. shall have

a

make

all,we
and

to

stand

upon
cannot

prevailing reason,
be full act of

prevailing reason
we

prevailed against. choice,until

in to
II

Indeed,
the

cannot

rise to

power
our

of

some

prevailing reason

conies

complete

choice.

But

my

position may
in the

be

apprehended
some

the

better,
reached

if set forth

lines of

conclusions

234

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

is decided
ence,

by

an

act

and

therefore
from
one

judgment affirming prefer precluding the motiveless flop

of
to

ping about
course

the

other
"

alternative, of
"

with

variations

quite

unthinkable

and

innumerable.
The

power
to

of
one.

final And

reason

explodes
power,

in

a me

selective

restriction

this

let

repeat,

being
to

ours

by right
ours,

of

intelligentacquisition,is,

hence, equally
us a

when

employed
which
we

in

committing

line
we

of

conduct

have

chosen, and

for which

hold

ourselves
I

And,
mond's

therefore, would dictum,

so as or

personallyresponsible. Du emend Bois-Reyit read of

:
"

to

have

That

in

given happen
the

instant
"

one

the

other
a

two

things
which

will
"

(in defiance of
This the

prevailing reason)
the facts

is

unthinkable."
case,

lets in proper
of

cover

giving
word
to the

decisive has been

in acts

(selective) power choice,to the agency

to

of the which alter them. is

a

trouble, both
reasons

discover

the

natives,and
And

the

for for so,

choice, between
it.

this

is all I

claim
And

Choice, then,
of commit

rational choice sive

preference.
must for

indeed, a
power
to

non-rational
some us

is inconceivable. be

The

deci per

thought
to

present,
we

sonally

acts

which

are

consciouslyand

personally responsible.
Ill

Here all you

two

an

objector presents
how still, could

his
one

view: choose
led
to

"We

grant
either of choice

say,

alternatives, without

being
or

his

either

by

his

character

precedent

reasons?

ALTERNATIVE

CHOICE

235

For

answer

to

this

remark:

1.

We

make

our

character that have that

2.

what

it is

by discovering

the informations

determine thus
went

its nature, it
ours

mission, and
force work the way of the of the

value, and thoughts

choice.

made
to

by

equip
thus

it for

Having
can

acquired
as

all any

informations efficient in the

that

be

construed

in

attempering choice,we employ

at

have

acquired then, it
free

right
to

to
or
:

them

as

our

own,

whether So

acquired now,
comes

any
we

previous
have
a

time.

this intel

If

present

reason,
can

by right of
under

ligent discovery, how

those

it be

bondage

to

previouslyacquired in order to it,and like free precedent wise right? The by the same and are equally free,and equally present reasons same right of discovery. In other ours, by the and choice,through words, we have both character what them which the informations they go to make
are, and
to make

them

ours,

to be used

as

our

own.

stand to the subse acquisitions like edu as enabling attainments, much quent ones cational advantages to children, qualifying them Our antecedent for

thinking
act

and from

acting for
native

themselves.

For, when

the impulses,and without guidance of thought, the impulses are everything, and the actors nothing but puppets played upon by children powers ideas
not

their

own.

But

when
have

taught
educated and

of

the

they have
hand become
so

achieved, they
for

poten

tials in and

determining

choice

conduct,

responsible by acquired in the present,

responsible actors; acting and of informations, whether reason

or

at

any

other

time.

236

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

IV

note, in
must

passing,
be of

some

other

distinctions.
On the unal pur
we are our

Choice way
to

something

allowable.

its last We

stage, it is either

or alterable, as

terable.

are

often,for
one our

season,
as

much

posed
may
never

to

choose

alternative way in in

another

; for

be

making

doubt. the

we Still,

wholly
not
to

indifferent

presence

of

alternatives. We ion able

secure are

to suppose,

however,
Some
stream

that
our

every

opin
would choice

is open
assent.

change.
An endless

have
of

unchange

changes

neither be

would

and certaintynor stability, futile, vanishing utterly in a flux

of

con

secutions

without

result.

Contrariwise,
is
a

the

search

for

definitive
and power,

choice

quest for
for
an

something
access

definite

certain,a
sufficient for
a

search for
a

of

discursive
For
we

chosen

result.

are

battling

teleological find,and
the

must

take

thought,
at stake.

in view

of

personal ends
first
outline Then

and

interests
we

The and

important step
our

take

is to

conceive

competing
many

and

contrasting alterna conceptions

as

tives.
to

follow

tentative

in respect of or ineligibility, eligibility, and things not our ourselves shall do with what we All this to prelude what follows. selves,etc.,etc. Necessitarians assume that, if allowed to choose, of shoreless the at we are uncertainties, mercy in the jaws of if we but have are we certainty, necessity. I enter here a general and particular their

ALTERNATIVE

CHOICE

237

denial upon my

of the

both

first assumptions. I shall remark from uncertainties,confining argument the

attention,for
and

cedes To wrestle

prepares

present, mainly for the coming out

us

to

what

pre

of choice.
we

begin with,
with
a

let

believe

that

have
are

to not

world

of uncertainties.
are we

We

self-luminous, neither edge from

way,
as

filled with We have

to

all knowl cleave

on our

start
we

to

finish.
to

best for

can,

certainties, resting
we can

the and

evidences
act

the

facts, which
we are

affirm
to

upon.

Furthermore,
hold
for

impelled
consideration
we

elabo
of

rate, and
evidences them

on to, opinions,

the have

them,

"

because

would

not

(indeed they
of
our

cannot

be)
up

thrust

upon have

us,

in

defiance

consent, but would

rather

them

discovered
which
attest

and
our

wrought

by cognitive

methods

judgment, and put us on the road where and act as to choice we can responsibility, he acts think. one we discursively, For, when becomes personallyimplicatedin solving the prob he acts; asserting powers lems which of his on
own,

and

struggling
on

for

more. we on one

The

opinion

which

act

may brink

be of

one

of

thousand, and
a

may times.

hang
At

the

disaster be

thousand
at

moment,
aside

it may

supreme,
so

another, crowded leading points annulled, the

We land may and

by others,and
best matured

on,

ad

infinitum.
of the
to be

Often, the

plans
tant

have

abandoned, and often, again,impor

check be
a

decisions

to

our

policy be struggling
adhere
to

coming
for

absolute.
on

nation If
we

supremacy

water.

238

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

old

wont

and
of

custom,
resolve invite

we

may

encourage

our

rivals

by

proofs

weakness,
to

irresolution,etc.
disenchant least

And,

thereupon, we
adventure,
for it. That
we

them, lest, perprepared

in

assault,when
of

this

nice

balancing

views
purpose

results is
are

corresponding
But in

vacillation

of

evident. but
at tax
cer

all this mind's choice

we shifting of position,

ing

the

distinctive
and

resources

to

arrive be
we

tainty of
a

action.
to

And,
reached
a

if

so

reach

conclusion
our

exact

these have
as

requirements, we
a

have that

gained
goes

point.
into from Avay the
to

We result

decision

forth

voluntary certainty
thought.
We have
cannot

springing
seen
our

power
a

of

cognitive result,and
uncertainties
we were

longer dally with

time And

the

afore

eliminating.
now,

the

world

has

an

indubitable
our

certainty,
The
so

modulated
Here I

into

conformity
a

to

thoughts.
remark:
un

interpose
sheer

passing

referred certainties,
from the

to

above, arise,not
a

much
con

of reaching difficulty

certain

clusion

by
not

the

(anybody of the ordinary sort thousands),as from the fact

bound
we

can

have
we

such may

that

feel

to
can

act

on

even

the correctest moral

conclu

sion, seeing
condition And
so,
we

choose

good

or our

bad,

on

of

for personal responsibility have

a

choice.

arises from accommodate

uncertaintywhich of choice,we the fact that, for reasons opinion to the cry of our degraded pro
very
common

pensitiesand
I
am

sinful habits.
now

not

to

discuss

morals.

am

simply

ALTERNATIVE

CHOICE

239

claiming
least
so

that far
as

all

these, and
us

at other, uncertainties,
on

they help
the

the

way

to

choice
a

and
cause,

action, are
as

characteristic

features

of

free

either a necessi from contradistinguished tating one, or an alleged power to choose any alter And, native, irrespectiveof a prevailingreason. clashing that, so far from therefore, is it evident with
to

the

its

dinous chosen
to

the

prerogativesof choice,they are in order multitu of its own discovery and command to a rational certainties,opening the way in so doing, thought has And result. gone the pale of fact and trouble of placing within
whole class of

reality a
material ical

certainties,rational

and

voluntary,unknown results,but
is of
to

to and

beyond

the reach
are

of blind mechan born of

transformations, for they

discursive

not

achievements

thought.
What

nature, belongs
The

to

nature, what
of the

of
two

thought,
can never

thought.
be

diversities and
never

commuted,

equated.
and that the

The

for the thoughtful and essential certainties, sible which

I

respon choice

factor, are
is born

prevailingreason
and founds
on

with

reason. reasons

explain further.
or

Thought
not, pursue

seeking
a

why
con

it

should,
is in

should
a

given
from

line of what In

duct,
when

quite
an

different and
form

thing

it is the

act

of choice
we

performance.
any number
see

former, though

may

of
our

waver

ing, but valid, opinions, we may not choice,with absolute certainty. In

stand
us a

way

to

the

latter,we

upon

the finality,

power

of the

thought giving
of difficulty

chosen

result.

Whether

pre-

240

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

diction within

obtains the scope for

equally
of
our reason

in

things
is so, there
as

material

is not is it is
or

present inquiry. What

uncertain unknown.
more

any

only
is the in

because
as

And, it,in
and the do

whether
one case care

much, other, I

of

do

not
cause

know,

not unto
own

to

know.
a

A law

is sufficient discovers and its

itself, by
and

voluntary of thought
which per

which mits

and certainties,

conditions the presence

a

choice
of
cause a

personal responsi
have
to

on bility,

prevailing reason.
may make the But
uncer on

Such

discursive
of

acquaintance then, its

which is
a

uncertainties is to take

innumerable.

mission

charge
up to

of

these

and tainties,

carefully labor
act

conclusions in
all

it may discoverer

decisively. And
revealer
of

this, it
and
or

and

of

transformed
to

transcendent combination
reasons as are

order
of

facts

denied

any
act

form
on

matter

which But
of of

cannot

its

(if
gone

it have
upon

any).
in view

such results

uncertainties
are

part

and

parcel
The rational

of

every
a

problem
competent
all and
of

morals

and

conduct

brought

before

intelligence.
and be its
at

measure

certainty is thought
if this

standards,
guard
two

is so, it will

pains
between

to

against

any

uncertainty of
It has
of material
as

choice
a

alternatives.

discovered
causa some

knowledge,
tion, and
trace

say, of the

sequences these

communes

with

evidencing
in that
work.

of

creative that
law
no

left intelligence
event
can

It

remarks
of
some

take
to

place independent
at

of

thought
could

safeguard its advent.

the call
of
utter

For,

if

anything

come

242

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

And cursive

for this reason,

event

we

may

not

predict every
But

dis
we

with would

absolute be
our

certainty.
need and
of

if

could,
we

where

the

choice, seeing
our

could, then, have

Indeed, if
could

own,

neighbor's,
? up
on

actions

consciously affirmed
we

in the

present

antecedently trump
still

acts

still in

the

future, and
to

depending

future

inclinations of

good
of

or

bad,

this

exhaustive

sweep
an

prediction would
power in

be

omniscient.

Moreover,
among

unlimited

forecastingresults
to
a

men,
com

would,
munism scient.

practice,amount
intellects if
we are

thoroughgoing
and

of But

absolutely identical
to at

omni

be
our

free, and
command which

individually
a

responsible,we
rational the world of
our

have and

power

of

discursion with
an

research

will and

provide
born distin

order

of certainties

acts
a

individual trait of his

upon,
never

thoughts.
an

And

yet it is

guishing
when

agent, individually thoughtful,

may be

that, whilst
gone may

acts

logicallycertain
with could
and

(and
cer

logically determined
be foreknown
you

certainties),
absolute

they
mind

tainty; unless, perhaps,

with
turn

identify your
also

your
of

neighbor's,
and
future.

anticipate
cir

every
cumstance

thought,
the

every

extraneous

of

So

far, we

have

not of

seen

the

shadow
acts

of

the

faintest
But
a new

resemblance horror

necessity in
the choice

of

choice.

flits across when

stage !
becomes
reasons

It is able

objected that
it certain,

unchange
which

and

is because

of the

ALTERNATIVE

CHOICE

243

compel us to make it. Now, we might all this constraint, admit etc., and then deny that be they ever so stringent, the force of our reasons, We of choice. militate against our freedom can and of thought is onward that the march do admit
constrain
and

irresistible. For
that for
we reasons

we

are

so

tied down them. that

we

to

our

reasons

cannot
so

break

with

Our

choice

is

invinciblyours,
without is power the

cannot

take

sides

against them,
Their force of

taking
our we own.

sides We

against have,
result. of the

ourselves.
the first,

thoughts
have of their

have

achieved,

and, then, their consummation However,

let
us now a

in

choice,as

fair exhibit

quality
And
came

and it

here
to

have

peculiar constraint. ever we is pertinent to inquire,how before us, competing for alternatives
intent Observe such
? two

preference ?
did of As

ordinary
them

ones.

How power

they
some

become

Only through placing

neither
we

the
in

thought

of ours,

contrast.
nor ex

they alternatives,
even, act of

have

power,

istence the

except what

have

given
the

them
con

in

conception that parts them for constituents, trasted,but elective,

of
a

off into

exercise

discriminating partiality. then, inasmuch by

have
our our our own
own

Now selves
must

as

we

cannot

constrain

our

powers,

"

for

all such would exterior

pressure therefore

consent, and
not

be the

own,

and of

that

of

an

force,
"

question
of
the

constraint

is resolved
reasons,

into and

one

of

consent, determined
devoid nary least

by
the

our

therefore the
we

taint of

in necessity,

ordi
have

acceptationof

term.

