Translation from Von Hartmann 115 



as is implied when the word presentiment is used ; on the 

 contrary, this absolute certainty is so characteristic a 

 "feature of instinctive actions, that it constitutes almost 

 the only well-marked point of distinction between these 

 and actions that are done upon reflection. But from this 

 it must again follow that some principle lies at the root of 

 instinct other than that which underlies reflective action, 

 and this can only be looked for in a determination of the 

 will through a process that lies in the unconscious,^ to 

 which this character of unhesitating infallibility will attach 

 itself in all our future investigations. 



Many will be surprised at my ascribing to instinct an 

 unconscious knowledge, arising out of no sensual impression, 

 and yet invariably accurate. This, however, is not a con- 

 sequence of my theory concerning instinct ; it is the 

 foundation on which that theory is based, and is forced 

 upon us by facts. I must therefore adduce examples. And 

 to give a name to the unconscious knowledge, which is 

 not acquired through impression made upon the senses, 

 but which will be found to be in our possession, though 

 attained without the instrumentality of means, ^ I prefer 

 the word " clairvoyance "^ to " presentiment," which, for 

 reasons already given, will not serve me. This word, 

 therefore, will be here employed throughout, as above 

 defined. 



Let us now consider examples of the instincts of self- 

 preservation, subsistence, migration, and the continuation 

 of the species. Most animals know their natural enemies 

 prior to experience of any hostile designs upon themselves. 

 A flight of young pigeons, even though they have no old 

 birds with them, will become shy, and will separate from 

 one another on the approach of a bird of prey. Horses 



1 " In der Bestimmnng des Willens durch einen im Unbewussten 

 liegenden Process . . . fiir welchen sich dieser Character der 

 zweifellosen Selbstgewissheit in alien folgenden Untersuchungen 

 bewahren wird." — Philosophy of the Unconscious, p. 87. 



" " Sondern als unmittelbarer Besitz vorgefunden wird." — 

 Philosophy of the Unconscious, p. 87. * " Hellsehen." 



