The reactive mind does not store memories as we know them. It stores particular types of mental image pictures called engrams. Engrams are a complete recording, down to the last accurate detail, of every perception present in a moment of partial or full “unconsciousness.”

“Unconsciousness” could be caused by the shock of an accident, anesthetic used for an operation, the pain of an injury or the delirium of illness. During these times, the analytical mind shuts down in full or in part and the reactive mind cuts in, in full or in part. An engram exists below the individual’s awareness level yet it can be activated so as to enforce its content, and can cause unevaluated, unknowing and unwanted fears, emotions, pains and psychosomatic illnesses.

For example, a man playing baseball is hit in the head by a pitcher’s ball and knocked out. Someone yells out to the pitcher, “You are no good.” Although the man is unconscious, these words and everything else going on are recorded in an engram; the smell of the dirt where he lay, the feeling of sweat on his brow and the sensation of heat from the afternoon sun. Months or even years after the incident, while watching a baseball game, many of these factors recorded in the engram are present in his current environment. These can restimulate the engram. The man suddenly and inexplicably gets a headache. He might also feel that he was “no good.” This engram in the reactive mind has been restimulated. The reactive mind is attempting to “prevent” the man from “getting himself into danger.” The reactive mind is not very intelligent.

Such is the power and influence of engrams.

What is Clear?

The goal and end result of Dianetics is the state of Clear, attained through many hours of Dianetics auditing. One who has achieved the state of Clear no longer has his own reactive mind and therefore suffers none of the ill effects the reactive mind can cause. Clear is a new state for man.

Becoming Clear strengthens a person’s native individuality and creativity and does not in any way diminish these attributes. A Clear is free with his emotions. He can think for himself and is able to experience life unencumbered by inhibitions reactively dictated by past engrams.

Rather than react to it, a Clear is able to deal causatively with life. A Clear is rational in that he forms the best possible solutions he can on the data he has and from his own viewpoint. Artistry, personal force and individual character are all residual in the basic personality of the person, not in his reactive mind. Whatever an individual’s level of ability, it is greatly increased after he goes Clear.