And

so,

244

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

the

alternatives of

of

choice, with
made such

their

quantum
and
we

power,

by

the

quality and conceptive

made what
or

constructive would have

efficiencyof
them
to

mind;
power,

be, in

pressure,

constraint.
VI

Consider,
choice. We
in
an

now,

what

takes

place

in

an

act

of

have
act

just
of

made

our

alternatives

available
if
we

conception.
must
one

And,

now,
a

make for

choice

of

either,we
the

conceive with
the

reason

it.
to

So, we

compare which

other,in
We
to

order
are

ascertain

is the

more on

eligible.
which

in

quest of

informations

act;

informa
we

tions, whose

we employ when special power thing and reject another. prefer (choose)one

Remember,

we

had
of

to

resort

to

reasons

for
our

set

ting up
And actual
Here

the
we

sign

alternative
have
reasons

choice for
to

in

mind.
to
an

now,

would

coming
the

choice,preferringone
my

thing
this
up in

other. of

argument
in
we

is that
set

sign
our

eligible
as

alternatives above tive make

the

previously
and,
if
are

minds,

stated, does,
action
;

alterna fact, suggest (orient)

act
on

the

suggestion
one

and of

choice, we
We

but
of

giving reality to
our

eligibleconstituents
end,
as we

alternative

concep

tion.

start.

Completed
in

choice

is
to

conception realized;
realize,or
ure,
or

and

this,

turn, is but

give

practicalissue to, the force, press

of
our

constraint

conceptions,
"

on

choice,

preference, or

consent.

ALTERNATIVE

CHOICE

245

VII

It is further convictions tives that and

as a we so

objected that
fastens choice disabled from

the
to

very

force

of

our

one

of the

alterna

are

choosing

the such

other, thing
im

that, therefore, there

free

after all, no is,

alternative

choice. else it may mean,

This

whatever objection,
a

plies that
and
in defiance

free choice

calls for certain

indefinable

unfathomable, voluntary variations

of
reason
"

taking place
This would

and

judgment.
of
a

certainlybe Among
to
a

very

unthinkable." class

certain

theorists,there
free
cause

seems

be

vague

notion

that that

should

be let
us

made such their

of

anything
of
a

comes

handy.
at

But,

advanced definition with

thinkers

try their hand

a

giving
reason

will,minus
be
to

prevailing
acts

charged
acts.

the

proper there
some can

for determining efficiency

no

Of

course,

of

any

kind
But

without
the
cause

power
moment

of

kind would

produce equip
to

them.
a

very with
a

they
to

such

handy
if

power

act, this pretentiousargument,

of
reasons

from
you
to
a

forcefulvigor

prefer,from
free
cause

necessity, or, of a prevailingreason the absence fall free determination, would or

of

to

the

ground.
a

As
manner

matter

fact, consciously affirmed

get the opinion
we

in

all

of

we discursions,

we

want,
with

and where

put
we

it to
want

work,
it to

where
go ;

want

going
the

it,

and

it has
we

precise have,

amount,
and
no

and

kind,

of

power,

want

it to

other.

246

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

For, whatever
act, it,and
of
we can

the

opinion
or

may

be is

on

which

we

its power,

pressure,

ours

by right
when

conception, preference,and
make be

conation,and,
that
our

choice,it emptied
choose
if
so

does its

not

mean

opinion

of

power,

and, evasively and

be for sufficient have

make indifferently, If
sons,
we

for any it all,

we

alternative.
rea ac

at

must

and the

be

acquire these, we
and
act.

quired
tion of diction.
of
our

power

to choose

Constraint,or
self-contra
the

bondage,
our

coming
own

from

an

appreciative discrimina
a

select

is alternatives,

Our
reasons,

thought, as causative,is
as

but

force

active.
our own

And,

if

nothing but this,

that is to

the say,

pressure

is of
of
a

procurement,

by

virtue

elaboration. intelligent

But, perhaps,
eral
a our

simpler

way

of

testing this
would with

gen be
not

or compulsion, theory of constraint,

brief contrast
own.

of

our

own

powers

powers

You ivith

bid
consent

servant

to

do this

or

that !

He

obeys,
deter

and
own

on

reflection. And
and
may

so, the

mination
consent.

is his

therefore

free, by right of
for

But,
he

he

disobey,
from fast
to

good
to

reasons.

In
not

this,too,
his own, But

is free held
if he

bondage
his
under

opinions
and dis
from
same rea

for he
now,

own,

obeyed.
his is true
sons.

obey
be
a

pressure And

neighbor, he
of any It would

would

slave.

the one's

exterior be
a case

force
of

overriding

bondage, compulsion,
the chooser his
own

etc. necessity,

But
pass

freedom

to choose

enables
of

to

com

his

ends

by

the

power

thoughts

ALTERNATIVE

CHOICE

247

his acts decisive

responding to
conviction. choice. here

the call Our

(here power) of some causalityis an act of con

illustration. the
a resources

sent, or
We the

may

ponder
of

another

If, in
of

existing
had
a

order been

things, all
to

thinking having

committed

select

few, who,

monopoly of ideas,apportioned them the ignorant rabble, then, these latter out among complain of bondage to ideas not might rightfully
thus their
own, and

because all this

not

their

own.

And

yet,
if

notwithstanding
the
masses

intellectual

despotism,
to

themselves

were

still free would be

conceive that

it to be for their
extent.

good, they

free,to

And

so, from

every the
nor

point of view,
acts

the

conclusion
can as

is irresistible neither power

can

that

of

free

agent
so

have he has

existence of

power,

except
upon

far

thought

to decide

them.

How, then,

be in, as an interloper, anything exterior come tween our thought and its power, at least so long as we are permitted to do our own thinking ? What have through mind have our must we sanc at our and so, is free. tion,for it comes call, We may
a one.

constrain

other
or

things, but
takes

can

never

constrain

thought, Thought
no

be

constrained, or place
and between

necessi in
mov

tated, by

Consider

what is both

ing
or

an

arm.

cognitive

actile,
it and

conative,with
it does.

intermediary
act

what free. nerves,

The
we

is its own, ourselves of

and, therefore, bone, muscle,

of
can

True,

avail

etc., instrumentalities

furnished far
as we

God. take

But,

as

previouslyexplained,so

248

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

advantage
source

of furnished

materials

coming
not

from
us

any for

whatever, they certainlydo

unfit

voluntary powers upon them. America When was discovered,the aborigines The knew more thoughtful Span nothing of iron. The Indian iard brought it over. picked it up, and
exercising our
used it. Did any the
more

iron,thus
than
the ages

furnished, abridge
copper before freer make with
the

his he of

freedom,
had the
At

which advent
it ?
arms

furnished

himself,
? Was

Spaniard
all

he
use

any
we

without
of
our

events, the
not

or

limbs

does

estop, or

hinder, or
least
to

conflict with
To

our

discursive
our

freedom
on

in the

particular.
our

put
to

power

things exterior
to
serve
our

thought, even
is
a

constrain dication that

and
we our

them

purposes, of mind.
a

plain vin
to take

of the several
must
can our

power

And,
other

step, we
what make
we

acquire
do

fit knowledge
In

of

them, words,
to
our

with that then

we

them.
we can

up

mind
and

employ
pursuance

them of

advantage, Now,
to
we

act

in

thought, doing
in

what

prefer doing.
to the
man

apply

this line of remarks

subject
con

hand,

maintain

that,although
to

may may his

to

strain
at

other

things
He

his be

purposes,

he

never,
own

all,constrain, or

constrained careful
to

by,
work

thoughts.

is very

up
ever

the
a

complexity of the task before him, but view his thoughts. And to actualizing
tion
but

with
ques

so, the

is,not
whether

that he

he
can

can

make
an

use

of

other

things,
own

have

opinion

of his

and
ex

take

advantage
on

of

it, be

it what

it may,

and

ercised

what

it may.

250

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

it should.

law

of

causation,universal
a

for

mat

ter, is all right. And

for

law

of No

causation,universal
one

mind,

is And

equally right.
there should
of

need

disturb

either. under

is

no

reason

why

anything,
least
of

heaven,
a

disturb

either

law,
to

all should

law

matter
one

overstep its plain limi

tations, and
would be for discursion tation.

displace
and

peculiar
to

mind. that
a

It

just as
However
a

reasonable choice that

contend

law

displaces the
may

law
seems

of

gravi
to

be, there
law is in

be,

nowadays,
a

widely prevalent feeling,a

a

relic of the

priori teachings, that

a least,

better it
a

form,
ex

or, at

better

law,
the

if you better. the

give

wide the

tension;
eral time

the

wider,
to

Remark

gen

tendency
immemorial

discover
we

universal these

law.

From

meet

with

all-compre

hending
of
or

universals. But

There does

is the universal that law

(?)law
to

gravitation.
I

apply
of

mind,
is

might
?

say, to tell

and electricity me, if

the

luminiferous the above from

ether

Pray,
is and

either

ponderable. Besides, illustrations

matter

drawn

what the and

does,
the of

are

utterly
to

valueless

for

interpretationof
transformations

self-conscious say

cognitions
of

mind,

nothing
matter.

of electric

ity and
far
seem as

the I
can

luminiferous
see,
are

ether,neither
or

which,

so

either mind is

It may in
to

strange, but
universe its is

yet

fact, that
common

everything
consent,
for

the have

privileged, by
class of
"

peculiar
kind of

powers

doing

its But

peculiar why

work,
of

except
?

thought.

should

it be contraband
a

be free to hold

court

Why should it not discursion, judgment, and

ALTERNATIVE

CHOICE

251

choice, and way?

It has its own, of its

manage

its

own

affairs,in.

its

own

not to say a history, certainly along with that of causation

of folk-lore,
no

; and to

law
to

material

causation

has

ever

dared

say

nay

acquiringinformations, and consequently power result in accord to command a qualified specially which discursive methods with the distinctly ance with furnish are we us deeds, or acts, for which personally responsible. But in order to an evenhanded discussion with necessitarians
a

gisticcamp,
let
us

I construct

pair of

syllo syllogismswhich,
the volun

of the

1.

respect for facts. hope, have some is voluntarily caused, affirms What
of the antecedent. A Therefore it affirms the

tary power
of What

volition

is volun

tarily caused.
power
2.

voluntary

its antecedent. is

of a accomplished by the power sufficient reason, is a voluntary act or free achieve An ment. act of choice is thus accomplished. It

is,therefore,a voluntary act

These

or

free achievement.

syllogisms will
in
to

be
we am cause

referred

to, and
You the
to

ex are

plained
careful

connection notice
a

as

proceed. recognizing
passes
on

that

fact

that, when
the iar law

cognitive
final
forever

result, pecul
a

latter is the
cause

stage of the former.

will

give
at

let peculiar result, what

on

for

material
Two
men

causation work
as

be

it may.
same

For

example:
matter

will
as

reach their

results dissimilar and other

subjectdis characteristically
casts of

the

similar different

mind, and

the

mental

trainingthey have

under-

252

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

each Because why? and thought distinctlyindividual spect of quality and vigor. Now,
gone.

But

has

power

of
re

personal, in
to compare
men

tal and the

material,or
as a

mechanical, power,
cause

what

forbids and

former,
contrast

distinctly individual
results latter? work know
It

achieving dissimilar,
in

free characteristically has been its shown

with

the in any
we

elsewhere may for

that,

of

mind,

impress
The law

be traced

in all
in

of that work.

uniformity
all

nature, and

diversityof
that
like
a

causes,
CAUSES conse

affirms

this

when

it declares And
it

produce
quence
unlike

like

KESULTS. a

as results, causes

from

that principle,

unlike

produce

results.
until all you

Indeed,
the cause,
is

you
can more.

allow

for of

the any the

of peculiarities

affirm
But

result

is that

it

caused, nothing
or

question whether
and

it is free fore
of

even necessitated,

the how

where the

its modus

operandi, lies wholly with

the antecedent.
a

several when and claim tional mitted

abilityof thought
it other

And, therefore, posited

in

conceives
afterward antecedent

result

futuro,
can

which
no one

achieves, this
efficient than
if it,

result
the

voli per of

that

cognitivelyachieved
own

it be details

to

give its

version

of

the

performance.
Ponder need free he

distinctly what
an

we

have his
one

before
act.

us.

scarcely say,
in
turns

actor

and

If
me

lie is how The from

conceiving his act, can

up
a

any

tell

slave
in his

by completing
the

the

act ?

power

seated
former
to

thought has simply moved

"

the

the

latter,

completed

act

only

ALTERNATIVE

CHOICE

253

making known,
have

the
or

transition

and
as a

transaction

the

better
us

knowable,
to
a

whole,
or

"

giving
to

the
we

finishing touches
committed
our

deed

work,

which

ourselves

irrevocably. And,
so

there
as

fore, should
to
cover

syllogisms be
once

constructed

these
:

facts.

repeat
up
on

thought

free,as
from

cause, the
same

cannot

take

any
to

tinge of necessity

fact

of effi

going

completion,

as

result.

The

ciency that conceives completes the result ; and so both conception and result are attempered by the of mind. voluntary findings and determinations of thought may That the power compel or neces it can sitate exterior as modify things by as much
or

control of

their

wonted been

transformations

in

the

in but

terest

itself has
to

previouslyexplained;

always

in order
as

therefore,
tion of renewal whose

accomplishing our purposes, and, ancillary to a contemplated result.

also,our
act, taken
but
as

But, in this
a

case

the the

realiza

preceding conception, is
complete establishment
went

intelligent conception
it. As
im

and

of the

power

forth
or

to

consummate
or

conception, or pulse, it
has

reason,

motive,

voluntary

final phase which we a only assumed to name For, result,or completed choice. agree be it can first be conceived, ere result must ever achieved. And, if so, it is potentially achieved when only conceived ; the sole difference being in the

stage of action reached, whereby what

now an

was

once

potentialis
cause.

active,and
to

actually operative,
the
mere

And

now,

allow

me

ask, if

potential

254

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

is free and

taking quite as
because has

voluntary,how resolutelydecisive
for
one

can

it become
?

bond it not

by
be

step
to

Would it is

reasonable

say

necessitated,
because it

it is in process

of
?

completion, as

reached

completion
I

And

here,
it will
a

should

perhaps explain that,

and
a

as

cognitive result
pose, reach decisive
a

is conceived

gone

into

on

pur
to

often

require

prolonged
for the

study
determina

conviction

exact

tion of choice
ment

therefore And choice. again, satisfactory result from our as study,is a personal achieve to be for our conceived good (or bad), etc.,
of

and

is,therefore, informed thought

;

all these

particulars
of

of

and,
are

if so,

then, opinions,motives, voli

achievements
as

tions, etc.,
sonal power

preeminently
and for the in the

per

by

agent, and,
tasks
of

such, are
determi

logically employed
nations.

free

So

much which

to

clear the

way

for

constructing
of and
conserve

syl
the

logism

shall be informed
of

controllingfacts

free determinations.

