From the Unconscious to the Conscious 



heterogeneous into accord, so that all contradictions, 

 even between the most diverse, disappear. 



* This intrinsic proof is the criterion of inter- 

 pretation.' 



Like Schopenhauer, we demand for our book the 

 test of this criterion. It is indeed the logical sequel 

 to his work, and the extension of his theories by adapta- 

 tion to all the new facts. We have made no essential 

 change in his philosophy, and we bring to it only the 

 sketch of a scientific demonstration of its truth. We 

 offer it as the natural complement to that philosophy 

 as a readjustment which modern discoveries render 

 obligatory. 



Thus understood, our book, 'From the Unconscious 

 to the Conscious,* could necessarily be no more than a 

 ground-plan, a plan which will need many amendments 

 before the superstructure is complete. But it claims 

 to indicate, and give a forecast of that which once 

 completed will be a monument of scientific philosophy 

 by the exactitude of its proportions, the harmony of 

 its general effect and its own intrinsic beauty. 



This beauty and harmony are the symbols of Truth 

 and hold out a greater promise than comfort of mind 

 and heart: they carry more than a scientific or meta- 

 physical satisfaction; they minister to deep and intense 

 religious conviction in the best meaning of those words. 



* The special religion of the philosopher,' says 

 Averroes, ' is in the study of that which is ; for the 

 highest worship he can render to God is to seek the 

 knowledge of His works which leads us to know- 

 ledge of Himself in all His fullness. In the eyes 

 of God that is the noblest of pursuits; while the 

 most debased is to tax with error and vain presump- 

 tion him who renders to the Deity a worship nobler 



326 



