Elements of Criticism: In Two Volumes

Chapter 1. Perceptions and Ideas in a train

21 ELEMENTS OF CRITICISM. u chapter i u Perceptions and Ideas in a Train A man while awake is conscious of a continued train of perceptions and ideas passing in his mind. It requires no activity on his part to carry on the train: nor can he at will add any idea to the train.* At the same time we learn from daily experience, that the train of our thoughts is not regulated by chance: and if it depend not upon will, nor upon chance, bywhat law is it governed? The question is of importance in the science of human nature; and I promise beforehand, that it will be found of greatimportance in the fine arts. It appears, that the relations by which things are linked together, have a great influence in directing the train of thought. Taking a view of external objects, their inherent properties are not more remarkable, than thevarious * For how should this be done? what idea is it that we are to add? If we can specify the idea, that idea is already in the mind, and there is no occasion for any act of the will. If we cannot specify any idea, I next demand, how can a person will, or to what purpose, if there be nothing in view? We cannot form a conception of such a thing. If this argument need confirmation, I urge experience: whoever makes a trial will find, that ideas are linked together in the mind, forming a connected chain: and that we have not the command of any idea independent of the chain. 22 chapter i relations that connect them together: Cause and effect, contiguity in time or in place, high and low, prior and posterior, resemblance, contrast, and a thousand other relations, connect things together without end. Not a single thing appears solitary and altogether devoid of connection; the only difference is, that some are intimately connected, some more slightly;some near, some at a distance. Experience will satisfy us of what reason makes probable, that the train of our thoughts is in a great measure regulated by the foregoing relations: an external object is no sooner presented to us in idea, than it suggests to the mind other objects to which it is related; and in that manner is a train of thoughts composed. Such is the law of succession; which must be natural , because it governs all human beings. The law however seems not to be inviolable: it sometimes happens that an idea arises in the mind without any perceived connection; as for example, after a profound sleep. But though we cannot add to the train an unconnected idea, yet in a measure we can attend to some ideas, and dismiss others. There are few things but what are connected with many others; and when a thing thus connected becomes a subject of thought, it commonly suggests many of its connections: among these a choice is afforded; we can insist upon one, rejecting others; and sometimes we insist on what is commonly held the slighter connection. Where ideas are left to their natural course, they are continued through the strictest connections: the mind extends its view to a son more readily than to a servant; and more readily to a neighbour than to one living at a distance. This order, as observed, may be varied by will, but still within the limits of related objects; for tho’ we can vary the order of a natural train, we cannot dissolve the train altogether, by carrying on our thoughts in a loose manner without any connection. So far doth our power extend; and that power is sufficient for all useful purposes: to have more power, would probably be hurtful instead of being salutary. Will is not the only cause that prevents a train of thought from being continued through the strictest connections: much depends on the present tone of mind; for a subject that accords with that tone is always welcome. Thus, in good spi-rits, a chearful subject will be introduced by the slightest connection; and one that is melancholy, no less readily in low spirits : an interesting subject is recalled, from time to time, by any connection perceptions and ideas in a train 23 indifferently, strong or weak; which is finely touched by Shakespear, with relation to a rich cargo at sea: My wind, cooling my broth, Would blow me to an ague, when...