From the Unconscious to the Conscious 



no artist, man of science, or writer of any distinction, 

 however little disposed to self-analysis, who is not aware 

 by personal experience of the unequalled importance of 

 the subconscious. 1 



This subconscious influence is sometimes imperative 

 and supreme; it is then called ' inspiration.' 



Under its influence the artist or the inventor pro- 

 duces his work (sometimes a masterpiece) at one stroke, 

 without pondering over it or reasoning about it; it 

 often transcends his design without effort on his part. 

 The subconscious inspiration is sometimes experienced 

 in sleep in the form of lucid and connected dreams. 



More frequently the Conscious and the Unconscious 

 would seem to collaborate. The work is initiated by 

 an act of the will, and completed partly by considered 

 effort and partly by spontaneous and involuntary inspira- 

 tion. This collaboration sometimes ends in results quite 

 different from those at first intended. It is very rare 

 that any great artist or writer draws up the plan of his 

 work and follows it faithfully, from beginning to end, 

 composing regularly and without interruption, as a 

 mason builds a house. 



A great artist works irregularly; the plan as first 

 conceived undergoes great and sometimes complete 

 alteration. The outlines do not follow one from another 

 regularly from the beginning to completion; they vary 

 according to the inspiration ' of the moment. In fact 

 the artist is not master of his inspiration ; it is sometimes 

 absent; and if he persists, he will on that day produce 

 only moderate work which he will afterwards reject. 



If he is wise enough not to persist, he will find 

 himself able on some other day to complete the work 

 as if by enchantment, for the subconscious activity has 

 proceeded during repose; especially during sleep. 



1 1 think it needless to cite well-known examples. Besides the work 

 of Dr Chabaneix, M. Dwelshauvers' L'Inconscient may be referred to; 

 and generally, other works on the same subject. 



85 H 