IX

I propose

now,

to

offer

hope,
the

will accommodate uncovered

; for

the in I
am

syllogism which, I may facts,and the logic of

discussions
of

facts

the
not

the with

pre the

ceding
false

section

quite

done

assumptions

of these

mechanical

views

of vol

untary determinations.
3.

Every change
of

that

is

conscious that

renewal, and it,is

a

establishment free result.

the

power

conceived

ALTERNATIVE

CHOICE

2o5

reasons Motives, opinions,

of

choice, etc., are

of the power

conscious that

renewal, and
them.

establishment

conceived

Therefore

they

are

free results.
I

It will be seen,

and

hope

the

reader

will

care

here regarding mo fullynote the fact,that I am as etc.,for choice,not now tives,opinions, reasons, we are ripe for them, causes going into results when from but as RESULTS our previous efforts to achieve them, and therefore determined, or fetched by those of a previous is born previous efforts. For what and syntheticelab analytic, conceptive, perceptive, of materials,is the result oration and combination

previous efforts. And surely,any information, or idea on which to we finallyact, and here viewed as beholden may be any some careful, previous pondering, cannot thing but the conscious renewal and complete estab
of those lishment forth the
to

of

the

antecedent
or

competency
it.

that

went

conceive

achieve

And, therefore,if ends, etc.,

were

antecedent achieved

motives,

reasons,

agent, and by, and for,the same the subsequent matter for what no intent,how can similarlyachieved, and for any purpose, but ones, the previous elaboration, here taken as results from conflict in any wise with voluntary determinations, of which they were part and parcel? You denying that a law for apprehend that I am material causation apply to a discursive can, at all,
likewise

competency
of

which

underlies and

and

informs

every what law

act

choice, conceiving
But

accomplishing
not

it
for

conceives.

this

it could

do,

if

256

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

material caused is and its

causation

which

claims foist and

that

"what into
or

is the sup

necessitated," could
soul of discursion

itself

body
press The such

supplant mind,
and

procedures. intelligent
of

act

thinking
that

is the life of unbroken every

every

act

involves

the life in

identity of
and action. ceaseless

continuity and stage of conception

it that mind and
a

And,
Its

therefore, is

is
con

discursive

flow of free antecedents any

one

sequents.
achievement achievement
so

condition,at
the

is instant,
a

free
free

in gone
to the

present projected from

in the

upon

previous instant,and
a

on, back
ever

first thought ; with the

a

preceding

achieve sub

ment

combining
one,

and

establishing a

sequent
if this

without

discursive is

fusion,or
a

of a splitin the possibility in the continuity. And break

true

psychology
to,
we

of the here

mental
an

transfor irreducible

mations

resorted

have
and

unit of discursive

power the

personal responsibility
of

running
And

back

to

beginnings
down
:

thought.

therefore,I lay
incontrovertible

the Man's

following
freedom

propo

sition,as
the

lies in

sturdy continuity
the

of

his

discursive

methods,
and

whereby thought, at
on

each

instant,renews
reached

founds

competency
instant.
and

it had And

in the

previous,
this
re

indivisible

therefore,and
even

in
as

gard, conception
from

choice, viewed
different
a

results

previous thoughts, are

that
of

from

all other renewal

results, seeing
and and
manner

they
the

are

continuous that achieved power,

an

reassertion
not

power

them,
the

simply receptive of
of results determined

that

after

by

exterior

power.

258

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

no irresistible,

wonder

we

all have
our

We How

can

honestly believe, say

and stretch

stupid belief. ! sapient logicians

the
our

exceedinglykind it may periors! Still,

courtesy
for but
a

patronizingare
one's
sense

su

of

conven a an

tional

trifle too

much

to

compliment

chimpanzee honest,
of

some

rudimentary conceptions of

sort. However, illogical pitifully been taught of the exotic chimpanzee has never

the lore

formal logic, any

But if all men,
at

more

than

all

men.

all

times, and

under

all circum

stances, will

still after
a

belief,even
how such
ever

persistin maintaining a stupid so-called logical disproof of it,

any
set

could

it be

possible for
stolid and such

of

men,

with

hopelessly
to

illogicalantecedents,
of

acquire
what

knowledge
is either from
one.

formal

logic
at

as

to

divine

it is to be either
freedom

logicalor
a

? illogical

Voluntary
hand
or an

discovery
We and

first

inference

judge
carried

it

on

informations
ward

consciously
acts;
and
are

affirmed all
men

for in

into

if

affirm

these

affirming voluntary powers, consciously cognitive and, therefore, personal and formations, they
free.

Indeed,
of
our own

if it

were

so

that but of

we

had

no

knowl
as we

edge
now

powers, the be
were

could other

reason,

do, about
we

actions

animate

creat

ures, infer

should

and led, logically, free to the

correctly,to
of

that

they

full extent

their

mental Formal

capacities.
if logic,
can

true

to

reason

and

the

evidence,

is,and
the dence

be, nothing
and justified

but and

the

statement

of, say,
on

informal that

cognitions

affirmations,
up the

evi
and

built

individual

ALTERNATIVE

CHOICE

259

universal
a

conviction

of human in of
as

freedom.

For

such

conviction every
can

is attested achievement be and

are

affirming every thought.

In

thought
any in be

and

fact,if
affirmed the

belief

affirmed

true, because
every and
act

achieving
lief that in defiance

affirming our
free to think

thought,
for

we

ourselves,
be

of the law
as

for material

causation,must
incontrovertible

accepted
evidence. If there

on logically validated,

and fal gullibility lacy in this belief of volitional freedom, let our or logiciansprove either an incorrigibleimbecility, be such
a

measure

of

else

utter

recklessness
of
are

on

the
own

part

of

all

men

in
if

respect of the laws

we

their

thinking. spelling out,

and

But in
"

all say

that

we

free,
"

all
an

our literalness,

conscious

thoughts

acts,

informal ited

but

fundamental the

logic,veraciouslyaccred

of doubt, will affirm our possibility affirm in every thought, and from what freedom we every phase of thought. foolish to deny that there We not are are many naturalistic, beliefs; some anthropomorphic, some

beyond

and

some

material.

Explaining
of

nature

too

literally
have feti-

from chism.
we

the

standpoint Explaining myth.

The

consciousness,we
in terms bad

man

of external

nature,

have

atheism, materialism, and

former uncivilized

logic. Both attempt,

chaos
of the
some

issue in
among

is the first rude reduce world later

to

peoples, to
latter but is

facts observed coherence.

in the material

rational this the sysdis

The

stage

of

temizing tendency,
mal follies of the

put forth to

correct
some

former.

Indeed,

eminent

260

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

scientists theories laws And

are

even

now

prating glibly of Darwinian

forward
a

which
know I

work
not

nnder

the

guidance

of

which

lawgiver. explain
conflicts say that
no mere

here,

would

science,

authority, antiquity, etc., are

of any
at

conclusive belief of
a

proof
in

theory

which
; to

with

any
con

fact

first hand

nothing

belief
from
or a

sciouslyaffirmed
cursive
fact

in

affirming anything,
us

dis

within
men

to

any

theory, true,
way
to

false. base
for do way fact
acts.

For, although
less ages
not to

have have

given

sundry
them is

beliefs,and

stoutly
at any

maintained

unnumbered,
find

after still,

all that

said,we given
in
own

that

all men,
at
war

time, have
belief their

any

theory they
are

with
to

their

the

that For
a

free

determine

fact, thus

consciously affirmed, can

amount

never

be it. all

disturbed

by
a

any

of

theorizing
avouched be
and
must

about
for

Indeed, such
men

universal

so belief,

under

all

circumstances,
I have

consistent whether
to

with

every
or

belief

similarly avouched,
as

of mind in

matter,

endeavored

explain particu

preceding paragraphs.
in man's
on

And,
no

as

to

this
of

lar belief

freedom,
which

theory

necessity
all

founded cable cursive

to

mechanical power

causation determines

is at choice
for

appli
dis
men

by

methods

and

considerations

which

universally hold
We
have
or
no

themselves take

responsible.
either mind
a or

right to

matter,
at
war

thought
with the

sensation, and

construct

theory

facts of either. with

our

We

are

not

permitted

to

tamper
We

facts.

must

allow

for the

diversely appointed

and

ALTERNATIVE

CHOICE

261

restricted preserve

powers the

of

self and

not

if self,

we

are

to

purity and
intact. laws

of individuality is
never

their be and

social

intercourse

Truth which

to

had

by
and

disregarding the
the interaction individualized.
If

prescribe

restrict

of entities

diverselyempowered
will remark

you

interview

matter, you
On the

the issu if you

molecular

ring
touch

of mechanical pores. pure but

transformations other

ing

from but

its very

hand,

could observe

intellect, you
a

would

possibly
the

nothing

gleam
is

of

light,pale,pulse
from than

less,and
of your

chillycold,streaming
fingers. But
and
so man

forth
more

tips
will

sheerly
you

intelligent ;
discover
"

if you

interview

him,

and life, individuality, discursive energy,

personal responsi

bility, a conative,
"

humanities
we are

thoughtful, innovating, burning with voluntary impulsions and as bright as his intelligence. Thus far,
with the
we a

dealing
what truth
so

facts of matter say of

and

mind. would
of

Now, give
words
us

shall

logicians'who

by

mere

formal facts
cast

arrangement
as our

devised

that
are

such

conscious
or

affirmations
to

disclose

either

away,

driven

the
The

wall.

logic
few

is with

the

facts, and premises

all their left out.

not

with the

the facts

select
of
our

who

propound
affirmations
have
a

with

conscious
few

And

yet, if
are

the
even

select
now,

been

lives,and

belief of their freedom, silly of backing their qualifica they have a poor way tions for reforming that, or any other, belief. However, to be fair,I offer them the benefit of a

indulging

262

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

their distrust of syllogism which will cover the informal logic of all men. 4. Whoever habitually thinks, and acts on the belief,that he is free, has no conception of the between the power of thought logical connection
and

formal

free determination.
men so

All

think

and

act, and

that
of

They

have, therefore,no
between the

conception
power of

habitually. the logical

and free

connection

thought

determination. It is

pleasant
the

to

hope
of my

that

such

syllogism will
in deal

allayany ing with one Still,

of

distrust

absolute and

fairness

theoretical wish

formalizing logicians.
to

could

them

give

one

the

logic
is

incontrovertible

facts ; for every

contrast

other

kind

chimerical.
But

let
one

me

now

this mendacious
a

syllogism
every
true

with
5.

which

will

have

due

regard for the facts.

in

conviction and

affirmed
act

affirming
is the
one

thought

every

of

thought
"

fact of the

logical understanding,
that
free fact

equally individ
incontrovertible. affirmed.
It

ual, universal,authoritative,and
The fact
we

are

is of

so

is,

therefore,the
standing,
"

one

true

the

logical under

authorita equally individual, universal,

tive,and

incontrovertible.

XI

I in

in passing, a point recall,

or

two

touched

upon

previous
A

connections.
error

prevalent
as a

is to
of

regard

the

alternatives and distinct

in choice

conflict

independent

ALTERNATIVE

CHOICE

263

forces
a

struggling

for

supremacy

over

the

will

as

something
as

Whereas,
of

objectivelydistinct from themselves. no of fact,they have matter power a

are

di they are as our versely appointed conceptions struggling toward

themselves, but

what

that

ultimate

form

which

is reached

in

volition,

will, choice, personal preference, as

it is

variously

that we have, phrased. It is to be remembered the alterna conceives here, a personal agent who tives,walking with such motives, purposes, desires, prefer and make his own, and finally etc., as he can explodes acting upon that select conception which in fulfilled desire, or responsiblechoice,as I have
so

often

explained.
XII

Iii this

section,I propose

tions

upon

its power
it is

specula the problem of ancestral heredity,and in a germ future which, cell, to enfold our
to

offer

some

alleged, predetermines choice.

What,
up

then, shall
germ
us an

we

say

of such
for

power,

stored

in

cell ?

