Its consideration does not strengthen his impression of
inevitable truth. There is the greatest moral value, as well as
intellectual value, in the independence that comes from knowing, and
knowing that one knows and why he knows. This gives spinal column to
character, which is not found in the flabby goodness of imitation or
the hysteric virtue of suggestion. Knowing what is right, and why it
is right, before doing it is the basis of greatness of character.
The nervous system of the animal or the man is essentially a device to
make action effective and to keep it safe. The animal is a machine in
action. Toward the end of motion all other mental processes tend. All
functions of the brain, all forms of nerve impulse are modifications of
the simple reflex action, the automatic transfer of sensations derived
from external objects into movements of the body.
The sensory nerves furnish the animal or man all knowledge of the
external world. The brain, sitting in absolute darkness, judges these
sensations, and sends out corresponding impulses to action. The
sensory nerves are the brain's sole teachers; the motor nerves, and
through them the muscles, are the brain's only servants.
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