Bergson, Spirit, Dualism

The etymological root of 'spirit' is 'breath', and it seems likely that Spiritualism is inspired by the metaphor of the invisibility of the source of vitalization. But, breathing entails both inhalation and exhalation, both of which are processes that are vital to life. Thus, holding one's breath is only delayed exhalation. Likewise, the relaxation caused by a 'detente' of Spirit that, according to Bergson, generates extensive Matter, is an interruption of the mobility of Spirit, but a withholding of its active distending expansiveness. Bergson's incorrect diagnosis of the moment of 'detente' leads him to interpret Spirit as a monistic principle, and not, like breathing, entailing two inverse processes. On the latter interpretation, the production of Matter contributes to, not hinders the Evolution generated by elan vital.