Well,
bit of it

my

part, so
our

long
own,

as

it

gives
Let

express
one

individuality of

Avould not efit.

have it

expurgated,for
as

my

ben
some

severely alone, as long

for how

it is not

blighting abnormality.
and
am

after unable
to

allowing
to

For, speaking generally, of differences,I all manner

such with
a

see,

cell

has

any

more

power
any

cripple choice
of

than predetermination

ordinary
vistas

sensation, climatic
mountain whom and
we

conditions,
even

or

wide

valley, or

the There

cult of

peoples with

etc.,etc. live,

264

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

is,to
duced

be sure,

quite a
choice

wide

by

these

diverse is not

of effects pro diversity agencies,but the make-up robbed

of
one

of individual

iota of
a

its

prerogatives. Every
office to
can

exterior

power

has

distinct
none con

perform,
the Give each you

in

respect of thought, but

of

disturb

right
man

choice,under
the
race

normal humanities

ditions. the

proper

of

race, and

have

experiences,alternative
and

normal responsibility, choice,free determinations

morals.
I
am more

But

not
on

now

committed that

to

the the

task

of

say The
the

ing

any
to

aspect
is

of

subject.
Of the

point
minant And
of

be

investigated
its present of the let
me

the

relation
to

present self and

powers

powers

predeter-

germ

cell. any
a

here

say, that away in

amount

or

quality
goes the

power
to

packed
the

germ

cell, that
of

only

birth, being,
an

and

of capabilities

is simply individual,
ance

ordinance
an

God,
must
a

in accord

with
to

which
be
a

such
and

individual which
as

walk,

in

order

free

without And
us

free
as

choice
germ

would
cell
can

be

failure.
It
an

this is
an

far

any

go.
us

gives

individual
; that

being, and
is all.
germ

remits But

to

individual
an

choice

then, says
so

this objector,
your

your
sweet

cell,

walking
other

innocentlybefore
with the

individu

ality, is charged
germ

virus
down

of from
mass

innumerable
the
remote

cells,coming
you
a

past, and

piling upon

huge
cannot

of away

predeter
with. is all this
not

mining

influences

which

you

Very correct, and

talk about
one's

cheerfully conceded
; and

ancestors

you

must

sup-

266

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

right
that

of the

conceptive power by
the
power
not

of of

our

own

thoughts,
a

is to say,
reason,
we

choice
in

or

prevail
We
are

ing
and
our

have
our

striven
our

vain.

simply doing
limitations best

best, under
in
our

finite conditions

and

various

callings,to bring
to

thought
of

and

experience
in
pursuance

bear
of

upon

the

problems
ambitions where The and
tives

and life,
are

those

loftier

which

denied animal

to orders

of
are

intelligence
more

thought
process

and

impulse
of
a

at

one.

is

an

act

attention, deliberation, conception

of

comparison, whereby
and
a

alterna

judgment
the
our

011

their
a

sions
which And

clears
we

way

to

final

contrasting preten eligibleconception conception

ade

call

choice.
thus

having
to

discovered
of choice

quate

the

demands
set

and

personal respon
upon
our

we sibility,

this

conception
thought

forward
not

contemplated
our

work

; for

only

illumines
our

path,

but

directs,decides, and

completes
there

purposed
left

tasks.
as we

Finally, analyze thought

over as a

may,

is still

vast

residuum

of

ever

present conditions,
and

such

mental, moral, sensations,dispositions,

physical endowments,
etc.,whose

heredity, environment, explained,is opportunity

the thus
to to

etc.,

heretofore office, as
the

give
con

thought
ceive fixed
a

competency
conditions.

and

line of action

for itself within And

a
more

limitations

by

said

as

limited, its
than

essential

prerogatives,as
are
no

and rational,volitional,

responsible cause,
those of
are

infringed upon (be they

what
and conditions

matter

and

even

God

they
limita-

may)

infringed

upon

by

ALTERNATIVE

CHOICE

267

tions and

which

prescribe
for them.

and

qualify
For,
life

mode the

of

being

activity
or

beyond
of

special
there is

nature,
an

strictly
number functions

inner of and other

anything,
with

infinite

entities,
whose

diversely
and

qualified
role
but

powers,
can

presence
means

of

action for is

thought
their the

by
can

no

overlook,
means

which,
what

part,
of

by

no

do,

or

undo,

office

thought
must

to

do.

Moreover,

though

thought

depend
these
can

upon
never

its

conditions, plain thought

to

surroundings,
whatever character the

etc.,
may

ex

choice,
has
even a

be

their

office.

For

and

competency,

peculiar
which

itself;
it

as

thronging
side
have what

potencies
is

confront
to

on

every
But

individual the

themselves. other under

to

say

that his of the

not

either natural action

one

or

the

can

step
usual

beyond
conditions

province,
and
inter

and,

the

action,

supplant
of the

or

suppress is

distinctive

indi

viduality
and scheme
conserve,

other,
but which and

only

unphilosophical
to

unpsychological,
of the
reason

utterly
would interaction

recalcitrant

any and

provide
of

for,
two.

action

the

CHAPTEK

XXI

OlJKSELF

OR

SOUL

WE
a

have of

life

and

thought by
the bond

compacted
of

together,

in

variety
all
we

ways,

personal
vote
see

interest
without life
as an

in

do, securing
among the

thus

casting
never

schism

parts.

We It is

undifferentiated
of

integer.
as

ever

memberment in sub
power

parts

cooperating
to
a

contributory
whole.
a

factors
to

ordination

central

I refer

that
of

which,
among

whilst the

securing

regulated
conserves

concert

action diverse

parts, perfectly
Life which is is

their

functions.

memberment,

plus
and

central supreme

authority
over

single, personal,
It has
no

all the
no

parts.

expression,
as

no

mean

ing,

existence

even,

"

except

thus

rendered.

It this tion.

is

objected, however,
of How
etc.

that

there

is
and

no

proof
observa is
sensa

of.

unit
"

power know On the

within
we

experience
it ? All
we

know

tions," proof
all
our

other

hand,
and

I contend

that

the that
are

is

through

experience
even

observation;
of
a

experiences,
achievements
to

that

sensation,
on some

discursive
of mind A

depending
avouch and what
can we

power

judge
is

and

observe.

sensation the

known,

be All

known,

only

by

marks

that

accredit
268

it.

knowledge

OURSELF

OR

SOUL

269

founds achieves
or

on

the

same
a

power,

the

idea of

namely, that which sensation,emotion, relation,

discriminates
one

anything else,

and

idea

or

of the heaven-born It comes objectfrom another. marks or abilityto judge and distinguishby traits, In other which identify objects of knowledge.

language,
from
a

we

infer life, cause,

the
not

soul, etc., even

we

as,

in perturbation
a

sensorium,
a

conclude
"

that

it is

sensation, and
is not it. the
an

cognition,
power that

some

thing
takes

which
to
we

act

of the
we

under

know

Indeed,
existence

verify everything,
of
our

just as
the marks

prove

neighbors, by
other

unanswerable
of life and
now,

logic of

their

or footprints,

thought.
more or

Eemarking
evidences
ence

particularly, upon
soul, I
note

the infer
draw.

for ourself

that many the

the
we

is not immediate of is
our

locally remote, judgment

like affirms
as

An
cause

immediate the
kind

subjectiveacts;
determined
the the character direct

also

of

causes

likewise

by

an

immediate

appraisement of transpiringunder

of the

conceptions
:

gaze

of consciousness

attention of to acts is directed our just as, when are we remarking their contrast right and wrong, and ing values, affirming and appraising, at one the same time, and equally,acts and their kind or somewhat of course character, vaguely, but still such with first intercourse intelligently, our upon And whenever facts. we are regarding similarly, the acts of a subjective cause, we are affirming
"

ourselves
For

as

their

conscious

cause.
a

consciousness

implies

conscious

actor,

270

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

solelybecause,in
scious

conscious

acting, we

are

the

con

judgment embracing and affirm much the other. as one as ing simultaneously I may Here are explain that what we affirming is an action and an actor given in a concrete presen
and directly,

actor; the

the judgment avouching both simultaneously tation, and is

therefore
you

the
cannot

affirmation
affirm is
an

of

both action

for instantaneous, from

an

severed
true

actor.

And

this

emphatically
of which
a

of conscious

thinking,the

affirmation
of

involves thinker But

the
or

coetaneous

affirmation

conscious

soul. that

for

matter, how
then
and

could

one

affirm

any
as

thing without,
the
in
an

there, affirminghimself
there mind
can

affinner.

Besides,
act

be

no

difference
as

affirmingan
actor.

of

and

affirmingmind

The

reader

need

not

be reminded
are, for the

that the discur

most

sive acts the

just mentioned

part, but

beginnings of thought. But though it proceeds from a present, conscious,mental act, seen (atfirst)
in the
seen as

concrete

as

an

indivisible

part,
from

to the

actor attri

its

counterpart, it advances
to

the

butes which tion

a

immediately affirmed
manifest
of

the

remoter

things

clear

things to a coordina their statics and dynamics, reaching finally conception of the personal and moral prob
them,
and

from

lems

suggested by such

fruitful

discoveries.

II

And
acts

so,

we

conceive
"

ourselves

to

be

what

our

indicate, nothing beyond.

am

aware

of

OURSELF

OR

SOUL

271

prevalent
distinct festations the
or

illusion the

which mind

bids and its

us

find

something
mani of know

from
; a
as a

phenomenal
of what
we

something
in which
a

outside

mind
essence,

self-conscious the

activity; a
mind,
into

substratum its

and
an

powers,

inhere. void
can

But

this is

plunge
such
an

abyss utterly nothing,

All
I

of any say is

tangible support.
of

I know
essence.

and
can

nothing,
some

affirm
or

really existing thing, such as it only by what know matter; and I can
does.
an

mind
it is

and As

mind activity,

must

work

as

it knows. power
But cause,

It

cannot
some

grapple with its work without the thought enlisted in its performance.
cannot

of
the
or we

soul

be and

said to be

present
of
an

as

free

personal
have the

responsible unit
which
come

action, until

aims of
our

of

devel intelligent

opment
once

discursive
born. We

possibilities.It must,
must

for
our

all, be
for

have

command the

of

all any

cognitiveresources.
which into
may
we are

Neither

will, nor
come

act

responsible,can
of the
the

sauntering though
we

notice,unbidden rightly regard

soul.

And, service, unit,

or

will, emotions,
our

forces, at desires, etc., as indispensable

is with yet the real efficiency
the

rational
as

responsiblesoul.
our

Forasmuch,
forces, we

then,

these

are

instrumental

ourself, as
is laid the

differenti
our con

ated duct

by

organs,

etc., determine capacities,

them.
"

through

Upon
not

us

burden
we

of

conceptive power,
are

upon
manner

them,

"

and

alone

is

responsiblefor employed.

the

in which

that power

272

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

You

remark
of

that
a

the

moral

unit

does

not

take until
re

the character
it has

pronounced, personal cause,

the way
to
a

carefully cleared

mature

It has to await the occa for its acts. sponsibility sion of its discovery arid appreciation of moral In act on it can them. distinctions and needs, ere and order to the empire of mind morals, it must have acquired the ideas of right and wrong, good and and thine, duty, obligation, etc., bad, mine which to found an adequate conception of upon itself as a power, single,personal, and responsible.

hopes and fears, of aims, anxieties, and bothers joys and sorrows, be combined, and not antagonized, in conduct? life, Moreover, though we might acquire all knowledge, not could employ it as an innovating, yet, if we for our reconstructive own good or bad, we power
Otherwise how could variant could
never

the

build

up

acts

for

which

we

are so

indi could

vidually and
not

personally responsible, and

be

ourself.
Ill

The

will

in

particular,as
the

tested of
our
our

by

these

con

is simply siderations,

force force
one

final concep final any

reason

tion, or
or

if you

prefer, the For,

does
that

of does

judgment.
he does

what

by
is

of

his

members, tive, he
if

himself.

If if

he

only

medita

work;

purposing,

that

work;
affirm
doer of

acting or willing, that work. It seems, plain, therefore,that, when

ego,
are or

we

ourself,or
an

soul,

or

person,

as

the

act, we

affirming a

unit of power

that carries

274

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

itself
Man

an

executive
a

power,
in

personal

is

sole energy command

all he

voluntary. does, acquiring, and

information whose

and

having
final

full

of, every

stringencyis utilized in the crisis of responsi A sane cannot do anything ble performance. man for what he without a strong reason sufficiently
does.

The handle
centre

story is the
for

same us.

in whatever The
act.

way

we

may

the facts before both

are

soul is the rational The

organs

thought
our own.

and

and

capacities
But the

Thought
in
we

gives
way, it

power. not

doing

of

anything,
fact that

any do

does

alter

the

essential and

ourself, on
For, when
our

deliberation
ever we

responsible
to
or

choice.

act, we

unite, adjust, and

secure

direct

every

spiritual member
known Our
as
our

those We

conjoint results
do it all.

deeds
power

works. is
as

in one seen distinctly act as in another; in the most ordinary, as in the is most complicated act of reasoning; in what and simply tentative preliminary, as in that last, of the works delivers grim nisus, or effort,which

personal

our

hands.
own,

For

whilst

our

members exterior which

act
ever

have

no

action
causa

of their tive

certainly none unitary

power

to, and
combines
in
concert

of, the
their

and and of the

controls

action, they
social

subordination, as
above
You

factors

under

charge

unitary
see as

power.
we are

that

regarding by
of
a a

our

spiritual
of

organism
members which

differentiated the control undivided

variety

social

under acts with

responsible factor
the

sovereignty in

sphere

OURSELF

OR

SOUL

275

of

thought Now,
the

and

deed,

and

is therefore

responsible
be

for both.

logic of

the

situation
act

would

wholly

changed,
that
our

if the

parts could
should

supposition, we

independently. On have thought without

choice, conduct,
in either
our one

thinking; will, purpose,

our we

char the

acter, etc., without

other. bers should
as

being regard

or

psychical mem acting independently of each other, such invoke another batch of absurdities,
Besides, conception,
desire
or

if

we as or

perception, without information,

without
reason

and

vice

versa;
or

without

emotion;
or

choice,

any of
our

logical elaboration,
own;

ultimating
mind that the stands neither

and

so

on,

to

the

end.

The firm

fact of the

unitary power
is allowed

of the
seen

against

all criticism. schism

It is

severalty nor

psychi but regulated, cal members. Each yields a distinct, the latter, And social service to the federal head. in turn, enforces a by a guarded responsibility
among

thoughtful employment
mentalities.
A

of

the

subordinate

instru

supreme
or

ruler, we
subservient

are

not

dependent
for any

on

the

will,

any
to
our

member,
An

help
an

exterior

authority.

autocrat, with

of our own, individualityand domestic economy act on we judgment and personal responsibility; of to step out subordinates never permitting our the
up

line

of

subservience actions

to

our

behests their of
our

and lest

set
we

superserviceable
the instant

of

own,

invite

subversion

discursive

individuality.

276

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

My ceding
Our

debate views. soul

a

will

conclude

with

synopsis
of

of

pre

is

unit

of

functions, each
called without and

which
at

contributes command

scheme the

of service

forth
a

the of

of
or

former,
be the

trace
on

extraneous,

otherwise

intrusive, action
their
role

their

part.
but the

For, whatever
action work. the and of

of

action, it is

soul, when

employed

in

rational Neither emotions supreme,

not

will,

nor

motives

or

reasons, the

nor a

desires, can
the way
act
as

perform
Our of

office of
can

personal functionary.
action into their

freedom

recognize
We
must
our

factors

partitively

pushing
for

independent
forces

results.

persons,

personally responsible
are

acts.

