The groundwork of psychology / by G.F. Stout.

  • George Frederick Stout
Date:
1903
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The groundwork of psychology / by G.F. Stout. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    we think of the attitude of others toward us and of our attitude toward them, of what we and they think of each other, expect of each other, feel toward each other, etc. Ask any man who he is and he will reply by describing his social position, by referring to his profession, the family to which he belongs, and any deeds or intentions of his which have a social significance. It is in society that we live and move and breathe and have our being. If we disregard all qualifications of the self which presuppose social relations, it is not too much to say that all that con- stitutes distinctively human self-consciousness disappears. As the social situation varies, self-consciousness under- goes corresponding transformations. When we are com- manding, instructing, or advising, we are aware of ourselves as relatively superior, as initiating, continuing, and develop- ing trains of ideas and actions in the minds of others. When we are receiving commands, instruction, or advice, we are aware of ourselves as relatively inferior, as having our thoughts and actions determined by the thoughts and actions of others. It is a different self we are conscious of when we are giving protection or consolation and when we are protected or consoled. It is different in the family circle and in the office. It is different according as we are dealing with friends or enemies. The boy’s self-conscious- ness varies according as he is playing with his big brother or his little brother. The function of imitation in the development of self- consciousness is exceedingly important, especially in its earlier stages. While the imitative endeavour is as yet un- fulfilled, the experiences connected with the action to be imitated are as yet beyond the reach of the imitator. They are for him something relatively vague and mysterious. The conception of himself includes a contrast between what
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