The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 05, No. 31, May, 1860

A lively exploration of instinct opens this classic essay, weaving literary wit with scientific insight. The author invokes Falstaff’s colorful musings, then moves to vivid natural observations—like a butterfly’s surprising choice of egg‑laying sites or a newborn bee’s flawless first flight—to illustrate how some actions arise without conscious instruction. By juxtaposing the animal kingdom’s innate behaviors with human philosophical debate, the piece invites listeners to reconsider the line between simple desire and deeper, purpose‑driven impulses.

The discussion deepens as contemporary thinkers are surveyed, from Professor Bowen’s distinction between animal urges and human foresight to Sir B.C. Brodie’s claim that even basic cravings hint at more complex instincts. Along the way, historical figures such as Erasmus Darwin are referenced, highlighting early attempts to explain these phenomena through experience alone. Listeners will appreciate the blend of humor, observation, and scholarly argument that makes this meditation on instinct both accessible and thought‑provoking.