There is a quaint old theory that man may have two souls—a…
““There is a quaint old theory that man may have two souls—a peripheral one which serves ordinarily, and a central one which is stirred only at certain times, but then with activity and vigour. While under the domination of the former a man will shave, vote, pay taxes, give money to his family, buy subscription books and comport himself on the average plan. But let the central soul suddenly become dominant, and he may, in the twinkling of an eye, turn upon the partner of his joys with furious execration; he may change his politics while you could snap your fingers; he may deal out deadly insult to his dearest friend; he may get him, instanter, to a monastery or a dance hall; he may elope, or hang himself—or he may write a song or poem, or kiss his wife unasked, or give his funds to the search of a microbe. Then the peripheral soul will return; and we have our safe, sane citizen again. It is but the revolt of the Ego against Order; and its effect is to shake up the atoms only that they may settle where they belong.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote describes a dual‑soul metaphor: a routine, conforming self and an impulsive, creative self that can suddenly dominate, causing drastic, unpredictable actions before the routine self returns.
In simple terms: People have a normal side and a wild side that can take over unexpectedly.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and balance both sides to harness creativity without chaos.
Themes
identity
creativity
control
duality
Mood
reflective
curious
Type
philosophical
psychological
literary
When to use this quote
- making sudden life changes
- creative bursts
- relationship conflicts
- political shifts
- personal crises
Key Concepts
ego
psychology
impulse
order
rebellion
Questions to Reflect On
- What triggers your “central soul” moments?
- How can you channel sudden impulses constructively?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor oversimplifies human behavior and may excuse harmful actions as “the central soul.”