Our

psychical
of
a

but

con

stituent undertakes What force power Grant urgency,

power
or we

elements
to

discursive then
for
acts

energy
as

which

know,
the decisive
own.

and

it knows. is but the

a

call
our our me

will,

example,

of of

thought, and,
and
I

therefore,
its

thought,
this
same

have is

power

or

and

urgency all I do. called soul

my

personal thought,
or

will, going into

power,
"

Our

with

its executive
to

emotion
or

desire,
; called
execu

in reference

the

instructed

person
our

the

will, when

referring more
power,
"

directly to

tive,or

ultimating

is, therefore, our

sole

in responsible efficiency

conduct.

CHAPTER

XXII

KEVIEW

OF

THE

ARGUMENT

THOUGHT of its

affirms

an

object
some

and of

points
its

out

some

attributes,
and social.
"

namely,
their

statics

and indi
some

dynamics,
vidual real
or

phenomenal
therefore,
"

relations,
it affirms
not

And,

things,
but

not

phantoms,
of

and
own

merely
as

matter,
well. It latter affirm is

the

realities

its

activities

powerless

to

affirm
nor

nonentity;
Nor of

for
can

the it
or

is neither chaos and

; for
so

reality
that neither

attributes.
no

has

principle
nor

being

action, and,

substance
no

attributes,
or

therefore with

also,
either

points
or

of

connection

relation

thought
I

things.

But organs, excitation

in mind

virtue

of

its

contact

with of
a

its

sensor

becomes the

conscious Now mind

non-conscious excita

in

sensorium. that and the

it is this

tion,

or

sensation,

first feels

in vague, in
in

unripe

cognition,
and

afterward is all it does

perceives

clearer sensi pre

cognition;
ble

this The

perceive
is

perception.
to

sensation and the thus

on

immediately

sented

the

mind,

latter the naked

immediately
idea For of I take
a

perceives
non-conscious

it; achieving
energy

acting
277

itself.

278

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

perception to be the readiest cognition of some attri features,or detailed individual thing whose butes, have not then been, or else need not be, and accredited, on reflection carefully abstracted In fact, at the stage of and logical elaboration.
perception, the
task of ticular
is not
soon. as

soul

does

not

feel committed any

a so

to the par

affirming or denying
care.

details, with

It

simply
which
and

beholds it
can

something
affirm.

which
as

and itself, it
can on

But,

detach the

study

characteristic and of

feat

ures,

it is

point of mediating ideas,by

is
means

correlating

remoter

and

broader

conception

and

logic.

Perceptive knowledge
mind
crete

and since

relativelylimited, the not having certified anything beyond a con impression in the sensorium, exterior to itself, not so having any rational conceptions; and
it has
not

as objects, founded on laws, forms, changes, features,and the bind each of them, which unalterable relationships which includes to the whole as a part of knowledge the assemblage of characteristic features, since

attained

to

view

of

"

it has

not

done

this, it does
other of its

not

have

such

knowl it to
to act

edge
elicit

of itself and
a

things, as
own

will enable

conception

wants, and

accordingly.
On
the

contrary, the
ideas the reached attributes
It

office of

conception

is to

ponder
notes

the

by perception, compare
of

with

objects and
an

elicit their

logicalaffiliations.
of

begins
of

active

exploration
on, it

such
some

objects as

it

perceives,fixing attention
energy and

say,

particularkind

tracing

REVIEW

OF

THE

ARGUMENT

279

back

to

some

outer

or

inner with

trastingone
"

attribute ideas and

potency, another, or
;
or

or

else

con

with

others,

or

with it
so as

emotions
a

else discriminat

ing
and

voluntary from
on,

non-voluntary activity,
mastered the
as a

until

it has
it not

facts

and

principles upon
person. this But

which I may

can

act

responsible
details in

go

into

further

place.
II

Man interest of his

now SL

is
in

personal
His

power,

taking

personal purview
He is

all that

transpires within

the

thoughts.
person.

feelingsare

enlisted.

Hence diverse have

If

arise various character

to

emotions, answering
his

to

the may

of

informations.
and will moral be

He

attained

aesthetic interest

so, his

personal
which For
one

conceptions. manifested by
character the the ideas and
of

emotions power. the

will
must

express have

their

acquired
"

true, the beautiful,the sublime,

wrong,
"

good

and

bad, right and

can

ere

the

attaching

interest

report itself emotionally.

And he is the
more

impressively emotioned,
he
comes

because, being human,

has secured these he watchful of rational interest

to

know

that

he the life

personal
takes

motors

through
a

in

constructing

impulsions and satisfactions. found Kemark that, when our emotions distinctly on conceptions of moral good and evil, any power consistent is perfectly conduct they may have over with our personal freedom, and this for the plain

280

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

reason

that

all

our

higher
out

emotions

are

called which

forth deter

by
"

some

fact,sought
their

of the

mind,
"

mines The

being
man

and

mission. heart mind.

hidden from the

of the

is,in fact,never
We
may go

hidden
into

power

of

off

wild

ways

when

led

by

vile

emotions.
But
on

This
not

is

part of the dowery of freedom.

the may still

it does

change
latter and

dependence
be
as

of emotion
as

thought.

The

wild them.

the

dependent emotions,
we we come

direct

Whenever
son,

to

ourselves, like
returned morals determine review and
to
a

the

prodigal
could

have
of

simply
and

previous
we

condition think

mind

wherein
our

emotions
our

differentlyand accordingly. We" may

on

amend

ways, the when them.

occasion

of

sufficient moral

experience change

of

penalties
one's

inflicted

for

dereliction.

For with

views

change,

his emotions

Ill

In

foregoing
and

discussions powers,
man

it

was

shown
as
a

that, by
differenti
to liberate

cultivating his
ated
an

walks

conscious

integer,having
which
now

power

executive

energy

goes

into this

his

work

or

conduct.
reasons

I would

retouch
"

discussion,for
our

of is not that

clearer
an as

perceptive
it does
that

if indeed

free

dom
Be

illusion. it may,
not

consist

in

any It is

efficiency separate
not to

from

of

thought.
as an

be found

in the

will, viewed
cause.

indepen
ego,

free dent, self-acting,

or

But

it is in the

responsible soul, freely acquiring knowledge,

282

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

crisis

of

performance,

does

not

possess have thinker

the
a

re

quired efficiency.Besides, posed, practical stringency,

be act.

it must
if

pur

the

is to his

charged
An

with

for personal responsibility

inexorable
some

code power show

us

of of when

reason

requires
which
do

us

to

excogitate
our our

thought
to

will
order
reasons

do
to

work, having
we

and any

it, in
of the it.

command intelligent
be

why
we ours

should
a

charged

with

doing
we

For,

if

do

work
a

by conceptive
of
some our own.

power,

know

it is

by

power
to

I confess tions
that

anxiety
I

to
am

give

these

distinc view

in clearest
man

outline.

holding
for

to the

is

competently making
of the

equipped
use

acquiring
in

knowledge,
acts. In

and

of

its power, he of is the

a

his of

virtue

fact command
of his

that

unit

body
for

and

mind, he has

resources

of both.

And,

in virtue

discursion, and
he

in behalf

preeminent capacity of the susceptibilities

use

which upon
them due

cultivates

and

makes and

of, he advances
from

the worlds
a

of mind of force

matter, and wins

wide
to

range the

unwonted and he

transformations,
of

solely
In

dignity
is
an

his

cogni
"

tions.

other of
a

words,
strange

innovator,

setter-up

power,
use

affronting
and
wont
causes

and pre and

a

remodelling vailing
sequences.
power in

the
the

unchanging
world
he

of does

material it all

And

by employing
The sole efficient

which

is born
or

with
reasons,

his

thoughts.

force in

of his what

thoughts,
he does.

is his

REVIEW

OF

THE

ARGUMENT

283

IV

Turning
treatment

now, of the

for

moment,
them of

to

more

articulate

function

of reasons,
as

informations,
all-sufficient

etc., we
resources

are

to

regard
work

man's

in in

the

his

his finalizing impelling force they may have is his own ; the fact of his achieving and employing them constituting free agent, and him a personally responsible for is ever himself his acts. He in, and with them,

thoughts,

his hand; finalizing work. And, whatever

remarking their special characters,and discriminating their social else actively or choosing them, in some affiliations,
either
as a

discursive

presence

final Let

procedure.
me

following incident may ford this securelyplain : I see to make one servo is holding up his He ing a river on horseback. The But feet. reason up? why hold them now, is plain. He is moved by reasons, or informations, will have which it,that it is for his good. But, it hope
that the is
so

that he

his

feet

still them

upon, here

elevates

tip the water, and, there The motive still higher.

He follow is informed such of the

is likewise

manifest. which
now

unpleasant

results would

watery indis
from their
we see

and cretions,
recurrence.

protect himself
every
at

So,

from
come

point
the

of

view,

that and

man's he

actions

call of

his reasons,

always acts as they urge him, walking very ordi and literally"in all their commandments the trace of a single deviation. nances," without
And

yet,

man

is

free

agent, and

cannot

be free

284

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

in any

other

way.
are

For,
his
own

as

so

often

explained,his
his
so own are

informations

powers,

made

by
not

right
made

of
over

discovery
to if

and

conquest, and
any power his
ab

him

by
do
own

extra.

And,
it.
He

therefore,

they

determine

will,or acts, or
does

conduct,
has the
do
can

it is his
at

thought

that

been power,

it,and
take of

puts forth pains to acquire, and now his work, and thus acquired,to go upon one so, he, alone, is responsible. No
of the and
one

thought
himself
so,
no

attributes

and

potenciesof
what of is per choice

things
sonal and

things
can

not

himself, in his

stead, and
and action.

do
his

for him

responsible in
And it
if he
as a

judgments
he has
a

thinks

will, and
still

should for be

employ

subservient his
reasons,

instrumentality
he

giving

effect

to

would

and of his informations employing the power sanction in conduct. wonted giving them A pertinent example will explain all this. A has an certain man opinion which habituallycon trols his conduct. Suppose, now, that a neighbor that he could not should attempt to give him one make his
own, and
so

control

his

conduct
out

differ the psy

ently. object:
It

Would

he

not

literallytalk
in his

chological facts speaking

"This

soul, if
will and

he
never

should
do.
me

thing
If
"

you my

propose,

would

contravene

freedom,
me
am

make

your

slave.
me

you

give

your
a

opinions,
mere

and

deny
I lose

mine, myself

why, sir, I

machine.

when
me

besides, personal responsibility I lose my own opinions. You think to give them make mine, but if I your opinions,and
and

REVIEW

OF

THE

ARGUMENT

285

cannot

have

my

own,

and

give
of

them my of

full
own

power, you it is and

in the

determination

play and conduct,

which conduct correla and

fracture

that

organic

oneness

soul,by
my

alone to for me possible in their responsibility

I cannot

determine untrammelled my

tions.

afford

to

vacate

freedom

and the same time. I personal identity at one to my dance own piping in the affairs of thought conduct. and My opinion is mine; your opinion

is yours, This

and

away
wears

with

it." the air of it is You

a an

language
and

indignant
observe

chal

lenge, and
nal

rightly,because
competency.

defence

of perso that the

right

his own on speaker plants his freedom But has He no quarrel with that. vigorously against its being founded
not

opinions.
he
on

protests

opinions
of solv

his the

own.

He

must

have

his

own

way

and so hold himself, and problems of life, his not neighbor, responsible for his conduct. that a man stands And, therefore again, I conclude he is in his thoughts stand, acting only as as and formed impelled by them, and that, whatever he may instrumentality, do, and with whatever

ing

"

"

be

it

emotion, desire,or
so

will, or
command

even

his their

physical
service,

members,
"

far

as

he

can

the

in

to resorted indispensableefficiency his voluntary and responsible consummating

sole and

endeavors victions. One

or

is

the

force

of

his

reasons,

or

con

another

of

us

has A

seen

or

read

of

some

thing
his

like the

following:
his

great general

matures

plans, marshals

forces,and

tramples

upon

286

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

the
and

columns
won.

of He had

his
to

enemy.

A the

battle

is

fought
of

rely on
But

prompt
to

service

powder
of

and of

ball his

as

instrumentalities in

be availed for his say

:

in aid

plans.

accounting
us

amaze bloody laurels,it would The powder and ball achieved be (to use, perhaps, a would
"

to hear

one

much

like

accounting by
of the

for

the

victory." That familiar illustration) production of some

the and constructive the
want

great picture, not

the

aesthetic but

appreciations thought
the in the
will

painter, perch
of

by

of

pigments.
forever

Victory
executes,

upon

the

banner

of

general
and

whose

power efficient

thought conceives, and

as a

such

combinations

disci

plined
out

faithful

soldieryare
Powder and

competent
ball and of

to carry

in

practice.

paint
into

are

but for

fundamentally remodelled carrying special concepts forward

matter,
results. Kesult
once

thought
con

ceived A

is

victory.
halts
not

thought,
and

born,
once

short

of

some our

achievement.

And

born, it is henceforth
energy.
process

personal
and

responsible
with every

It of

is

renewed

reformed

discursion.

It is immortal.

As submit

constituting a
a

feature upon

of

my

discussions, I
relation lend
to

few
as

words

the

part played by the

forces

appetites,
that of
to

native As

propensities, in
native vital
of

thought.
our

they

sup

port
the

animal

and

economy, discursion.

preparing And,
so

way

for the

conquests

REVIEW

OF

THE

ARGUMENT

287

they are not tempered by the latter,their action is wholly involuntary. And yet, in time, so habitually under the latter's charge, they become that they make as only such demands bespeak its That is to responsible supervision and sanction. instiga say, they depend on thought for a rational
far
as

tion.

Allowing, then,

for

what
we

is

voluntary
may
see

and how

in the

voluntary continuity

in of

our reason

nature,
is
of

kept
our

up;

in

part, by the
and moral
not

persistent importunity and, in part, by our

And
for

animal and

vital,
needs.

mental
a

in

this

we

have

way

appointed,
as

only

life,but
could without Nor
save

for

rational
at

work,
all,enter
have

well.

