247. We are differentiated from animals by the inflow of spiritual light into all three levels of our minds; and beyond what animals can do, we can think analytically; we can see things that are true not only on the earthly level but on the spiritual level as well; and when we see them, we can acknowledge them and so be reformed and regenerated. Our ability to accept spiritual light is what we call rationality, already discussed [240]. It is a gift from the Lord to each one of us, and one that is not taken away, since if it were taken away, we could not be reformed. It is because of this ability called rationality that we not only can think but can say what we are thinking, which animals cannot do. Then because of that second ability called freedom, also discussed above, we can do what we have thought intellectually.

Since I dealt with these two abilities that we claim--rationality and freedom--in 240, there is no need to say more about them here.

247. The influx of spiritual light into all three degrees of the mind distinguishes human beings from animals, so that the human being, in contrast to animals, can think analytically, see truths - not only natural truths but also spiritual truths - and on seeing them can acknowledge them and so be reformed and regenerated.

The faculty of receiving spiritual light is what we mean by rationality, which we remarked on previously, a faculty which every person has from the Lord, and which is not taken from him; for if it were taken from him, he could not be reformed.

It is owing to that faculty called rationality that a person not only can think, but can in accord with his thought also speak, unlike animals. And it is owing to his other faculty called freedom, which we also remarked on previously, that he can then do those things which he with his intellect thinks.

Because we discussed these two faculties, rationality and freedom - faculties which are peculiar to mankind - previously in no. 240, we will therefore say no more about them here.