But honest instinct comes a volunteer; Sure never to o'er-shoot, but just to hit, While still too wide or short read more

But honest instinct comes a volunteer; Sure never to o'er-shoot, but just to hit, While still too wide or short in human wit.

A fierce unrest seethes at the core
Of all existing things:
It was the eager wish to read more

A fierce unrest seethes at the core
Of all existing things:
It was the eager wish to soar
That gave the gods their wings.
. . . .
There throbs through all the worlds that are
This heart-beat not and strong,
And shaken systems, star by star,
Awake and glow in song.

A good man, through obscurest aspirations
Has still an instinct of the one true way.
[Ger., Ein read more

A good man, through obscurest aspirations
Has still an instinct of the one true way.
[Ger., Ein guter Mensch, in seinem dunkeln Drange,
Ist sich des rechten Weges sohl bewusst.]

But honest instinct comes a volunteer;
Sure never to o'er-shoot, but just to hit,
While still too read more

But honest instinct comes a volunteer;
Sure never to o'er-shoot, but just to hit,
While still too wide or short in human wit.

Instinct and reason how can we divide?
'Tis the fool's ignorance, and the pedant's pride.

Instinct and reason how can we divide?
'Tis the fool's ignorance, and the pedant's pride.

Telling us to obey instinct is like telling us to obey "people." People say different things: so do instincts. Our read more

Telling us to obey instinct is like telling us to obey "people." People say different things: so do instincts. Our instincts are at war.... Each instinct, if you listen to it, will claim to be gratified at the expense of the rest....

Instinct is untaught ability

Instinct is untaught ability

Instinct is a great matter. I was now a coward on instinct.

Instinct is a great matter. I was now a coward on instinct.

As the traveler who has lost his way, throws his reins on his horse's neck, and trusts to the instinct read more

As the traveler who has lost his way, throws his reins on his horse's neck, and trusts to the instinct of the animal to find his road, so must we do with the divine animal who carries us through this world