of health. For our well-being, as capable of pleasure and pain, we must make selections in the world; the intellect knows no such selections. When, therefore, Professor James says a theory to be acceptable must satisfy not only the intellect, but also other human interests, he says what is in one sense true. A theory of the world must take account of all human interests and aspirations as facts; if true, it will also probably satisfy all legitimate human desires. But only those that are legitimate; and especially it cannot be called upon to satisfy those that owe their origin wholly or in part to false views of the world and of life. But this at least is true that, in proportion as the intellect develops, its theories are decided, not by any inclination or wish of men, but by the presence of facts as elements in a scientific problem. Whatever may be the genesis of Intellect, it has now its own differentiated function, which is distinct from that of practical will. And if it fail to comprehend in its synthesis all the facts, it is because its vision is weak, and has been marred by previous education, not because it has made a selection of facts and said, “These being good shall be reality to me.” The latter alternative is always a possible mode of action, but it is to be repented of.
Walter Smith.