Indeed,

thought
work tions.

never,

upon

its destined

these could

unthinking,
it
on ever a

sensorial

perturba

conception beyond
their
emergence, the

them,
or

when,
similar its
own or

occasion

of

that

of
of

sensations, it essayed
powers. But
or

dis
be
or

covery

let

an or

impulse
moral,
or

simply mixed, ready,

vital and the

animal,
the which

mental be
act

whether ideas and

on

ego
we

ready
are

getting
our own our

of

procurement,

accomplish

the

work

of

choice, or prevailingreason.
VI

Similar
In
acts

remarks of

apply

to emotions

and
are

desires.

choice, for instance,

and overbalances

what

they
some

but

the

personal
which

voluntary phase
some

of

final
one?

thought For,
as

alternative neither

previously intimated, though

alter-

288

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

native

has

any

power

of
as

thought they
upon,

imparts, yet,
the blind for the

competition except what intelligent impulsions,

occupy
our

positionof release from, or advance remarks are impulsions. Further chapter on

VII

reserved

the

Will.

Similar

observations

obtain

in

the

treatment

of

dispositions. In a former chapter I have shown how rational ends work. and our they subserve And here again, I repeat that we still act, as we
are

informed. Ponder the following incident: I carefully land I had a lawyer about some the title to which He
to
some once

consulted

pur

chased,

other
me

party had
made the

subsequently disputed.
any

asked
the

if I had

promises

of

payment
clouded.
ever

creditor,after
"

title had

become

replied, Certainly, if propounded

incident. person,
2. to me." 1.

such

question had
for
an

been of this

Now,
closes
ent

the

drift

It dis differ the

my

affirmed

identity of

at two It

periods separated by
of
my I had

years.

asserts

power

dispositions(here character)over
not

conduct; otherwise
have

affirmed
3. It

that

I must that the

promised
which I

payment.
character
are

affirms

dispositionsor
for
am

an

ever-present power
a

responsible, as
of my

conscious, con
or

tinuous, determinant
And this is

actions, past
is meant conduct.
have
as a

present.
one's dis
so

plainlywhat positions affecting one's confidentlyof what I would

known my moral character

by

Speaking
must
over

said, I
power

have

my

290

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

more,
are

if egoistical
reasons

not

egotistical. But
For I

then, there
have
we

for

this, too.
in the rational

would

it

understood have way upon

to

that,
deal with
act

determinations,
or

person,

ego,

and

in

this

have for

every
reasons

or egoistical personal, i.e., gone

of

personal

effort

and

responsi

bility.
VIII

objectedthat whatever the necessitate acts on thought to that ego, must extent. that view, when Now, I do not controvert properly explicated. But it is misleading, in that it does not give a fair view of the prerogatives of thought. I admit that it takes many things to put in place for entering upon its discursive a free cause
It may,

however,

still be

functions. force
serve,

And

no

one

can

object to
which which

the

binding
con

of the the

enabling
act.

laws

support, and
we are

rational

procedures, on
But, what
action of of the

free

to think
ment

and the but

is all this pre-arrangeexterior

for
us,

necessary the

things,
of

upon

complement
in order
to

prerequisitesfur incoming why

and
our

nished

of

God,

voluntary competencies? thought

bids allow ways, be informed and of the

And

should
power

not

presence

of for

neighboring,
our

co-active, entities?
on

What
terms
as

having neighbors being

we so

such with
as

will their
can

our

conversant

them much

and
as we

that of

may them

be and

profitedby
their

discover from

ways?
"

these
"

thronging potencies,
that
we

it is Certainly, thought's outside informations

objects,

discover

the

very

REVIEW

OF

THE

ARGUMENT

291

which

fit

us

for

dealing
our

with

them

efficiently,

in

consummating Indeed,
in such if it is
we

all

voluntary
ever

undertakings.
discursive of

are

to

have

liberty
to

acts,

all

in of

the

power

thought

gain
be
"

knowledge
native

neighboring
or

potencies,
what

they
enable of them.

endowments

not,

"

as

will know

us

to

square is
a

our

conduct of

by
two

what

we

It

question
material,
must

potencies,
or

one

discursive,
animal. The

the

other former those

acts

naturalistic,
the
in

else the the it

know of

powers order with

of

latter,

as

well of both.

as

itself,

to

performance
knows of

in

accordance

what

CHAPTER

XXIII

SELF-ACTING

WILL

SOME determine
in
a

philosophers
the

deny
or

to ;

reason

the man's

power freedom

to

will,

acts

seeking
A

self-acting will, so
disclose this the curious

called.

brief

examination

will of

psychological

perversions

theory.
if
we are

However,
of such
the

free of
some

through

the

self-action
to
see

will,
action

it may makes

be
us

interest
and
to

how

free,

connect

(if

we

can)

the

logical conclusions
that with
I

with such

that
a

freedom. will
as a non

protest, though,

regard

descript
"

factor

which

I have

no

acquaintance,
in

its

apostles
It
see

reporting
is how
to

its

features

vaguest
we can

verbiage. presently
will 1.
can

be this work if

hoped,

however,

that

fantastic in there the is

self-action tackle of
no

of

the

be

got

to

truth.
need of
a

I remark

that

really
from

will,
force

taken
of
our

as

something
reasons,

distinct

the
we

inherent

then,

why

should claims
our

impro
be
not

vise

this

additional from There

the

factor, which
the
must

to

only

distinct
?

force be
one

of
some

thoughts,
very

but

self-acting thinking theory

of
to
on

incoherent
a

part
us

of
of

who,

in

constructing
and

relieve

the it up

efficiency
with such

sufficiency incongruous

motives,

clutters

and

unphilosophical

padding.
292

SELF-ACTING

WILL

293

2.

As

to

the
now as

fundamental

facts well in

of

volition,my
that I
I
recur

positionis to it only that, if we

perhaps
a

so

known,
must

reminder do

passing.
then

repeat
a con

would

anything, we
to

have

ception of the thing up by a decisive reason

by
son.

be for

done, and

follow
we

it it

doing
with
a

it ; and
our

do
rea

the

power This

which
seems

is born

decisive

to explicit,

finish. suppose that of there this

However,
may be final and
not

it is allowable
force
reason.

to

another decisive

standing
But
even

outside

then, it could
habitu former. and the

be said to be conform
if the
to to

if it be found self-acting,

ally to
So

the

appreciationsof
potency
in

then,

same

that

conceives

concludes and

do

things,

posse,

instantaneously

neces more actually does them, there is no selfindependent and sity for excogitating an acting will than for an independent and self-acting judgment, imagination, or divers other memory, Such facts as these proclaim elaborative processes.

the

man

himself, or
and
to

say, in

phrase, the
be the
act.

power

of

his

thought,

nothing else,to

sole energy

resorted The does

"

in

conception and
of
some reason

power
a

determines withdrawn

all he
in

power of
a

which

is

not

the
be
a

presence any such.

self-acting will, if there

for that
to

should if such

But

matter,
the

even

will should
so

attempt
as a

block

way the

of

an

energy of the

resistless

decisive
to

reason, zero,

shock of

conflict would forever 3. A

amount

the

power

reason

exacting a rigorousconformity
self-acting will
cannot

to its behests.
our

achieve

free-

294

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

slaves make us impossible feat would to a neighboring factor, playing the role of an officious intermeddler. Psychology is of stubborn af can we facts,not baseless surmises, otherwise for and firm, or deny, as we list, get only rubbish dom. The
our

pains.
the

"It

is

in

facts these

that
must

we

must

seek accord

general principles,and
with I
in

always
a

facts," says
to

Aristotle. this the

"

delay

ponder
with

teaching, for
facts of
our

moment,
and
our

connection

active
power

forceful

intelligence,
have

as

seen on

in the reasons,

of

informations.
our own a

Founding

own,
; and

we

consciously achievements, consciously our

own,

if thus

will self-acting is
a

loper
without

born

consciouslyour if at come in, outsider, without

"

where An

can

all ?

inter and
we

knowledge
we

its

power.
can

Moreover,
divide and
our

if

act

as

think, nothing
we are

equally
won

for responsibility, of impregnably conscious

as

having
our

such

informations

fix the the

value

of

own,

and
meum

others',acts, and
and
tuum
me

define

confines

of

the And

of

each.

therefore, let
of
our

insist the

that, if
force
we are

we

are our

the
rea

cause

acts

through
denied much made

of

sons, for

it cannot

be

that

responsible

them;
of the

and

that

being
for
or

settled the

beyond
must

controversy, the
mination fall to

claims

non-deter

conduct

by

motives

reasons

ground.
can

So, too, we
else

have of

no our

need

to

soften

down, they

or we

avoid, the force

an

sinful God

motives, lest
which

question

ordinance

of

by

act

SELF-ACTING

WILL

295

for our good or efficiently of evasive self-sufficiency

urgency for
some

bad,
a

in

defiance

of tlie The of

self-actingwill.
of

clever

way

relieving God

for sin is not so apparent just here, responsibility achieve free are through a conscious seeing we for of informations, consciously ours, and ment which we are, therefore, consciously responsible. anomalies other 4. But un coming in, almost

of a selfexplain this pet scheme as a acting will. Though the will is put forward I am inclined to opine that it is, self-acting energy, it is con as For, inasmuch nevertheless, not so. be ours also ; and fessedly our will,its action must of the theory of self-action ? if ours, what becomes other. be independent, in some 5. It must or way

announced,

may

But
6.

if so, It

"

how

cannot

be

both

independent
its

and

depen they
never some

dent.

And

yet, it is both.
asseverate

For, whereas
in

dogmatically
theless way,
7. argue

self-action, they
must,

that
; and

this

self-action
a

be man's
If

if so, it is

dependent
the
two

energy. is
nona

it is But

either query,

singly,then
which of the

other

myth.
8. If

is

mythical ?
will, the theory destroy a self-acting For falls to pieces,and nobody is hurt. man may might of his yet be free through the constructive
you intellections.

Contrariwise,
conscious energy you

if you

destroy
into

our

will of

as

our

own

going
are

acts

conduct have you

and de have

choice, then

in this

stroyed that

power

in

You : position thoughts by which

296

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

any

choice

or

preference in acts,and
to to

have

no

power

henceforth
can

even over

conceive you
a

how

will self-acting achievement

of

make
own.

conscious

your We

must

have

will for

of any

our

own

for

our

own

action. the power

9.
can

The of the from

theory thought
will its
own

action

extraneous

to

is untenable. be
made

If
act

is to

and self-acting,
to

so

centre, in order
or

free it from
man

the self

power

of motives

reasons, moral

then

the

him wrong

is not
on

free.

For

rectitude motives. is

and

depend
10.
can

right and

wrong

And

act
our

of

furthermore, if it independently,whence how acts ? Especially,

he may feel his sinful
power
a

and self-acting, the

man

so

comes can

turpitude
sin, when,

though
feels duct
a

motives

much

as

one con

sensation,the
with
?

remains

employ them in will, beyond self-acting

to

his

control
11.

Or, as
of

do motives,after possible alternative, the will ? But if so, what factor of be its

all, really influence

comes

the

surplus
is free

and

extraneous

self-action ?
12.

As

man

the

of his of a selfefficiency acting will, it is in fact not he that is free, but And really and only his self-actingwill. so, we have again the same old, redoubtable anomaly that, of thought for whilst he, for his part, has no power his determinations, the self-acting will, being, for

(letus concede) not thought, but in virtue

through

its

part, the
of

real

efficient in the
man

conduct, alone
himself is

is the

author

sin, and

guiltless.

298

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

his is

acts

?). However,
remains
of

inasmuch the

as

man

thinks

he

free,there
some

that possibility
to
a

his vicar freedom thinker.

has and Now

we

way

commending
to

him

the

due responsibility

competent
in. this.

let have

us

think
man

that

he

succeeds the

Then,

the

free
to

by

self-action his
arms

of his and
over

will, wait, him,

case

and until
011 cause

all he his

has

do

is to fold

vicar

has

made

his freedom that it should

to
no

condition, however,
him do 15.
so.

in

to

accept it,neither
another free
are

permit

his

motives

to

Here
:

formidable admit

puzzle
in their
a

obtrudes
as
non-

itself

am

to not

that, inasmuch
that

determinists it may is after

over-careful claimed

language,
Creator is

all be

will self-acting the

man's, and

that, therefore, whilst

from sin

(seeing that, by the present the voluntary act of it must rest with supposition, it does not necessarily has such a will) who the man
exculpated
relieve such mand will
for
a

the

latter,now
his will.

that

he

is furnished
he
a can

with
com

will,at
such
a

command,
Now,
to
we

if indeed

have God and is

here
of

self-acting
But

put forward
man's sinful that of

relieve

responsibility
you and
a

thoughts
a

deeds.

remember

such

will

placed

outside

independent
mooted
But

motives, expressly to give it

of their
in other
to
see

self-

relieved sufficiency this

I

power.

(I have
newer

already figment
and

point
now

connections.)
how this
of
a

wish

fits in with
tion
or

the

known

facts such

thought
will
to

voli

choice.

Granting

be

man's,
have

it is to be

remembered

that

iion-determinists

SELF-ACTING

WILL

299

it
of

for self-active, one's

a reasons

the
nor

reason

that of

neither

the

force

that determine

anything else, save

our

such

will,should
in

conduct.

