704 Dynamic Theory. 



to time. Some other motive controls the manner of its performance. 

 Thus, if we fear the opposition of some person, we will perform the ac- 

 tion at some place beyond his observation or interference, &c. We form 

 many designs and resolutions which are by first one motive and then an- 

 other, remodeled, contracted, expanded, or finally undone and put aside 

 altogether. This is done habitually, incessantly, automatically, and so 

 rapidly that we are not conscious of very much of the action involved, 

 unless special attention is directed to it. Indeed, after a purpose has 

 been conceived we are entirely unable to predict what movements are 

 necessary to carry it into execution, what movements will go along as 

 collateral with it, or be developed from it as necessary consequents aris- 

 ing out of it, or be excited as opposers or modifiers. A person who 

 can do this to a limited degree, is recognized as a person of wisdom and 

 foresight. Every purpose is so liable to the interference of these ad- 

 junctive and cross purposes that they may all be said to exercise more 

 or less control over each other. Whichever of the impulses to action 

 happens to predominate at the moment, it serves to repress, obscure and 

 conceal all the rest. 



It is obvious that the sorts of ideas whose expressions thus operate as 

 restraints to the demonstrations and expressions of others, are exceed- 

 ingly numerous. In fact, every one that leads to expression at all, is 

 of this sort, and thus exercises control in its turn, concealing other 

 ideas while it shows itself. The ordinary intercourse of social life fur- 

 nishes motives for the expression of certain conventional and habitual 

 t ideas, and the concealment of others which are more or less antagonis- 

 tical to them. Protestations of regard and esteem often cover up ideas 

 and sentiments quite the opposite. A society lady though thoroughly 

 annoyed by the presence of an unwelcome guest, will nevertheless ap- 

 pear complaisant and gratified. It is said "she controls " her feelings 

 of annoyance, and represses their expression. But suppose the "guest" 

 be a tramp, or some other person of no influence or consideration. She 

 no longer "controls" her feelings of annoyance, but speedily rids her- 

 self of the unwelcome presence. It is very obvious that the control 

 exercised in the first case is due to an influence which accompanies the 

 "guest." That is, the guest, an object in the environment, furnishes 

 both the exciting cause of the feeling of aversion, and the motive for 

 its concealment. In the second case, the object in the environment fur- 

 nishes the exciting cause of the feeling, but no motive for its conceal- 

 ment, hence the difference of " expression " in the two cases. 



Politeness and policy are often controlling motives, and they fre- 

 quently give rise to expressions which conceal and restrain others more 

 true than themselves. Tact, artifice, finesse, flattery, lying, and all 

 sorts of deceit and stratagem, are expressions which may result from 



