Instinct
...nconscious or unreasoning action. Webster’s Dictionary defines the word instinct as a natural or inherent aptitude, impulse or capacity. Here are two definitions from the American Heritage Dictionary for the word aptitude: 1. An inherent ability, as for learning; a talent. 2. Quickness in learning and understanding; intelligence. In this same dictionary, a definition for the word capacity is the “innate potential for growth, development, or accomplishment; faculty.” With these definitions in mind, we are left with little doubt that the word instinct can be thought of as much more than mere mechanical reactions to outside stimuli. Now that some form of intelligence or knowing can be ascribed to the word instinct, we can leave it up to the imagination as to who the intellect might belong to. One idea is that the instinctual behavior of nature and her creatures is itself the direct ceaseless thinking or workings of a Supreme Identity. In support of this view, the Marion Webster Online Dictionary gives another definition for instinct as the notion of infusing or imbuing. A definition of these words and some of their synonyms are quoted below in support of such an idea: 1. Infuse; meaning to introduce one thing into another so as to affect it throughout. Example: New members infused enthusiasm into the club. 2. Suffuse; implies a spreading through of something that gives an unusual color or quality to. Example: The room was suffused with light. 3. Imbue; implies the introduction of a quality that fills and permeates the whole being. Example: The student was imbued with intellectua...