Dr. Nicoll explains that all our mind centres can be described as functions that have much in common by having their own ‘centre of gravity’, but at the same time, each has its own peculiar characteristics and its own kind of intelligence.
We find when we observe ourselves that we have four separate mind centres that we can recognise in ourselves. We have an intellectual centre that directs our intellectual or thinking functions. An emotional centre that controls our emotions and feelings. A moving centre that controls all external body movements such as walking, writing and speaking. And an instinctive centre that includes all the metabolic activity of the body such as breathing, digestion and blood circulation.
However, Dr Nicoll writes: "When it is said in this system that each centre has its own intelligence, it does not mean that each centre has the same kind of intelligence. . . . They should be like 3 brothers who live in harmony, each one good at something, and each one capable of helping the others to a small extent."
(Read more on this from the book itself. An electronic version of this book is available from the link on the right.)
The reading was followed by a discussion on the right and wrong working of centres and the important part each ‘mind centre’ plays in our psychological anatomy.
(Read more on this from the book itself. An electronic version of this book is available from the link on the right.)
