He was to keep the figure always in the same attitude and dress, so that it should always present itself automatically as a definite mental image in immediate association with the word Humanite.[12] With that would be automatically associated the original impulse of affection for the person imaged.

As soon as possible after that would come the meaning of the word, and the fuller but less cogent emotional associations connected with that meaning.

This invention was partly borrowed from certain forms of mental discipline in the Roman Catholic Church and partly suggested by Comte's own experiences of the effect on him of the image of Madame de Vaux.

One of the reasons that it has not come into greater use may have been that men in general are not quite such good 'visualisers' as Comte found himself to be.
[12] _The Catechism of Positive Religion_ (Tr.

by Congreve), First Part, 'Explanation of the Worship,' e.g.p.