122

OverviewVersionsHelp

Facsimile

Transcription

Status: Complete

Classification of the Sci.
29

The imitation-instinct is the rational instinct and the spring of science, so that no other instinct can acquire any significance for science otherwise than through the imitation-instinct. But in addition to this and regardless of science, the imitation instinct mingles with most of the other instincts to very marked extents. It does so most of all with the conversation-instinct, which is the most nearly allied to reason, the offspring of the imitation instinct, of any of the remaining instincts. The very name of the morals-instinct, from mos, habit, custom, proclaims its essential connection with the imitation-instinct. Morality is a matter of principle; and principle, of any description, is an outcome of the imitation instinct. The clothes-instinct is peculiarly open to influences of the imitation instinct and this is partly because clothes are a matter of morals and partly because clothes and personal appearance are modes of expression, and this conversational instinct is specially rational, that is, imitative.

Notes and Questions

Nobody has written a note for this page yet

Please sign in to write a note for this page