134 Heredity and Child Culture 



by various actions, as in violin playing; again, 

 they may comprise groups of ideas or emo- 

 tions. By constant repetition, these motor 

 or psychic groupings become fixed into habit. 

 It is in the subconscious mind that complexes 

 oftenest remain, as it were, concealed until 

 brought into play. A complex may not exist in 

 the conscious mind at all ; it may of tener be in 

 the subconscious mind, only waiting for certain 

 experiences or influences to bring it forth. 

 These connected ideas are often joined with 

 emotional conditions that have a marked effect 

 on action or conduct. The whole character 

 may often be influenced by combinations of com- 

 plexes. 



A large number of subconscious ideas and 

 complexes are acquired during the first years 

 of life. They may form the roots of obscure 

 ailments that will |be carried on into later 

 years. Thus neurotics are made by conditions 

 that usually have their origin in childhood, 

 forming compulsions and inhibitions that trail 

 along through after life. It is not necessary to 

 believe with the Freudians that there is always 



