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340 THE WILL nr NATTFEE.
to the effect intended and a causal nexus between them
was impossible. But here it was assumed, that apart
from the outer connection between the phenomena of
this world on which the nexus physicus is founded, there
must exist another besides, passing through the very
essence in itself of all things : a subterranean connection as
it were, by means of which immediate action was possible
from one point of the phenomenon on to every other point,
through a nexus metaphysicus ;
that accordingly, it must be possible to act upon things
from inside, instead of from outside, as is usual ;
that it must be possible for phenomenon to act upon
phenomenon by means of that being in itself, which is one
and the same in all phenomena ;
that, just as we act causally as natura naturata, we
might probably be able to act also as natura naturans, and
momentarily to enable the microcosm to play the part of
the macrocosm ;
that, however firm the partition walls of individuation
and separation might be, they might nevertheless occa
sionally permit a communication to take place as it were be
hind the scenes, or like a secret game under the table ;
and
that, just as a neutralisation of individual isolation takes
place in somnambulistic clairvoyance, so likewise might a
neutralisation of the will in the individual be possible. Such
a thought as this cannot have arisen empirically, nor can
it have been confirmation through experience that has pre
served it throughout all ages and in all countries : for in
the majority of cases experience must result downright un
favourably to it. I opine therefore, that the origin of this
thought, which has universally held its ground with the
whole of mankind and, in spite of so much conflicting
experience, in defiance of common sense, has never been
eradicated, must be sought at great depth : namely in the
inward feeling of the omnipotence of the will in itself- of