372
DEFINITIONS
An addition might be suggested: "the power of controlling our desires." But we appear never to control our desires except by enthroning some one desire (or group of desires)—whether it be the desire to gain power, to ruin an enemy, to do right, or to serve God.
viii. Attention
Attention is the power by which we impress upon our mind that which is present.
ix. Memory
Memory is the power by which we retain or recall to our mind that which is past.
x. Imagination
Imagination is the power by which we combine or vary the mental images retained by Memory, often with a view to finding some unity in them; and by which we are enabled to image forth the future through anticipating its harmony with the past and present.
xi. Reason
Reason (or, as some prefer to call it in this limited sense, Understanding) is the power by which we compare, and, from our comparisons, draw inferences or conclusions. By means of it we compare the suggestions of the Imagination with the suggestions of Experience, and accept or reject the former in accordance with the result of our comparison.
