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 CHAPTER III.

INSTINCTIVE BEHAVIOUR.

basis of human character is to be found in instinctive behaviour. Long before the child is capable of forming definite purposes and consciously willing its conduct, it acts instinctively. Instinctive behaviour is specially characteristic of the child's early months; but the child does not drop its instincts with its baby-socks and bib. Human instincts are important, because they are capable of modification and development, and thus continue to form an integral part of conduct, even at its highest levels. Many of man's highest ideals are firmly rooted in primitive instincts, and his noblest institutions have their foundation in his instinctive behaviour.

But we should beware of thinking that because it can be shown that our ideals and aspirations are very closely related to primitive instincts they are therefore any the less lofty and noble. The ideal of motherhood is none the less sacred because it is grounded upon natural instincts, nor is the church any the less spiritual an institution because its appeal is based upon instincts which man shares with the brutes. If man's noblest aspirations have grown