Page:Fielding - Sex and the Love Life.pdf/47

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DEVELOPMENT OF THE LOVE-LIFE
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to undergo them; but, too, all children are surrounded by conditions that make such changes understandable.

"These changes consist in general in the suppression, or more technically, the repression, of the frank, instinctive tendencies, an effort to disregard their promptings, and a distinct effort to fit into conventional requirements and make the accepted moral and social standards goals for conduct. This involves an about face for the infant who has hitherto followed only selfish aims. The conduct which has been natural to him up to this time is now no longer indulged in, at least not openly, and if perchance he is discovered in any small self-indulgence his reaction is one of shame. To this nakedness, his overt sex activities, his curiosity in forbidden subjects, he reacts with shame if in the presence of others, or all conduct along such lines is effectively repressed so that it does not take place at all. Similarly, with such pleasure as grows out of the infant's interest in its bowel movements or in urination. There now arises in place of such pleasure an actual disgust."

Sublimation. The term sublimation, as used in psychology, is taken from chemistry. In the latter science, it means one of the processes by which a substance may be purified. Briefly expressed, sublimation in modern psychology means the turning of the primitive instincts and urges into constructive, cultural or socially desirable channels. This process can be overdone, or the attempt made to force matters too rapidly, or too severe measures may be used. When any of these things occur, deplorable results may ensue.

The child is a remarkable example of energy. This energy must express itself. In childhood, the constructive activities, besides a good educational program, are wholesome play, athletics, character-forming practices, such as at the manual trades and arts, as children "like to make things." Self-discipline inculcated in this way is infinitely superior to that based solely on authority. If the energy of the child is