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IJIlV. f. stoues turner,, b.a., ox 



our study would be unnecessary. But we have some knowledge 

 of the self : he is a complex being, a unity containing diversities : 

 he is a developing being: not fixed, but changing. What we 

 must seek for, is not a perfect definition, which is unattainable ; 

 but a conception which shall be certainly true so far as it goes, 

 and which shall express not one or another of the self's diverse 

 qualities ; but his unity, and his diversities as included in the 

 unity. Moreover, in accordance with the rule that the self 

 must not be abstracted from, but studied in, the environment, 

 our conception must include his relation to other selves, and to 

 what we call the external world. Consideration of this relation 

 gives the clue we are seeking. Things and people hurt or 

 benefit us according to our position and behaviour in reference 

 to them. It is our interest to avoid the injury and to secure 

 the benefit. This brings to light one of the deepest and most 

 important characteristics of human nature — self-interest. We 

 are to some extent able to re-act against the environment so as 

 to make it our servant, and to thwart it when it appears to be 

 our enemy. In relation to sentient beings and especially to 

 other selves, we have to do with beings who also have their 

 interests. In such cases, our self-interest is not displaced, 

 but supplemented by a larger interest, which we call duty. 

 Duty brings with it responsibility : we call ourselves, and our 

 fellow-men call us, to account for the neglect of duty. These 

 three relations, sell-interest, duty, and responsibility, affect all 

 our dealings with the environment, and at the same time 

 employ all the various capacities and powers of human nature. 

 The sensations and all bodily functions are included in this 

 conception of the self as a being who has interests ; and 

 likewise all mental emotions and powers — especially the 

 intelligence and the will. I think we may express the concept 

 thus — the human self is a being who takes an intelligent interest 

 in his own welfare, and also in his duties, and responsibilities, 

 because he can choose his own ends, and devise means for their 

 attainment. This description does not pretend to be a perfect 

 definition, but I submit that it is in accordance with the given 

 facts. Our psychology would have to verily it in detail ; but it 

 is hardly rash to assume that experience has already verified it. 



12. Teleology. — This concept of the self serves as a guide to 

 further study. When once we have clearly apprehended that 

 we are in a measure in charge of our own being, that we help to 

 make or mar our own happiness, that beyond this, we either 

 help to mend or to corrupt society, and have therefore duties 

 nd responsibilities towards others — we want to understand the 



