conduct unites the swiftness, certainty, and ease of natural action
with the selective progressiveness of spiritual. Till such a
combination is found, either conduct will be insignificant or great
distress of self-consciousness will be incurred. Both of these evils
will be avoided if nature can be persuaded to do the work which we
clearly intend. That is what goodness calls on us to effect. To
showing the steps through which it may be reached the remainder of
this chapter will be given.



II

Let us, then, take a case of action where we are trying to create a
new power, to develop ourselves in some direction in which we have not
hitherto gone. For such an undertaking consciousness is needed, but
let us see how far we are able to hand over its work to
unconsciousness. Suppose, when entirely ignorant of music, I decide to
learn to play the piano. Evidently it will require the minutest
watchfulness. Approaching the strange instrument with some uneasiness,
I try to secure exactly that position on the stool which will allow my
arms their proper range along the keyboard. There is difficulty in
getting my sheet of music to stand as it should. When it is adjusted,
I examine it anxiously. What is that little mark? Probably the note C.
Among these curious keys there must also be a C. I look up and down.
There it is! But can I bring my finger down upon it at just the right
angle? That is accomplished, and gradually note after note is
captured, until I have conquered the entire score. If now during my
laborious performance a friend enters the room, he might well say, "I
do not like spiritual music. Give me the natural kind which is not