Instinct and reason, philosophically investigated : with a view to ascertain the principles of the science of education / by Thomas Jarrold, M.D.

  • Jarrold, T. (Thomas), 1770-1853.
Date:
1736 [i.e. 1836]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Instinct and reason, philosophically investigated : with a view to ascertain the principles of the science of education / by Thomas Jarrold, M.D. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by University of Bristol Library. The original may be consulted at University of Bristol Library.

    30/362 (page 22)
    guided in his general economy by instinct. He possesses reason, but what can it accomplish ? Does his wisdom make him happy ? Does it advance as he moves onward from childhood ? Alas! for man, his physical happiness is abridged by the faculty which ennobles, and should exalt him. Instinct en- slaves him at the expense of reason, and mars his pleasures. When each acts its proper part man is most happy. Instinct embraces and best sustains whatever relates to his present state of existence, and is perfected in its* obligations. Reason has its own department, which is less perfectly filled; but memory retains for each the use of its experience, and while it benefits reason, it is the strength of instinct. Reason follows in the footsteps of instinct, and invigorates the means by which it attains its end— it embellishes the table, but the offering is to instinct. A Power, thus predominating in our system, de- mands a higher degree of attention than it has re- ceived :—but it may be asked, does it admit of cultivation ? In itself it does not. Instinct cannot be changed, but the instruments of its purpose are modelled by discipline. The senses may be quick- ened, or the contrary, and this is the extent of instinct. The temper may be chastened or ren- dered brutish—the passions may be softened or made irritable—the disposition may be made gene- rous or sordid—and thus the man is formed by means in the power of his parents, who ought to have it strongly impressed on their minds that instinct is the foundation of character, and its direction is with themselves.