Bear

ing

this

mind,

am

question: If such a will sufficiencyof self-action

God way of
as a

tempted to propound the is so fledged with the selfto be independent of as

own

causal

in its efficient,

acts, and

in this the sins like

exonerate

Him his
for
a

from

for responsibility

Adam

and and

would posterity,
reasons,

it not, in

manner man

like

also

discharge any
The excul

with

such

will from If it

logic is

inexorable. other.

guiltof sin ? exculpates one, it

the
of

pates the
ator tor

Any
as, in

kind
cause, any of
our

self-action
so a

devised the Cre

expressly to
eliminated for what

traverse

and way,

have

responsiblefac
traverses

we

see

sin, equally
reasons,

the like

causal result. Such resque, The

ance

efficiencyof
lavish but
not

and

with

blundering
very handles

may

be

trifle

pictu
accord choice.

instructive. these

determinist with the known

points in
and and

facts of faith in the

:

volition power
man

He his his

has

an

abiding
He

office of does
"

reasons.

argues

If

the

himself
reasons

acts, by the

inherent

force

of his with

in

other
for

phrase,
the

if he

is endowed and

the
upon

capacity
it
"

achieving knowledge
case, For
or

acting
and

in

that

act is his own,

he alone the

is respon

sible.
reasons

he

walks

by
which

the

light of
he
as

prevailing
these

motives with

affirms ; and

identify him

his

acts,

having
power

consciously
to

a conceived, and, then, exercised,

do

them

300

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

and

therefore

has

he

made
for

himself the
sees

consciously
exercise the
act of

and that

personally
power,

responsible
all and he does.

in

He

is

his, by
also the there
in

conception
guilt
is
not
or

execution,
if there

and be shadow

therefore,
any.
of of

innocence,
even

Of doubt his

this

the than

faintest he
can

him,

"

any

more

doubt which
He in

conceiving
He

the

prevailing
and

reason

on

he is
not

acted.
to

is

open-minded poking
discover
ment

trustful.
a

be

found
to

about how of choice

with God and be

candle

hand,
a

in moral

order
govern

could

formulate

personal
ere

responsibility
he,
for

for

sin,

and feel
rests

Himself
sure

guiltless,

himself,

could

of

the himself of sin. is

unspeakable
for His
true

responsibility
deliberate
concern

which

upon

the

conception
is
as a

and self
true

choice and
of

great
of

for

him

what the
power

himself sinful for

sinner,
to

"

of

his

thoughts
his
sure,

fix

the
acts.

responsibility
And doubt

upon

himself all

sinful

here,
j
sure

he of and

is

above

things
a

beyond
thought
of his for

all for sin its

conceiving actualizing personal

power
;

of
sure

finalizing
and the

choice

resulting

responsibility

commission.

CHAPTER

XXIV

THE

WILL

DISCUSSION
reasons or

of

the

will

is
or

discussion

of

ulti-

mating

opinions,
is the The in
manner

choice. force

Expounded
of
our

distinctly,the
or

will

inborn

final been

decisive

reason.

explanation
pages, have the

has

explicitly
after
some

outlined

preceding
:

somewhat

the

following
such
to

You

opinions
of

of
one

kind,
is about

that take

you
some

are

in

position
And
for now,

who

final the

action. way

these tak you

an

antecedent

opinions
final take
or

prepare
or

your when have

ing

that

action that
reason,

step.

And
must too.

actually
opinion,
that you

step, you
for

also

that the the

Suppose,
act

now,

are

engaged
becomes Can you your

in of

very

of

taking
the

that

step.
of the

What
?

opinion
it
or

in

instant do

action
act

annihilate
reason,

instanter, and
"

without
an

reasons, nonce?

impro
May
be,
would
;
"

vising
you still you

alien
not. to

force,
But,
even

for

the if you

could have would

on

could, you
for
were

conceive

reason

that

too

and
act

be

exactly
reason.

where

you

before,

ing

your

last

II

So

then,

we

are

driven

to

the
or

conclusion reasons, is not

that
an

thought,

opinion, information,
301

302

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

insulated

ideation

as posing listlessly an

mere

sub
for

jective consciousness, but

ward have into act this
to
or

activity going
if
our

conduct.

And,
must

opinions do
be adher

practicaloutlet,we
with
a

needs

and personal (here emotional over fervor, adequate to pass them desiderative) into our if thus have acts ; and passed over, we act of choice or preference,as I may an gone upon now explain more particularly. An is an act of personal preference, act of choice let us think. mature on reflection, For, here you hold an opinion of personal preference so tensely it may personal that you abide in, and side with it, be, through all the successive stages and phases of

ing

them

in act or deed. preparationand final consummation The opinion is yours in conception and deed, " and one inseparable." You choose, or prefer,or
"

wed,
But
ence

all your

acts.

wherefore is but

Because

an

opinion
sought
you

of

prefer
up
to
a

yourself,discursively working
result. You and have
now so

contemplated
final fast
are

out

your

working
and loose

opinion,
with it. In

cannot

play
you

it,and

recall the

power

putting

into

its various your of

stages of pro
now

gressive achievement, it had

that you have the
to act
come same on on

support, and

to

an

act

choice,you
have and
won

cannot

withdraw power

support.
your
to

You

the final
an

final

thought,

thought iceberg.
To

goes

result,as

remorselessly as
its earlier
more

be

sure,
a

every

opinion, in

stages,

is held

with

vigor, perhaps

somewhat

cogni-

THE

WILL

303

tive than it becomes both

or finalizing. But actile,

then, as

soon

as

final,it
and that

and

its

conceptive
not

creative this

peculiarvigor become of a preferred work.

be remarked

I need
even

say

vigor may

in the

faintest But

of when

thought.
becomes actile
or

it culminates
more

fervor
to
an

the beginnings or perceptions, then, as previously intimated, in conduct or deed, the personal intense,and so is given over effort. every

constructive efficiently
I

Wherefore,

claim

view, whatever
we

may
an

take

for
to
us

doing
for

point of be the last phase of the thought in doing act, we take the same
that,
from

it.

Or,
do

we put it differently,

may

say
in

that the

what work

prepares
we our as

doing
of

an our

act

reappears

the

power

final discursion.

It does

work.

And,

to

prevent
this

tinctly that

misconception,let me say dis this last discursion, of our power

personal fervor which is born in and with our de of all our cisive thoughts, is the sole, true cause do, as acts, passing over, as it does, into all we our personal preference or choice,and giving us an
act

of volition

or

will.
in

For

an

act

of will is
more

an or

act

of

volition, which,
an

turn, is nothing

less

than mined

act

by a position explicitly.

or choice,deter personal preference, So much to give my prevailingreason.

of

Ill

I
we

am

fighting my
see

way

up

to

the

mount

whence

may

how

behaves

itself

productive energy reaching when, upon

a

like the

thought,
crisis of

304

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

performance, And,
I could whether
erence we or

it would wish
to

finish with
see more

its

proposed

task.

this power

choice,is
call the

if possible, clearly, of thought which gives us pref volition or will, whatever else or
cause

may As

real

of

our

acts.

intimated of

above,
power actile.
or

similar
in For

considerations

apply
whether

to

questions perception

all

knowledge,
what

preparative
it

or

every
or

information,bp
not, has
issues final,
But i-f

conception,
which,
on

peculiar power,
conduct of
as
our

becoming
cause.

voluntary
is the
power

this

pow^
Ac

knowledge
it.

of

the

person
we

who

quires
an

And,

therefore, whenever
or

conceive have
ac

ultimating opinion
a

conviction, we
called

an indifferently intelligent impulsion or voluntary cause. Thought and its power of all we is,then, the true cause do,

quired

personal

energy,

or

can

do. of is,

It

crement

(inthe
gree
seen

gradually attempered by every in of knowledge, every such increment telling of the de qualityand vigor of the impulsion)
course,

of

culture the

attained

by
of

the

thinker, as
a mere

may

be

from
and

following.
be
or

Inform Greece

child of the

letters he

civilization
not

and
same

Borne,

and

would
in

moved

by
as a

the

impulses,
scholar.

either In
or

kind
case,
or

degree,

cultivated called

either
reason,

however,
due

the

thing
not

opinion,
be knowl and

does conviction,
at least
a

profess to
have

edge

without

minimum

of mental
some

personal
it cannot Now

vehemence. live.

It must

vim, else
is

then, if

the

character

of

this vehemence

306

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

itself, vesting it
"

with become

discursive

potentials and

which possibilities motives it must and needs

conduct. have

developed and actual in And here, too, let me repeat, emotions, such as fear,wonder,
with the broken lines

surprise,etc.,corresponding
of

its And

juvenile conceptions. here, it

will be

that, since its readilyseen mental articulated, can, then, be but slightly powers the emphasis of its thoughts, though present, is marked by the flux of indefinite and incomplete emotions, corresponding with the wavering articu lation of its first ideas. However, these remarks are applicable only to the initial stages of strictly thought. For both native curiosityand infantile transformed emotion are by, into,or else remodelled
rational have
of its

potencies,as
the

soon

as

these factor

infantile into
an

efforts exercise

stimulated

rational

conceptive and
this
one

constructive
a

functions.
When
to

And
ever

suggests
has

further

explanation.

achieves he

his

first distinct power,

" "

idea,known
that he

be

such,

rational

desideraactile, very
can an mo

tive, decisive,voluntary,
ment
an

and

at

begins

to be

person.

For

until

have ani

idea,in
in the

clear

distinct

outline,he
Such

is but
an

mal,

vegetative stage.

idea, thus

and outlined affirmed,is then a personal distinctly out because,in acquiring it,thus distinctly power, lined,the child begins to rate himself as an indi distinct from vidual objects not himself. energy But is at once such an so idea, be it ever infantile,

information
and power

and
of
a

infantile person,
"

power, and

"

the

information
a

therefore

personal

THE

WILL

307

conceit

and

power the

going
of mind is

into the

infant's

deeds

and

enouncing gether, and

force

personal
and
more

convictions.
grow
more

Thenceforward,
the

person and
now

up

to

child

governed
he essays
to

by personal
set

considerations

; and

up

the

signs

of

an

intelligentinterest,selfa on

esteem, personal preference, and

of such alternatives And
as as

judiciouschoice
these infantile
ever

found

advanced consid dis power,

appreciations.
erations
"

all these

now

artless,now
grow

astute, but
on

criminating
the
a

"

and the

take child's

discursive is

actile force

of

ideas and

undergoing begins
and
to

corresponding metamorphosis,
them in maturer He is
acts
a

he

employ
His

of volition
unto

choice.

will is born.

power

himself.

IV

I order
more

now

take
to

advantage

of
to

these
acts

their

application

in distinctions, of perception,

We
one we

particularly. begin by perceiving,say,

of
our sensor

disturbance

in
Here

organs,

called

sensation.

have

achieved
power

the idea of this disturbance. of this idea

or

Now

what Reflect On
ence,

is the
a

information?

moment.

its first appearance and

so

the
season,

child have

has
a

no

experi
for

may,

for

weakness

the native

of (untrained)curiosity
so

the

ante-rational

period, and
of

realize

action

without

any

knowledge modify
more
or

those

alternative
in later

considerations years.
If

which be

its action less dazed

so, it will

by

the

craze

of unbridled

impulses

which

308

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

attract

and

distract the

its attention.
so

But make
a

if the

mind

apprehend
between turbance hension relation
to

sensation, and
its
one

distinction
see

it and
be

apprehension, thing, and

and
"

or, if it

the dis appre into

and for

its conscious

another,
with its

thus

bring
it
as a

this

idea

itself, giving
relation
so

meaning
the

affirming thought,
of
"

to

itself

party

it is

far forth

enriched
now a

the

ideas

acquired. capable
of its limited now,

It is of

by the power personal and

itself within

voluntary power,
the confines

acting for
sought
of

experiences.
out

Turning, ception
Here and

to informations

of
note

con a

its wider accretion

on a

sweep of power
more an

vision, I
in ideas.

corresponding
we

found

varied interest We

experience, and
more

regard

everything
and
we

with

adultly
the alone
with

personal point
of

responsible.
can

have

reached

where

act

on

conceptions, not
what
we can

things external, but

in the needs here interest
and

of
our

do and

them

of

self-conscious

cal

culated But

prejudices.
it
were

folly to and strengthened by an in repeat, is reinforced of personal interest, or crease egoism, developed in of educated conceits and world developing our own
conception,
a

almost

wants.

And
we can

here,again, we
exercise
a

have

reached

the

point where by thoughtful,

or

rational We

admeasured curiosity, have become

a

maturer

thoughts.
watchful

provident,
nal

person,
out

choosing,
a

else the

es

chewing, everything
interests involved

of

regard

for

perso

in

building

up

ourselves.

THE

WILL

309

But

the

force of

of
our

every

information and the

thus

acquired
which

is the tions.

force And

personal

responsibledistinc
motor

if so, it becomes

force

It is the Will. determines conduct. irreversibly out that each the point be made So distinctly can idea has a power and which peculiar to itself, goes into conduct careful may born have with
our as our

conative that the

energy

I have

been

to

explain
but
a

first, chronologically, personal vehemence

a

minimum

of the
rest
on

those

which

broader the

concep

tion of
we are

growing
to,
on

needs.

Indeed,

conclusion upon
a

driven

evidence, proceeds
we

the
natu

indisputable fact that, whether

ral

act

upon

almost an juvenile,or from flagrantly curiosity of a view of the perilous responsibilities intelligent maturer gather power and choice, our informations quality from the degree of personal interest, con developed in servative,latitudinarian,or other,
" "

their
we

acquisition.
is

It

seems,

then, that

every

idea

achieve
or

tional

mating
sonal

emo personal power, just so much service for consum desiderative,at our its vigor waxing more our purposes,
"

intensely personal, the

wants,
or

more

we

uncover

our

per

educed

requirements.
V

I
as

have

been
in every

remarking
stage and

upon

the

power

of

ideas,
I and

seen

phase
and

of intellection. active

found

this power
us

everywhere, promptly
effective This
was

decisive,giving
So And

final
of

discursion. my scheme. this

far,

so

good.

part
we

I have

maintained

that

may

designate

310

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

power,

at

our

option, as

emotion

or

choice desire, it is ever, in

our

or

will, etc.,holding, nevertheless, that

and

unchangeably,
ions
or

vehemence

inherent

opin
have in
ac

informations, yieldinga
be,
more

volitional

impulse,
we

it may

when intensely personal, power their

to

acquired
cordance And

the with

rate

our on our

conceptions
welfare. that this

bearing
me

this

leads

to

explain

more

personal force of our thought is rational impulses, called emotions

just
as we our remove

the
and

discovery
desires.

of

For
we

the

borders

of and

ignorance,
throw

discover

rational

impulses,
into
or

off the

yoke
power born them.

of

blind
can

propensities. But
put
emotions

all the
or

personal
desires is

you of the This

thoughts
will let
us

appear here

opinions which we as proceed.

our

inspire impulses
desires. the fact

However,
with And that
our

contrast

blind and
to

intelligentmotors,
order
are

emotions

in
we

to

this, I call attention

to
an

being daily bred capabilities upon

We may
But
our

intelligent exer

cise of
our

our

the

things of self and

blind and

surroundings.
aforetime.
up of
a a

still have mind

prompt
pow the
re

ings, as
ers

moral

keep

tireless watch

for their

in control, which may

interest

developing humanity
even
now

tire,or
emotional
I

qualify,or
by
and
the

nullify,any
dominant

impulse

not

sanctioned

personal (here
connections with it
was

outlook. desiderative)
In

explain further.
that,
home
of in

other

stated

its
to

intercourse

things, mind
affir
Now

brought
mation

itself and

things

only an idea or bare their relations, etc.,etc.

