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]