THE CHARACTERISTICS OF HUMAN LIFE 65 



The facts thus briefly touched are so familiar that 

 there is no need for entering upon detailed illustra 

 tion. The contrasts between organic and rational life 

 become more vivid as they are contemplated. In 

 organism, there is sensibility to contact at every point 

 on its surface, response along all the muscles, and 

 dominion of animal appetite, having for its end satis 

 faction of animal want. This life has its centre in 

 the brain. Quite beyond all this, known to us only 

 m ^consciousness, is the life of reflection. Within 

 this sphere of higher activity, differences of experience 

 are observed and compared, conceptions of objects 

 are formed, inferences are drawn, purposes are shaped, 

 and the task of self-government is carried on under 

 guidance of a standard of right conduct. These are 

 functions of mind. So for as relation to the external 

 is concerned, whether for knowledge or for action, 

 brain is the instrument through which mind works, 

 but not wittingly, not by conscious use of the instru 

 ment. Intelligence only accepts sensations ; apart 

 from physiological action, it forms its own volitions. 



The chief differences of faculty among men, are 

 the different measures in which intellectual power 

 appears in their work. Whether we estimate their lives 

 by reference to what the men are ; or by differences in 

 their efforts ; or by the value of their contribution to 

 a general result, the contrast lies in this the extent 

 to which thought goes into the guidance of effort. 

 Within consciousness are included ordinary under 

 standing, observation of methods, skilful device, intel 

 ligent use of appliances, and knowledge of laws and 

 principles. A man must know his powers, know his 

 work, and put his best into it. This holds for work 



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