The brain seems a thoroughfare for nerve-action passing…
“The brain seems a thoroughfare for nerve-action passing its way to the motor animal. It has been remarked that Life's aim is an act not a thought. To-day the dictum must be modified to admit that, often, to refrain from an act is no less an act than to commit one, because inhibition is coequally with excitation a nervous activity.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The nervous system balances excitation and inhibition, making both action and restraint forms of activity.
In simple terms: Both doing and not doing are nervous actions.
Key Takeaway
Recognize restraint as an active choice.
Themes
biology
psychology
self-control
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
scientific
When to use this quote
- making decisions
- self-discipline
- habit formation
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
neural inhibition
motor activity
psychophysiology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing restraint change your view of responsibility?
- When might restraint be more powerful than action?
A Different Perspective
Inhibition can be harder to detect than overt action, leading to underestimation of its impact.