"We see man far removed from the lairs of the jungles, his innate instincts dulled by too near an approach to free will, his free will not sufficiently developed to replace his instincts and afford him perfect guidance. He is becoming too wise to hearken always to instincts and desires; he is still too weak to always prevail against them...In this intermediate stage he wavers--neither drawn in harmony with nature by his instincts nor yet wisely putting himself into harmony by his own free will. He is even as a wisp in the wind, moved by every breath of passion, acting now by his will and now by his instincts, erring with one, only to retrieve by the other, falling by one, only to rise by the other--a creature of incalculable variability. We have the consolation of knowing that evolution is ever in action, that the ideal is a light that cannot fail. he will not forever balance thus between good and evil. When this jangle of free will and instinct shall have been adjusted, when perfect understanding has given the former the power to replace the latter entirely, man will no longer vary. The needle of understanding will yet point steadfast and unwavering to the distant pole of truth."
Dreiser points out a conflict between Free Will and Instinct. He contends that they oppose one another and it is not until man conquers instinct and settles in with free will that "truth" will be reached. I find this an interesting statement. First of all, how often do we find ourselves struggling between our instincts and our own wills? I've contemplated which sentiment I lean toward the most. When it comes to chocolate, I have no free will, I need it! I don't feel like I have a choice (ha-ha). But really, how often do I go with my "gut instinct" on things--often enough that I question why Dreiser prefers to think that truth is aligned with Free Will and not Instinct.
What exactly does truth have to do with either sentiment? Isn't there truth in being connected with one's instincts as well as one's agency? I'm still thinking it all through, but I thought it was an interesting enough question to blog about. Perhaps my friends have more decisive answers. Do you side with Dreiser, is the path to truth taken by triumph of man's instincts, or is truth found in allying one's self with the natural, instinctual impulses which lead us through life? Or is truth found in the balance?
While you mull over my bizarre thoughts, here are a few photos from a recent dive to accompany you on your journey to enlightenment:
