Spencer Heath Archive

Item 84

September 29, 1949

Original => Item 83

When we respond to a stimulus — physical or psychological — we move, act. By virtue of this stimulated motion we possess energy. We feel it as emotion. This emotion then serves as inner (subjective) stimulus to further motion — action.

      This action (by its impact) changes circumstances (environment) and results in either distress or satisfaction according to the kind of stimulus first responded to. Wise action consists in responding to favorable (positive) stimuli. Freedom consists in power (opportunity) to choose stimuli — options, alternatives — and to act accordingly.