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.
The control of man by heredity and environment is not the end of all
effort; on the contrary, it is the beginning of all effort.
We do not say that the control of the earth by gravity and centrifugal
force is the end of its motion: we know that it is the _cause_ of its
motion.
But, we shall be told, "the earth cannot resist. It is compelled to act
Man is free."
Man is not free. Man is compelled to act. Directly a child is born it
begins to act From that instant until the end of its life, it continues
to act It _must_ act It cannot cease from action. The force of heredity
compels it to act.
And the nature of its actions is decided: