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THE KEY OF KNOWLEDGE,
quality of the excitation, which varies with circumstances. Consequently, mind, at times, perceives big objects as small and vice versa. It is, however, not the object which becomes big or small, but only its mental counterpart, the nature of which is determined by that of the excitation, e.g., the moon we see is not the real moon at all, but its mental-image projected by the mind. Since a small moon at a little distance would cause the same sensation as a bigger one at a proportionately greater distance, the perceiving faculty is satisfied the moment the coincidence between the inner vibrations and the external excitation is attained. Hence, the size and distance of the projected mental-image are determined by the nature of the excitation. This explains why little children imagine the moon to be near at hand, and babies in arms vainly try to seize it. As Bergson says:--
“ Distinct perception is brought about by two opposite currents, of which the one, the centripetal, comes from the external object, and the other, the centrifugal, has for its point of departure that which we term pure memory. The first current alone would give a passive perception with the mechanical reactions which accompany it. The second, left to itself, tends to give a recollection that is actualized - more and more actual as the current becomes more marked. Together, these two currents make up, at their point of confluence, the perception that is distinct and recognized." (Matter and Memory, p. 163).
The fact that the illusion of the realistiscope continues, in spite of the awareness of its nature, proves that reason has nothing to do with the perceptive work of understanding, for otherwise the mentally projected image ought to resemble the slides on disillusionment. It is thus clear that nothing but the quality of the external vibrations determines the nature of the mental image.
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