An impression is superior to any idea. Hume claimed that, "The most lively thought is still inferior to the dullest sensation,"(Hume, 10). Sensation is the only real attribute of the mind and it serves as focal point for all ideas and extensions of thought. Impressions have the ability to stand independently; they do not depend on any other elements to make them seem more real. They can always be relied upon; there is no chance of making a mistake when regarding them. Impressions are original in their state of being and never act as a counterfeit. They are dazzling and sound. Impressions are derived from inward and outward sentiments. Outward impressions are caused by external perceptions. These consist of the sounds of a thunderstorm, the sensation of rain on the skin and seeing the electricity in lightening. It includes all the perception that the senses experience first hand. Inward impressions make up all of the internal perceptions. This includes feelings and emotions that are evoked by external extensions. The emotions: loyalty, compassion, misery, depression and romance are all categorized as inward impressions. Seeing a shooting star and feeling lucky as a result of the sighting is an example of an outward impression causing an inward impression. The two impressions define one another. Ideas are the feeble perceptions of the mind. They are the reflections of the sensations experienced from impressions. Ideas are codependent on impressions; they cannot exist without their influence. They are at least when simple, like impression but imperfect. Ideas cannot be trusted or relied upon to be consistent and true. They seem on the surface, to be infinitely powerful with the ability to transcend the limits of the mind. However, in actuality they are limited to the impression that formulated them. The creative boundaries of the mind are restricted to having only the ability to transform bits of memory that were copies of past experiences.
