Analysis, when applied to our operations of knowledge, shows us that our
understanding parcels out, arrests, and quantifies, whereas reality, as it
appears to immediate intuition, is a moving series, a flux of blended
qualities.

That is to say, our understanding solidifies all that it touches. Have we
not here exactly the essential postulates of action and speech? To speak,
as to act, we must have separable elements, terms and objects which remain
inert while the operation goes on, maintaining between themselves the
constant relations which find their most perfect and ideal presentment in
mathematics.

Everything tends, then, to incline us towards the hypothesis in question.
Let us regard it henceforward as expressing a fact.

The forms of knowledge elaborated by common-sense were not originally
intended to allow us to see reality as it is.

Their task was rather, and remains so, to enable us to grasp its practical
aspect. It is for that they are made, not for philosophical speculation.

Now these forms nevertheless have existed in us as inveterate habits, soon
becoming unconscious, even when we have reached the point of desiring
knowledge for its own sake.

But in this new stage they preserve the bias of their original utilitarian
function, and carry this mark with them everywhere, leaving it upon the
fresh tasks which we are fain to make them accomplish.

An inner reform is therefore imperative today, if we are to succeed in