v INDIVIDUAL EXPERIENCE 83 



and vague similarity into elements of exact resemblance 

 and definite difference, concepts, or concept-elements which 

 are the true units of science. As such elements become 

 distinct we arrive at propositions which are true of them 

 as such, and thus reach the explicit conception of the uni- 

 versal and the necessary. These relations are shot through 

 the varying movement of our experience connecting things 

 most remote in space and time by underlying affinity of 

 character, and so we may think of this form of correlation 

 as a 'cross-correlation' in that it cuts across the order in 

 which experience comes to us. Regarded as a method of 

 dealing with that experience, what it enables us to do is to 

 grasp it in masses, grouped by affinity of character and 

 consequent necessity of interrelation. It forms our world 

 into Classes of which we can take a comprehensive view, 

 by reference to which we can judge new cases, and with 

 the aid of which we form general rules of action. 



In the second place, the basis of interconnection may be 

 continuity of existence, i.e. the continuity of an individual 

 passing through various phases or presenting numerous 

 qualities in simultaneity and succession. Here again the 

 concept is a basis of correlation between an indefinitely 

 great number of concrete elements of experience, and when 

 it is brought to bear upon action serves to correlate the act 

 of the moment with permanent interests and general prin- 

 ciples. By its means the individual consciousness grasps 

 the continuity running through its experience and projects 

 it into the future. It becomes conscious of Self for the 

 self, as remarked above, is the element of continuity running 

 through the acts of consciousness and at the same time 

 and by the same methods aware of other persons, and of 

 the social groupings which they form. It can focus its own 

 experience in generalisations, and learn and teach others by 

 communication. Henceforth a social tradition comes into 

 play, the past history of society acquires a significance, and 

 action may be guided by a conception of the social future. 

 Lastly, on the practical side these larger interests appeal to 

 the self as a whole and often conflict with the solicitation 

 of some more special and immediate end. In that case 

 they prevail only when they can obtain a response from 



