without giving time for a survey of the field of motives, neither is action
"sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought" to such an extent that it becomes
impossible. The evidence is all considered and each motive fully weighed. But
this once done, decision follows. No dilatory and obstructive tactics are allowed.
The fleeting impulse is not enough to persuade to action, neither is action unduly
delayed after the decision is made.
5. TRAINING THE WILL
The will is to be trained as we train the other powers of the mind—through the
exercise of its normal function. The function of the will is to direct or control in
the actual affairs of life. Many well-meaning persons speak of training the will
as if we could separate it from the interests and purposes of our daily living, and
in some way put it through its paces merely for the sake of adding to its general
strength. This view is all wrong. There is, as we have seen, no such thing as
general power of will. Will is always required in specific acts and emergencies,
and it is precisely upon such matters that it must be exercised if it is to be
cultivated.
Will to Be Trained in Common Round of Duties.—What is needed in
developing the will is a deep moral interest in whatever we set out to do, and a
high purpose to do it up to the limit of our powers. Without this, any artificial
exercises, no matter how carefully they are devised or how heroically they are
carried out, cannot but fail to fit us for the real tests of life; with it, artificial
exercises are superfluous. It matters not so much what our vocation as how it is
performed. The most commonplace human experience is rich in opportunities
for the highest form of expression possible to the will—that of directing us into
right lines of action, and of holding us to our best in the accomplishment of some
dominant purpose.
There is no one set form of exercise which alone will serve to train the will. The
student pushing steadily toward his goal in spite of poverty and grinding labor;
the teacher who, though unappreciated and poorly paid, yet performs every duty
with conscientious thoroughness; the man who stands firm in the face of
temptation; the person whom heredity or circumstance has handicapped, but
who, nevertheless, courageously fights his battle; the countless men and women
everywhere whose names are not known to fame, but who stand in the hard
places, bearing the heat and the toil with brave, unflinching hearts—these are the
ones who are developing a moral fiber and strength of will which will stand in