THE

WILL

311

however, considering the

present making,
of the of
seems

careful

study

we

are

at

the

real, psychological status

to

idea, this

be

quite
to

beggarly im
be
a

portation. For moving POWER,

ing
the Whereas reflect the these power and

it has
us

been

shown

personal
releas desires.

to

act, and
our

faithfully
and
as

vehemence

of

emotions their

for latter, of the

part,

faithfully
involved in do. be

informations
we

conceiving

actualizing what
more.

shall may

Only
what emotioned

word
we

The of

question
who

asked,

shall ?
or we

say
I
answer

persons

are one a

that, if
look
case

any

excessively apprehend
of of
seen

things

their need

impressions

with for

maximum
cause

emotion,
excess. some

only
such

the

this that

In idea
or

every

it will

be

information That is to

determines say,
some

this emotional

overplus.
asserts

mind, resulting in choice, or

itself
The

emotionally, to
motive with
on

discovery of the personal preference, the point of redun

emotions that and de

dancy.
sires is them.

power the

of

always
But

intellections

inspire

I pass

to other

considerations.

VI

In that

concluding
I have

this branch able which

to

been

conclusions,the
I need

I submit subject, establish some important presently summarize. may

of

our

scarcely remind
thinker upon it of
in

the

reader

that, in
his final
to

an

act

of

choice,the
and that
same

has what the

bestowed
he

thought do, and

the
act

its power, he does

is minded

selfsame forward

instant into

by
his

power

thought put

312

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

or

deed,

and

that the

it is this

last effort of
I

thought
also
ex

which

does the

work, etc.,etc. thought

virtue take
a

have

pounded
I have

offices of that

in

other
a

particulars.
condition it becomes interest
in

explained
the

it determines of

of

soul,for
"

infant,in
to

which

person,

competent
that world
for

peculiar
I

itself and

of

alternatives have

which also

it pro shown

pounds
that

choice

and
of

action.
our us

it has

charge

native
true

propensities and
emotions And
are
our

vagrant
for sires, wise

passions,giving
our

and

de like

rational that
that

impulsion.
latter lean

I have

shown
and

these

personal
most

motors,
which dolent

they
every

upon

informations the in

reflect their

phase,

from

which one conception to that irreversible has charge of the details of performance and that the operative strin conduct, maintaining ever of our sole voluntary effi thoughts is our gency ciency,and denying that there is such a thing as
a

will distinct And

now

from

this.
a

pardon
share
of

word

for and

myself,
been

for

I, too,
and I

have
can

my

thought
and

its power,
one

say

that

my

whole

life has

unending,

impetuous,
doms their of

uiicrushable

(personaland
matter

consciously thoughtful irruption upon the king responsible)

and

mind
me

which with

allure discoveries

me

with which

and spoils,
to

repay

minister
I have

the

self-conscious of the force

little world
of my

of

egoism
be held

built up

conceptions.
one

And
to

yet, for colloquial reasons,

a

may

have

will
or

resolute getic,

indolent or ener characteristically vacillating, halting or determined,

314

THE

POWEK

OF

THOUGHT

this
in and

energy, way

so

rational

and
to
even

some

inscrutable

its

achievements, light of
of
an

intimately ours, is thought us, distinct from then we might regard

so our

it in the say, the whose

man's
a

instrument, at
activities and
are

like, service,
forth

finger whose

called

by
But

power

thought

its distinctions.

distinctions,whose
own,

power?
his active

Plainly

the
of

by right
and

of

discovery

knowledge,
of both him make
But

the and

moral

evaluations (thoughtful)
"

motives

conduct,

evaluations

which

actile
cause

for his acts. personallyaccountable regard the will as a distinct again, some sufficient unto a as itself, voluntary power of volition, choice. set apart to do the work or has been

This

theory
what

abundantly
But
now,

adverted

to

in

previous paragraphs. exactly

observe volitional is meant
even

without
a

knowing
me

by
we

such
a

will,allow will,as
will
reasons,
a

to

that,

if

had could
of

distinct ourselves without the very that

act
on

we efficiency,

never
our

discharged evicting our

life of determine either
a

from

the

force

personal responsibility. For

freedom

moral
acts

hangs
We

on

the
can we

reasons

of
or

choice. reason,

indeed
must act- at
us

good
of be

bad

but
not

have,
all.

at

least,one
whatever
not
a

some our

kind,
reasons,
to

or

But

these
do

fetch

choice,and
The

power

of

will

anything.
every
act

law

for

personal

rectitude is
in

covers our

of

choice, and
for

this choice

simply free,

ultimate
to

reason

doing

something
For
act

preference
we us
are

another

something.
the

though
which

bound
our

by

enabling
conditions

restricts

to

choice

and

THE

WILL

315

its exercise consequences

But

by

conception
to submit

of

the

moral

and

other

involved.
me

allow

the

so-called

will to

some

further We this the

scrutiny.
often say
:

The
we

will determines
are

actions.
to

And

is correct, if

referring
of of
a some

the

will, as
thinker

personal preference
in

competent
final

walking
Whatever
can mean

the may

strength
be
our our

conviction.

language
actions
we

we colloquially, are

only

that

determined

by what we think, when surely,until our thought

cient in
our

acts, it may
of
an

And efficiently. turns unchangeably effi not have acquired the dis
act

tinctive for
see

feature tasks from

actile

energy of

which
acts.

fits it We

the

and

problems
several

life and

then,

these

motives,

reasons,

duct, determine

points of view, that con informations, etc.,determine personal preference and behavior,
result
as
our

going

forward

into

conative and

energy

and final, resolutely

equally present
elaborative

urgent in
of

deeds, and
discursion. The and

the

multiform

processes

power in

of

informations

is

always

on

hand,

always

season.

VIII

I propose
sons

now

to

see

how

this

our

power

of

rea

will

deport taking

itself when of life.

confronting still other

and I

deeper problems
am

it for

granted
And

that

man

acquires
this power is

power

in

acquiring knowledge,
all he
does.

and

that

determines

herein,he

free,and

316

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

so

far

supernatural) just
That he should bound of also feel sanctions

as

his

Creator
sure

is super what he

natural. will tions

make

of

do, and
and

by
a

his

moral law for

apprecia
personal
he

the

divine

for,all implicationin,and responsibility of God this is an ordinance holding him

his the

does,

bound

by
The

thoughts
acts must of acts.

and

acts.

For,
power

to

be

moral

agent,

have
our

the

of

knowledge.
the
one

character of
our

reasons

determines
is the

character
power

And

this

unique
to

of (specialized,
and

course,
our we are

according
responsible.
we

the

measure

quality of
for which

which culture),

culminates
The

in

deeds

conclusion
we

is irresistible
on

that, when

act

on

reasons, force

act
on

their

inherent

force,but
we we

this take have

depends

the

personal interest
of soul

in

self-conscious
our own now

condition

which

made

by
that

our cultivating we on as

intellectual
out

powers.
we

For do

have the

sought

knowledge,
to

not

lay

it

shelf,but

cleave

it and

keep
And
so

it in when

hand,
one as

part and
his
own

parcel of ourself.

sees

thoughts going
dares
a

over

into

conduct

its cause, which

cannot

and

to

know
actor

of the
to

divine he

sanctions

bind

conscious

what

does, he

escape

personal
the

venture, without
mind every
and

morals. has
a

for such a responsibility of both complete deformation And, therefore,I insist that

thought
on

distinctive

power

of
out:

its
Hoc

own

which,

becoming causative, cries

And every this cry
of

est

agendum.
goes most with

peremptory

command the

variety of information,from easy-going perception to moral constraint.

THE

WILL

317

At

to repeat, it first,

may

be
as

but

sparinglyper
any it grows

sonal,the
with the

child

not

having,
educed
some

yet, conceived
humanities.

definite idea

of its of

personal belongings, but

our

growth

It may

proceed

from

gentle
to

idealism But

which when it

suggests
nestles in

only
the

indifference

action.

soul, the

practicalhonesties of a responsible fervor of this personal power will be

in all

immeasurably intensified. to remark, And, permit me is begotten of which power

itself
an

passing,that the knowledge is in

to
man.

element it is
us

of

irresistible

attraction its power make

use

Indeed,

impels
reach.
our

this thing of chiefly to search for, and so ideas

as

which

of, the
our

constructive

of Omniscience

placed
has
matter

within

For,

before all
our

explained, He
we see

spoken
and

to

in intelligence
we

of

mind,

and

literal by a most certification of some of His thoughts. of His mind, but within So too, after the manner finite limits, we put the power of our thoughts may of of our into the work hands, and this finite work will have place in our hands crea our day as a new and effect, subject tion,giving forth ideas of cause and attribute, purpose, meaning, principle, etc.,
amass

all

knowledge

just as
claims

His

works

do,

"

and

because

all work
I

pro

knowledge.
mind is

And

therefore, do
of

maintain

that, in all this thing of perception and

the human
an

conception, capaci
deeds. and

autonomy
tasks this which

rational

ties, equipped And,

of
an

for the

of discursion
power,

if it

ever

is to have

it is because

originalordinance

fits it for

achieving

318

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

ideas

"

ideas

which

are

born

of

the the

fiat of rational of and

our

dis

cursive
in
we

processes,

starting from
rational domains

centre

quest of the
affirm in the

coordination of matter

all mind.

things

IX

Our
I
to

long

discussion written

must
must

now

close, and
left in

what

have
conserve

hitherto
the me, for

be

garrison,
the

positions gained, whilst, withal, it

my

behooves and
rest

part,
brief

to

"

pass

over

river

in the

shade."
a

I conclude

with power
season, and

summary is

of

the in Its

points hand, vigor

urged:

The
in

of and

thought always
and

always

always
is born
ment.

efficient.

with,
So

part

parcel of, its

achieve

also is its distinctive

uality.
robbed it would however

If it be of the

qualityor individ far forth, so stupid kind, it is,

action. any

of its normal be
a

role of

Nevertheless, information,
in its proper

sheer

monstrosity, if
be of
an

feeble, should
The very soul

deficient idea

vigor.
But

is its individual

vigor, be it strong, or be it feeble.

what
in
a

becomes decisive

of

this
It

power

when before
of

we

are

engaged

act ?

is,as

averred, opportu
current

promptly present, and, nity, moves

gold.
But before sive here
me.

upon

the

touch passes

into

position,and
be the careful

like

I must Even is
a

to

get all the

moment

facts

opportune
to

for deci

action

problem

be solved
on

by
of

an

appre

ciation

of the

facts,and
even

judgment
the

their
our

eviden
reasons

tial force.

Moreover,

force

THE

WILL

319

is

kept
into

under

control

by
he

the

force

of
for

other
one

reasons

which
go

determine
acts

conduct

finally ;
knows he

may

not

for which

will be person
reasons

until he is satisfied of the ally responsible, which, from his then point of view, he can free to act upon.

make

Hence,
solves

the

latent

stress

of

every

thought

that

questions of business, duty, or personal even or responsibility, personal worthlessness, is that we never brought out, until we are convinced
can

required resolution, precision,and And the attack. in making it comes so efficiency,

act

with

to

this that of
our

mental

and

moral
the

power
idea

is born

of the
a

force

ideas, and
achievement whenever

itself is

simply
to

discursive it.
an

of

one

competent
an one

report
force.

Wherefore,

such

has

acquired
volun of the
our

idea, he has, ipso facto, acquired its actile

this force goes into what
we

And

do,

as

our

or tary efficiency,

the

finalizingvehemence
from
once

thought.
becomes

And of

very the

doubtless, even

first

intellections
a

child, an

idea

acquired,

desideraor personal fervor, emotional For how tive, tingling with causative expectancy. could it maintain for an instant, out of even itself, all connection with the
"

person
of

who
course

conceives
very

and

plans
in

for

its

fulfilment,
of

artlessly
? But

the

beginnings
every
more

infantile

discursion
every

thenceforward,
comes more

idea,
a

from

source,
or or

be

and

personal power,
or

volun

tary impulsion, expressed in emotion,

and ultimated that
in

desire,
so, I

work,

conduct. reached

And

conclude

every

information,

by

atten-

320

THE

POWER

OF

THOUGHT

tion which sonal

and

mental passes
over

elaboration, has,
into deeds
or

in

itself,a
as our

power per
an

acts,

and

voluntary efficiency. Nay,

in

more,

it is which

investment

mental

and

moral

culture

is and its its this

kept

in store
"

for the

exigencies
of
on

of future first
a

action with with And

conduct

the power,

acquisition helping
and
so even so

idea,

peculiar

to ad

second,

peculiar power,
power that
in seats cannot

on,

infinitum.
what of it its

itself

firmly in

accomplishes
inhibition

you loco.

conceive

The
or

reader of

can

say

whether
as

there

is any

will,
which

need the
act.

any,

conceived force of

distinctly separable
reasons
on

from
we

inherent

the

There is born

is
to

pluck
volition

and

determination undivided It

in

an

idea.
over

It the

rule.

It asserts and
a

sway

empire
to

of

morals.

forges
purpose is
a

its way almost

performance
It It It

with is has

tenacity of
It

ferocious. presence.

ubiquitous.
stood every and

pervading
from the

pressure

beginning.
from It is the
a

informs
atoms
a

empowers
"

everything,
of the It Gods." is
our

minutest law and salt for

to the

mills

universe

of

entities.

personal
with
our

the ends. the

It is salted voluntary competency. of all our possibilities. It shapes

It has confines

charge
of

of all

our

humanities. and

It

spans is
come

time, space,
cannot

eternity.
out.

It

and irrepressible,
to

be

ruled

It

has

stay.

03

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