II.   Mind (PSY)

An Impulse, also known as an “urge”, is a sudden reactive cognitive intention or desire triggered by strong positive or negative emotional suggestion.

The word Impulse is derived from the Latin impulses meaning “push, pressure, instigation”.

An Impulse is similar to instinct in that it is triggered by a strong emotional source either sensed externally or internally and is involuntary. However, unlike instinct, Impulse does not imply a physical reaction but a cognitive one.

The subsequent action derived from an Impulse is usually called a habit. A repetitive habit (Impulse) can then develop into an instinct.

The lack of use of an instinct will see it devolve into an Impulse.

Unlike an instinct, an Impulse still permits the use of conscious free will to refrain from the predicted action. The non completion of an Impulse over time will break the habit and return it to a memory.

Over time, the absence of reference to an impulse means even an Impulse may be forgotten.