Let us suppose then that A is a convinced Freetrader, and that Z is no less certain of the glorious possibilities of Protection, and let us set A and Z to argue the matter. We notice at once that when A is speaking Z’s endeavours are confined to catching him in a misstatement or in a fault of logic, and A’s attitude is precisely the same when Z holds the stage. Neither partisan has the least intention from the outset of altering his creed, nor could either be convinced by the facts and arguments of the other, however sound. This is a fact within the experience of every intelligent person. The disputants have so influenced their own minds that they are incapable of receiving certain impressions; a part of their intelligence normally susceptible of receiving new ideas, even if such ideas are opposed to earlier conceptions, is in a state of anæsthesia; it is shut off, put out of action. The habit of mind which has been formed mechanically translates all the arguments of an opponent into misconceptions or fallacies. Neither disputant in our illustration has the least intention or desire to approach the subject with an open mind. Unfortunately, the rigid habit of mind does not only apply to political issues; it is evidenced in all the thoughts and acts of our daily life, and is the cause of many demonstrable evils. And touching this question of mental rigidity, I may cite a very valuable criticism from Mr. William Archer, the well-known London dramatic critic, on the primary point of the “Desirability of the Open Mind.” This criticism was published in _The Morning Leader_ for 17th December, 1910. I replied in the same paper, and my answer was published on 23rd December, 1910. As this brief discussion illustrates very clearly the misconception which most easily arises with regard to this question, I now reprint these two letters, precisely as they originally appeared. THE OPEN MIND _By William Archer_ “In the fifth chapter of an able and interesting book by Mr. F. Matthias Alexander, entitled _Man’s Supreme Inheritance_ (Methuen), there occurs a passage which I propose to take as the text of this week’s discourse. Treating of ‘mechanical habits of thought,’ Mr. Alexander says: