In the evolution of the human race certain
things have been so important for the individual
and the race that responses towards
them have become instinctive. They appeal
to every individual and attract his attention
without fail. Thus moving objects, loud
sounds, sudden contrasts, and the like, were
ordinarily portents of evil to primitive man,
and his attention was drawn to them irresistibly.
Even for us to pay attention to such
objects requires no intention and no effort.
Hence it is spoken of as _*passive_ or _*involuntary
attention_.

The attention of animals and of children
is practically confined to this passive form,
while adults are by no means free from it.
For instance, ideas and things to which I
have no intention of turning my mind attract
me. Ripe fruit, gesticulating men, beautiful
women, approaching holidays, and scores of
other things simply pop up in my mind and
enthrall my attention. My mind may be so
concentrated upon these things that I become
oblivious to pressing responsibilities. In some

instances the concentration may be but momentary;
in others there may result a day