In general, then, we are disposed to wonder, to explore, to inquire, al- 

 though we are also commonly held back by fear. In time some learn to ex- 

 plore cautiously, knowing dangers. Men have extended their explorations in 

 all directions on the surface of the earth, and into the waters and into the air. 

 We have wondered about the remotest reaches in space and in time, about the 

 very constitution of the universe and of matter. We have wondered how the 

 things we see came into being. What makes things happen as they do? What 

 will happen in the future? 



Substitute Values Our imagination not only creates new needs, but 

 furnishes types of satisfaction that are probably different from those of other 

 species. We cannot all go out to explore the bottom of the sea, for example, or 

 the south pole. We may, however, share — in imagination — some of the ex- 

 citement and satisfaction of hunting big game, of discovering new regions or 

 new kinds of human beings. We read about such adventures, or look at pic- 

 tures made by others, or hear someone describe his experiences. We are able 

 to throw ourselves, in imagination, into new scenes, new situations. We 

 share the excitement of the players in a game that we are watching, or of a 

 boxing or wrestling match. We "put ourselves in the place" of other persons. 

 And to the extent that we do so we get the corresponding feelings. 



We are able to enjoy vicariously — through substitution — the satisfactions 

 and excitements and adventures of other people, to get the benefits of make- 

 believe. But we can also feel the anxieties that go with the dangers. We can 

 almost feel the pain of a blow in watching a fight. As we watch a game, are we 

 going to feel more satisfaction or more disappointment? That depends in 

 part at least on the side with which we have identified ourselves. 



Aesthetic Values^ In every experience our tastes seem to be rich sources 

 of satisfaction. To enjoy music, works of art, natural objects and scenery, 

 particular types of plays or fiction, the watching of particular games, the 

 company of particular persons, is to add to the fullness of life. What we like 

 means more to us than other things. 



The tastes of each person depend in part upon the actual sensitivity of the 

 receptor organs (see pages 284ff.). One person can discriminate shades of color 

 or degrees of illumination much more delicately than another. One can hear 

 several distinct tones between one note on the piano and the next, whereas 

 another cannot tell the difference between B and B flat. For some individ- 

 uals food is food; enjoying food more means for them merely eating more 

 food. Others, however, are aware of delicate flavors and combinations that 

 are in themselves sources of genuine enjoyment quite aside from the need to 

 appease hunger. 



For most of us, differences in taste are largely acquired, within the limita- 

 tions of the sensory system, our imagination and our intelligence. For example, 



^See Nos. 4 and 5, p. 674. 

 662 



