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

Social laughter is momentary, soon burns itself out and passes away like the fire and smokes of straw, but genius shakes the very skies with its lasting, inextinguishable laughter.

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

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

Superstitions, and especially the early cultivation of religion, with its "fear of the Lord" and of unknown mysterious agencies, are especially potent in the development of the instinct of fear. Even the early cultivation of morality and conscientiousness, with their fears of right and wrong, often causes psychoneurotic states in later life. Religious, social, and moral taboos and superstitions, associated with apprehension of threatening impending evil, based on the fear instinct, form the germs of psychopathic affections.

The principle of recognition of evil under all its guises is at the basis of the true education of man.

The course of evolution is to a greater integration of similarly functioning ganglia.