RATIONAL LIFE 267 



but it is impossible to claim that brain in man 

 essentially differs in structure from brain in the ox, or 

 in the dog ; or that it has additional functions beyond 

 those providing for intelligent regulation of physical 

 action. These brains are too nearly akin to the human 

 brain to admit of such claim to superior functions 

 for man s brain, as would account for the superiority 

 of his life. All the higher functions of human 

 life belong to consciousness; they are known only 

 within the hidden realm of experience, which every 

 man occupies for himself, without entrance of visitors. 

 To know, to consider, to plan for the future, to shape 

 a purpose for immediate action, and to execute it in 

 word or deed, these belong to the individual man, to 

 every man, whatever his place among the millions of 

 the race. They belong to no other being on the earth. 

 To vindicate this position, there is no need for here 

 dealing with achievements of scientific research, or 

 with subtleties of metaphysical speculation, or with 

 the learning of the Schools, or with any of the 

 specialised forms of intellectual effort. We are speak 

 ing of the ordinary man in his ordinary life ; and we 

 find that for him it is a possibility, even a necessity, 

 that he know things around, and that he begin early to 

 gather knowledge, and to practise reflective exercise, 

 as no animal does. This is the realm of mind in 

 human life. To suggest that it is the realm of organic 

 activity is to hazard a statement not only without 

 evidence, but in contradiction of it. Take biology 

 first ; take psychology next. In the region of biology 

 it appears that, consequent 011 complete dependence 

 on environment for their gratification, the interest of 

 the animal life centres in a series of sensations. 



