Single Idea 19355

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / B. Features of Minds / 2. Unconscious Mind]

Full Idea

The soul does many things without knowing how it does them - when it does them by means of confused perceptions and unconscious inclinations or appetites.

Gist of Idea

The soul doesn't understand many of its own actions, if perceptions are confused and desires buried

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (On Note L to Bayle's 'Rorarius' [1705], [L])

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Texts', ed/tr. Woolhouse R/Francks,R [OUP 1998], p.238


A Reaction

This increasingly strikes me as a wonderful and important insight for its time. He's really paid attention to his own mind, and given up the simplistic view that derives from Descartes. Are birds conscious? Yes or no! Silly.

Related Idea

Idea 19356 Minds unconsciously count vibration beats in music, and enjoy it when they coincide [Leibniz]