FACULTIES OF THE MIND. 261 
attempt to imitate the actions of other species, as in flying, 
swimming, diving, and a variety of other efforts. 
To this principle of imitation can be readily traced, nation- 
al character, and family resemblance. It is that instinct on 
which, more than any other, our susceptibility of educa- 
tion depends. 
In the lower animals, this instinct displays itself, chiefly — 
in those of social habits. It is proverbially known that the 
startling of one individual will set a whole herd of cattle in 
motion, and if one sheep leaps the fence, the others will 
speedily follow. Even im the lower animals, imitative ac- 
tions are not always copied from the individuals of the same 
species. The monkey will imitate the motions of a man, 
and the parrot his voice. 
7. Approbation.—The desire of approbation exercises a 
powerful influence on the human character. It prompts 
us to the greatest exertions, and it restrains our most 
violent passions. Long before we are aware of the per- 
sonal or public advantages which result from its guidance, 
we enjoy with rapture the applause of others. In order to 
secure it to our memory, we are disposed, in many cases, 
to part with life itself. 
As this principle could not be called into exercise, but 
among those animals which are likewise possessed of the 
social desire, we do not observe this instinct in any others ; 
and even in social animals, we are only aware of its exis- 
tence in those which we have domesticated. The dog 
appears delighted with the approbation of his master, 
and quickly discovers and seems mortified with his dis- 
pleasure. The cow and the horse exhibit this instinct, 
but in an inferior degree, arising, perhaps, from our being 
less intimately acquainted with their manners. Among 
birds or animals belonging to any of the lower class, we 
