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.