CHAPTER VIII

THE WAY OF THE WILL 128

Will, “the sole practical faculty”--“The will is the man”--Its function, to choose, to decide--Opinions provided for us--We take second-hand principles--One possible achievement, character--Aim in education, less conduct than character--Assaults upon the will--“Suggestion”--Voluntary and involuntary action--We must choose between suggestions--Danger of suggestion given by another with intent--Vicarious choosing--Weakens power of choice--Parasitic creatures may become criminal--Gordon Riots--His will, the safeguard of a man--Indecent to probe thoughts of the “unconscious mind”--Right thinking, _not_ self-expression--It flows upon the stimulus of an idea--Will must be fortified--Knowledge of the “city of Mansoul” necessary--Also instruction concerning the will--Dangers of drifting--A child must distinguish between will and wilfulness--A strong will and “being good”--Will must have object outside of self--Is of slow growth--Will _v._ impulse--A constant will, compasses evil or good--The “single eye”--_Bushido_--Will, subject to solicitation--Does not act alone--Takes the whole man--He must _understand_ in order to will--Will, a free agent--Choice, a heavy labour--Obedience, the sustainer of personality--Obedience of choice--Persons of constant will--Dangers of weak allowance--Two services open to all--Self and God--Will is supreme--Will wearies of opposition--Diversion--The “way of the will”--Freewill--We may not think what we please--Will supported by instructed conscience and trained reason--Education must prepare for immediate choice--Adequate education must be outward bound.