Amplification : Habit is second nature

Habit is second nature

"Habit means pattern of behaviour that is regular and which has become almost automatic as a result of repetition" (Rechards et al). And nature means the qualities which make us what we are, governing our character and behaviour. The saying "Habit is second nature" is well known. It means that if we make a habit of doing something, it creates a particular pattern of our behaviour. This pattern of behaviour becomes almost automatic with us as a result of repetition of the same   thing for a quite long time. Our pattern of behaviour normally proceeds from our inward nature, which is our inborn quality. What we do since our birth is due to our nature. Our nature is inherent in us.

Our behaviour is dictated by our nature. It does not require any training; it is automatic. But if we do something, which is not consistent with our nature, we have to do it with conscious effort. But   if the doing of that thing is repeated, it becomes a habit, almost automatic. Then doing this thing becomes almost automatic. It then occurs almost as automatically as something, which proceeds from our I nature. For example, if some particular point of our where the itch occurs. It is instinctive or natural. We are born with that instinct for our self-preservation. On the other hand, we happen to fall out (quarrel) with somebody, and he suddenly aims a blow at our face in order to start a quarrel, we cannot instantly avert it with a counter blow if we have not had already practiced boxing. But if we had had  enough practice in boxing, and it had become a habit with us, we   could have averted the blow of our enemy with an instant counter blow. So, we should take care to form good habits only, so that we can be good in all our actions.