Mind and Motion and Monism

In this thoughtful collection, a pioneering naturalist examines the intimate link between mind and motion, drawing on the very lectures that first introduced his ideas to the public. He traces the lineage of early psychological thought back to Hobbes, showing how the notion that all sensations arise from material motions still underpins modern science. By weaving together Darwinian theory, post‑Darwinian questions of heredity and utility, and a careful critique of materialism, the work offers a bridge between nineteenth‑century philosophy and the emerging study of the mind.

The essay’s core explores the concept of monism, proposing that human will is not separate from the universal principle of causality. Through vivid analogies—such as describing the world as an “eject”—the author invites listeners to reconsider how consciousness, intention, and physical processes intertwine. Though the manuscript was completed shortly before the author’s death, its unfinished vigor invites further reflection, making it a compelling listen for anyone curious about the foundations of psychology, evolution, and the philosophy of mind.