THE subject of self-control is another simple matter which has been made difficult by slovenly thinkers.
When we say that the will is not free, and that men are made by heredity and environment, we are met with the astonishing objection that if such were the case there could be no such things as progress or morality.
When we ask why, we are told that if a man is the creature of heredity and environment it is no use his making any effort: what is to be, will be.
But a man makes efforts because he wants something; and whether he be a "free agent," or a "creature of heredity and environment," he will continue to want things, and so he will continue to make efforts to get them.
"But," say the believers in free will, "the fact that he tries to get things shows that his will is free."
Not at all. The fact is that heredity and environment compel him to want things, and compel him to try for them.
The earth does not move of its own free will; but it moves. The earth is controlled by two forces: one is centrifugal force, the other is the force of gravity. Those two forces compel it to move, and to move in a certain path, or orbit.
"But a man does not move in a regular path or orbit." Neither does the earth. For every planet draws it more or less out of its true course. And so it is with man: each influence in his environment affects him in some way.
In every case the force of heredity compels us to move, and the force of environment controls or changes our movements.
And as this is a subject of great importance, and one upon which there is much confusion of thought, I shall ask my readers to give me their best attention, so that we may make it thoroughly clear and plain.