Imitation. i "j^y 



the tones of another's voice. Both are commonly called 

 copying ; as when we say that monkeys copy their masters. 

 The context, as a rule, sufficiently indicates which process 

 predominates — whether the attention of the imitator is 

 chiefly fixed on the curve to be reproduced, or on the 

 movements necessary to reproduce it ; on a sound to be 

 made, or the actions necessary to make it. 



We have already seen that intelligent procedure is the 

 result of certain processes in the cerebral cortex or else- 

 where, which have pleasurable or unpleasant concomitants 

 in consciousness. The actions which bring pleasure are 

 repeated and strengthened; those which are unpleasant 

 are checked or inhibited. What, then, are the special and 

 peculiar conditions of intelligent imitation ? Wherein lies 

 the distinguishing feature of the incentives in consciousness 

 to the voluntary copying, either of movements or their 

 results ? A child hears certain articulate soimds produced 

 by his companions, and hears also certain articulate 

 sounds which he himself utters. What is the incentive to 

 imitation ? The only answer to this question which seems 

 admissible is that the resemblance of the sounds he utters 

 to the sounds he hears is itself a source of pleasurable 

 satisfaction ,- and that, within certain limits, the closer the 

 resemblance the greater the satisfaction. The tendency 

 to imitate is based upon an innate and constitutional bias 

 to get pleasure out of such resemblances; to gain satis- 

 faction by reproducing what others are producing. If 

 there be no such innate proclivity, it is difficult to see 

 whence the incentive to imitation can be derived. At a 

 later stage in the process of development, emulation is, 

 no doubt, an important factor, and there arises a desu-e 

 not only to imitate but to improve upon the copy. 



And here it may be well to remind the reader of the 

 distinction which has already been drawn between what is 



