multitude of degrees, the fullness of consciousness is never reached.
A more thorough exercise of it is always possible. At the last, nature
must be admitted as a partner in the control of our lives, and her
share in that partnership the present age believes to be a large one.



VIII

For could we always consciously steer our conduct, we should be unwise
to do so. Consciousness hinders action. Acts are excellent in
proportion as they are sure, swift, and easy. When we undertake
anything, we seek to do exactly that thing, reach precisely that end,
and not merely to hit something in the neighborhood. Occasions, too,
run fast, and should be seized on the minute. Action is excellent only
when it meets the urgent and evasive demands of life. Faltering and
hesitation are fatal. Nor must action unduly weary. Good conduct
effects its results with the least necessary expenditure of effort.
When there are so many demands pressing upon us, we should not allow
ourselves to become exhausted by a single act, but should keep
ourselves fresh for further needs. Efficient action, then, is sure,
swift, and easy.

Now the peculiarity of self-consciousness is that it hinders all this
and makes action inaccurate, slow, and fatiguing. Inaccuracy is almost
certain. When we study how something is to be done, we are apt to lay
stress on certain features of the situation, and not to bring others
into due prominence. It is difficult separately to correlate the many
elements which go to make up a desired result. Sometimes we become
altogether puzzled and for the moment the action ceases. When I have