In previous chapters the professional approach was likened to a temporary hardening of the consciousness in order to view things from a particular point of view; for instance, the lawyer's point of view, in order to facilitate the solution of the particular problem in hand. Lack of confidence on the other hand was likened to a darkening of the consciousness in the sense of it's being filled with doubts and uncertainties. Dogmatism, (in the fairly restricted sense in which I have been using it), may be likened to a spasm in the consciousness; not altogether unlike temporary cramp in the muscles. Affirming beliefs one doesn't believe, repeating things parrot-wise. A spasm in the consciousness seems to me a fairly vivid description of a phenomenon, with which we are all very familiar. In other words dogmatism represents a deformity in the consciousness.

One example of such a spasm in the consciousness easily comes to mind - egotism. The belief that I, little me, miserable little me, with all my crafty schemes of betrayal, all my broken promises, and dishonoured love, with that tremendous chip on my shoulder, and that covetous envy of people who have done better than I, the belief that I am more important than all the other members of the community put together, if that is not dogma run riot, I do not know what is! And a spasm in the consciousness seems to me a fairly good description of egotism too.