412 Animal Life and Intelligence. 



pression or postponement of action. As we have already- 

 seen, the normal and primitive series is (1) sense-stimulus ; 

 (2) certain nerve-processes in the brain which are asso- 

 ciated with perception and emotion ; and (3) certain result- 

 ing activities. By the suppression of action the mind 

 comes to occupy itself more and more completely with the 

 central processes. Perception blossoms forth into con- 

 ceptual thought ; emotion blossoms forth into aesthetics. 



" ' Throughout the whole range of sensations, percep- 

 tions, and emotions which we do not class as aesthetic,'' * 

 says Mr. Herbert Spencer, ' the states of consciousness 

 serve simply as aids and stimuli to guidance and action. 

 They are transitory, or, if they persist in consciousness 

 some time, they do not monopolize the attention ; that 

 which monopolizes the attention is something ulterior, to 

 the effecting of which they are instrumental. But in the 

 states of mind we class as aesthetic the opposite attitude 

 is maintained towards the sensations, perceptions, and 

 emotions. These are no longer links in the chain of states 

 which prompt and guide conduct. Instead of being allowed 

 to disappear with merely passing recognition, they are kept 

 in consciousness and dwelt upon, their natures being such 

 that their continued presence in consciousness is agree- 

 able.' The action which is the normal consequent on 

 sensation is here postponed or suppressed; and thus we 

 are enabled to make knowledge or beauty an end to be 

 sought for its own sake ; and thus, too, we are able to 

 make progress, otherwise impossible, in science and in art. 

 Sensations and perceptions are the roots from which spring 

 the sturdy trunk of action, the expanded leaves of know- 

 ledge, and the fair blossoms of art. The leaves and the 

 flowers are the terminal products along certain lines of 

 develoiDinent ; but the function of the leaves is to minister 

 to the growth of the wood, and the function of the flowers is 

 to minister to the continuance and well-being of the race. 

 So, too, in human affairs. Knowledge and art are justified 

 by their influence on conduct ; truth and beauty must ever 

 * I should add, "or as conceptual thought." 



