The Human Figures, etc.

Consider the parts of our body, which belong to other workings of the mind, where the body is inadequate. There must be consideration of how we use our hands, fingers, or other limbs in handling things. We clearly feel that our mind, along with our body, and the body's various parts, is engaged in doing this or that thoughtfully. In mere thought, it seems to happen only in the mind, which we do not find; however, in that act of work, it must also be perceived whenever the soul existed in any of its body and had need of tools for thinking. Since there is no endless difference between fine bodies and gross bodies, the need for deciding is no less in one action than for another, and being aware of it; the opposite exists in our mind when the mind, thinking alone, is itself. We understand two distinct concepts within us, namely, one of a thinking mind and one of an extended body, ruled by the mind; therefore we conclude: what is clearly and distinctly comprehended must also truly be distinct in itself, and can exist. To argue against this, that we can perform various movements without thinking of our limbs, just as we do not always think of our feet as we walk, and yet walk; this, we believe, adds nothing to the matter: Because besides, such is not common in all movements, and many movements largely depend on the common course of animal spirits; this is well enough known to everyone.

Translation Notes

Animal spirits: In historical context, 'animal spirits' refers to the concept of a vital force thought to be driving bodily functions and animations, not to be confused with its modern economic term.