An illustration of what the I accomplishes as it enters upon the third stage is provided by the following episode, actually observed. Whilst all the members of a family were sitting at table taking their soup, the youngest member suddenly cried out: ‘Daddy spoon … mummy spoon. … ‘ (everyone in turn spoon) ‘ … all spoon!’ At this moment, from merely designating single objects by names learnt through imitation, the child’s consciousness had awakened to connective thinking. That this achievement was a cause of inner satisfaction could be heard in the joyful crescendo with which these ejaculations were made.