It is assumed that the individual begins life with what are best described as aptitudes and talents. The primitive [I], then, is characterized by his aptitude or talent for learning symbols, enjoying abstractions and developing purely mental activity. Essentially, this means the primitive [I], potentially, has good symbolic memory. On the other hand, because of his preoccupation with purely mental activity, he is less aware of, and therefore less responsive to, the events occurring outside his immediate consciousness. As a result, he is behaviorally passive, since most of his activity is not obvious to the external observer. In general, the primitive [I] does not spontaneously interact with the objects or persons in his environment. In one sense, he can be described as self-sufficient, since he makes few demands on the outside world. In another sense, he can be described as narcissistic, because his preoccupation with self is greater than his interest in external events.
The primitive [I] infant will show considerable frustration when forced to interact, will demonstrate anger when his personal needs are not anticipated and will show fear when removed from familiar surroundings. The primary pressures exerted on the primitive [I], therefore, are to force him to be more responsive, more active, and more adaptable.
On the other hand, the primitive [E] has an aptitude or talent for learning actions, enjoying interactions and developing behavioral activities. The primitive [E] has limited ability in symbolic memory but potentially high capacity for visual memory. Because of his preoccupation with external activities, he is less aware of mental activities. As a result, his behavior is very active and very responsive. The primitive [E] spontaneously interacts with the people and things of his environment. He may be described as socially dependent because he makes so many demands on the outside world. In addition, he can be described as involving because he not only responds to external events but he expects external events to respond to him.
The primitive [E] infant will show considerable frustration when denied interaction, will show anger when his personal needs are not satisfied and will show fear when isolated or abandoned. The primary pressures exerted on the primitive [E] are to force him to be less responsive, less active and more self-sufficient.
A major element of the life experience of an individual is determined by the pressures exerted upon him by outside sources. A basic hypothesis underlying this system is that at the Primitive Level the individual will respond spontaneously to that for which he has the most talent or aptitude. Since adjustment in a general sense means that an individual must learn to adapt to a variety of situations, in some of which [I] tendencies are most useful and in others of which [E] tendencies are more suitable, each individual receives more rewards for those things which he cannot spontaneously achieve than for those things that "come naturally." The pattern is determined early for the primitive [I] to feel guilty about his [I] tendencies and to seek to achieve [E] skills, and the primitive [E] to feel guilty about [E] tendencies and attempt to achieve [I] skills. The means through which each individual modifies or adapts his Primitive Level based upon his life experiences are what determines his Basic Level.