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.

'Tis thus we heed no instincts but our own,
Believe no evil, till the evil's done.
[Fr., read more

'Tis thus we heed no instincts but our own,
Believe no evil, till the evil's done.
[Fr., Nous n'ecoutons d'instincts que ceux qui sont les notres.
Et ne croyons le mal que quand il est venu.]

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.

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....

Trust the instinct to the end, though you can render no reason

Trust the instinct to the end, though you can render no reason

She had a womanly instinct that clothes possess an influence more powerful over many than the worth of character or read more

She had a womanly instinct that clothes possess an influence more powerful over many than the worth of character or the magic of manners.

Simplicity is an acquired taste. Mankind, left free, instinctively complicates life.

Simplicity is an acquired taste. Mankind, left free, instinctively complicates life.

The active part of man consists of powerful instincts, some of which are gentle and continuous; others violent and short; read more

The active part of man consists of powerful instincts, some of which are gentle and continuous; others violent and short; some baser, some nobler, and all necessary.

A few strong instincts and a few plain rules.

A few strong instincts and a few plain rules.