Quote by W. R. [William Ralph] Inge
Consciousness is a phase of mental life which arises in connection with the formation of new habits. When habit is formed, consciousness only interferes to spoil our performance.
Summary
This quote suggests that consciousness emerges alongside the development of new habits. However, when a habit becomes ingrained, consciousness tends to hinder our ability to perform effectively. The implication is that once actions become habitual, they are best carried out without conscious thought. This could be interpreted as a reflection on the subconscious mind's ability to automate tasks and make them more efficient, while indicating that self-awareness can sometimes be a hindrance to optimal performance.