IMPORTANCE OF REACTIONS 223 



stimulus has to pass. If the nervous pathway is long, a propor- 

 tional length of time is required for a response. Removing your 

 hand from a hot stove requires less time than deciding which way 

 to jump when you find yourself in the path of a fast moving car. 



The importance of reactions. The patterns of behavior formed 

 almost immediately after birth are called instinctive or innate acts. 

 These include the avoiding reactions such as struggling when 

 held, and withdrawing from or rejecting anything that is causing 

 discomfort, as moving the leg if it is being pinched; and the 

 approaching reactions or movements caused by hunger and by the 

 stimulation of certain sensitive parts of the body, such as, tickling 

 the bottom of the feet or rubbing the back. These reactions or 

 established patterns are frequently modified to meet changing 

 conditions. For instance, a small child will usually push away 

 or strike at a person who annoys him, but later he will modify 

 his tendency because the group he lives in demands a different 

 method of reaction. He will learn to respond to reason and not 

 follow his instinctive desire to fight. 



Habit formation. When voluntary activities are made habitual, 

 they are performed more easily and quickly. When completely 

 established, they act the same as instincts. When activities be- 

 come habits the brain is not needed and it is then set free to make 

 new responses or activities. This results in the growth and de- 

 velopment of the mind or consciousness. If the attention were 

 concentrated on the daily performance of brushing the teeth, 

 dressing, walking, and other necessary activities, the mind would 

 be occupied continuously on acts that are necessary for mere 

 existence. The possession of useful habits sets the mind free to 

 attend to the gaining of new knowledge. Individual progress 

 may be said to be dependent upon the ability to acquire habits. 



There are three rules for making conscious activities, such as 

 combing the hair, or starting an automobile, habitual. First, 

 there must be concentration on the performance of the act. 



