The Unconscious Mind

In response to From Observations On Man: His Frame, His Duty, and His Expectations...


Hartley's discussion regarding our reaction or imaginative pleasures that are encouraged by the "Beauties of Nature" exhibit the psychological root of man. He clearly says that our expectations and views of the world are impacted by situations in life. The different experiences in life contribute to the associations we make. The explanation reminded me a lot about a common topic in Psychology, the unconscious mind. The beauties of nature are very likely to tap into the unconscious mind. We may look at something in nature and be drawn to a certain emotion. Nature, in some ways is a tool of the mind. We are forced to engage with nature every day. We are forced to observe nature. With this observation comes the opportunity to reveal certain ideas and beliefs we have about life. With the idea that situations of life impacts our expectations of the world comes the idea that the unconscious mind is stronger than we know and has more influence than we'd like it to have. And so, is it possible to fight the unconscious mind? I mean, How do we change the function of something that is often automatic? Some people might say that working toward changing personal life situations will allow for a change in our expectations. However, this is not always easy. Certain social barriers do not allow for complete improvement or change in life situations. I think it is important to add the discussion that human perception of nature is not permanent, but is difficult to modify. There is always room for change. Hartley was right in saying that these expectations can last a long time because they are influenced by so many different experiences and therefore become second nature to an individual. What I feel he fails to include is the idea that a person is not stuck perceiving nature and all it has to offer in one way. This goes with the theme that we have been studying, nature is wild. Nature is not meant to be perceived in one way. Nature is intended to bring out the uniqueness of each mind that participates with nature. And so, nature not only provokes the unconscious mind, but in many ways it is the unconscious mind. Nature therefore poses a challenge to man. Nature puts us in a position to face that which may not always be apparent outside of observing nature. Hartley was definitely using his philosophical background in discussing Observations of Man, but the topic requires a number of disciplines to be called upon in order to understand nature and the human mind together.