D. H. Lawrence: 'The soul is a very perfect judge of her own motions, if your mind doesn't dictate to her.'

The soul is a very perfect judge of her own motions, if your mind doesn't dictate to her.

In his profound statement, author D. H. Lawrence asserts that the soul, in its intrinsic wisdom, possesses the ability to discern and evaluate its own actions and desires. However, he adds the caveat that this judgment is impeded when one's mind imposes its own notions or influences upon the soul. This quote encapsulates the idea that the soul holds an innate knowledge of what is true and authentic to one's unique being, but this knowledge often becomes clouded or distorted when the mind imposes its will upon it. It is within this context that we delve into the realms of philosophy, exploring the contrasting concepts of dualism and monism, which offer intriguing perspectives on the relationship between the soul and the mind.To grasp the essence of Lawrence's quote, it is important to delve into the nature of the soul and its significance. The soul can be understood as the core essence of an individual, the eternal and unchanging part that exists beyond the transience of physical form. It encompasses one's deepest emotions, aspirations, and intuitions, guiding the course of one's life and embodying the truest version of oneself. It is through the soul that we experience spiritual fulfillment, a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves.Lawrence's emphasis on the soul's ability to judge its own motions accentuates the notion that the soul possesses an inherent wisdom and intuition, capable of guiding us authentically if allowed to do so. It prompts us to question the extent to which our minds, often influenced by external factors such as societal expectations, fears, and insecurities, interfere with the soul's voice.Now, let us embark on a journey through the realms of philosophy to uncover the contrasting perspectives of dualism and monism, shedding light on the intricate relationship between the soul and the mind. Dualism, a philosophical concept championed by influential thinkers like René Descartes, posits the existence of two distinct substances: the mind and the body. According to this view, the mind, encompassing thoughts, consciousness, and rationality, exists separately from the physical body. Dualists propose that the mind is the dwelling place of the soul, and it is through this metaphysical entity that the soul communicates and interacts with the world.In stark contrast to dualism, monism suggests that there is no separation or distinction between the mind and the body. This theory posits that the mind and body are not two separate entities but rather interconnected aspects of the same unified whole. Monists argue that the mind, as a product of the brain's neural activity, cannot be separated from the physical body, including the soul.Considering these two philosophical perspectives, we can revisit Lawrence's quote in light of their insights. In a dualistic framework, the mind, as the mediator between the soul and the external world, has the potential to dictate and distort the judgments made by the soul. The mind, influenced by societal expectations, personal biases, and conditioned thoughts, might dominate the soul's intuitive knowledge, leading to a misalignment between the soul's true desires and the mind's imposed will.However, in the monistic view, where the mind and the soul are indistinguishably intertwined, the potential for the mind to impose its own notions on the soul might be reduced. This perspective suggests that when the mind becomes aligned with the wisdom of the soul, there is harmony and authenticity in one's thoughts and actions. The mind becomes a facilitator rather than a dictator, allowing the soul's judgment to flow freely.In conclusion, D. H. Lawrence's quote implores us to recognize the immense power and wisdom inherent within the soul. It serves as a reminder that our souls possess an intuitive judge inside us, capable of guiding us authentically if we allow it to do so. By exploring the contrasting concepts of dualism and monism, we gain insights into the potential interplay between the mind and the soul. Whether we embrace the duality or the unity of mind and soul, the underlying message remains the same – our souls hold a profound knowledge that shines brightest when the mind allows it to illuminate our path.