Article Text
The human mind has two types of activities: concrete and abstract. In concrete activity, the constraints of time and space are present, while in abstract activity, there is a lack of dependence on these conditions. In the most basic form of concrete activity, the sense of sight allows for the objective observation of an object in shaped space, and through the repetition of this experience, the mind gains superficial identification (recognition) of that object. The senses of hearing, smell, and touch also assist the mind in acquiring the secondary attributes of the object. In the most complex form of concrete activity, the mind engaged with the shaped space of the object experiences emotional receptions such as sadness, joy, wonder, beauty, etc. With the repetition of this experience, identification (recognition) of the object goes beyond the constraints of time and space, leading the mind to self-awareness. This mental activity, which has gone beyond the constraints of time and space, is called abstract activity.
For example, suppose you are looking at a rose and perceive its appearance, feeling a sense of discovery and expression of beauty within yourself. You repeat this experience with a carnation, jasmine, etc., and continue to feel the discovery and expression of beauty. This mental experience is still concrete. Now the mind begins to compare the results. It sets aside the superficial attributes of the flowers and seeks the common attribute that resonates with itself. The mind abstracts beauty as a general concept and tells itself, "I have discovered beauty within myself." This state is the state of mind's name or the state of cognition.