Meaning: This quote by Samuel Alexander, a philosopher, delves into the concept of conation and its psychological implications. To fully understand the quote, it's essential to break down the key elements: conation, object revelation, and the various mental processes involved such as sensing, perceiving, imaging, remembering, and thinking.

In psychology, conation refers to the mental processes and activities involved in striving, purposeful behavior, and the pursuit of goals. These activities encompass both conscious and unconscious aspects of behavior and are closely related to motivation and volition. Conation is significant in understanding human behavior and the driving forces behind individuals' actions and decisions.

The quote emphasizes the importance of the differences in conation, particularly in how the object is revealed through various mental processes. This suggests that the way an object is perceived or experienced has a profound impact on conative processes and ultimately influences behavior and decision-making.

The mention of sensing, perceiving, imaging, remembering, and thinking highlights the diverse ways in which individuals engage with objects. Sensing refers to the initial reception of stimuli through the senses, while perception involves the organization and interpretation of sensory information. Imaging pertains to the mental representation of objects, and remembering involves the retrieval of past experiences related to the object. Thinking encompasses cognitive processes such as reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making.

The quote implies that the way an object is revealed through these mental processes has a significant bearing on conation. For example, an object that is vividly perceived or remembered may elicit stronger conative responses compared to one that is only sensed or vaguely perceived. Additionally, the nature of the mental process involved, whether it be sensory, perceptual, imaginal, or cognitive, can shape the individual's conative engagement with the object.

Samuel Alexander's emphasis on the psychological significance of these differences in conation aligns with the broader understanding of how cognition, emotion, and motivation intersect in shaping human behavior. The quote underscores the intricate interplay between mental processes and conative tendencies, shedding light on the complexities of human motivation and goal-directed behavior.

Furthermore, Alexander's perspective invites contemplation on the role of consciousness and awareness in conation. The awareness of an object through sensory experiences, perceptions, mental imagery, memories, and cognitive processes can influence the salience and motivational significance of the object. This, in turn, can impact the individual's conative orientation and the intensity of their pursuit of the associated goals or desires.

In summary, Samuel Alexander's quote delves into the psychological dimensions of conation, highlighting the impact of different modes of object revelation on human behavior. By drawing attention to the ways in which objects are sensed, perceived, imagined, remembered, and thought about, the quote underscores the intricate relationship between mental processes and conative tendencies. This perspective contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities of human motivation and the multifaceted nature of goal-directed behavior.