Boris Sidis Quotes

The fact that psychology postulates an external material world and studies it in so far as it comes to be reflected in consciousness, points to another postulate which psychology must assume in addition, namely, the existence of an inner world consciousness.

The tendency of life is not the preservation of the species, but solely the preservation of each individual organism, as long as it is in existence at all, and is able to carry on its life processes.

Human institutions depend for their existence and stability on the impulse of self-preservation and its close associate, – the fear instinct.

The man of genius whether as artist or thinker requires a mass of accidental variations to select from and a rigidly selective process of attention.

Mental synthesis of psychic content in the unity of a moment-consciousness is a fundamental principle of psychology.

Psychology is the science of psychic states both as to content and form, regarded from an objective standpoint, and brought in relation to the living corporeal individual.

The psycho-physiological hypothesis is both inductively and deductively the sine qua non of the science of psychology.

Suggestibility varies as the amount of disaggregation, and inversely as the unification of consciousness.

Not purpose but chance is at the heart of mental life.

The main source of psychopathic diseases is the fundamental instinct of fear with its manifestations, the feeling of anxiety, anguish, and worry.

The general tendency of evolution is from structure to function, from bondage to freedom of the individual elements.

Self-preservation is the central aim of all life-activities.