The Inner Life

through the efforts of those who know the vital importance of this truth and what it means to the growth and development of the true nature of humanity.

TO GET back to the thought that inspired this article. Because of all men are a part of humanity, and the lower and animal forces of humanity are still so much in evidence, you can now see what it is that is pulling and holding down to the general level all who would rise above it. But in exactly the same way that certain trees by intensive cultivation, pruning, watering and care, are brought to the blossoming and fruitage stage before others of their species, in order to use their seed for the improving of the whole species; so are certain souls by the same intensive training, disciplining, supervision and care, brought to the blossoming and fruitage stage before their fellows, in order that they may become the teachers of and be examples to the masses of their brethren.

But we have not yet answered the question asked at the beginning—why, when men know the truth of what they ought to do to free themselves from undesirable conditions, they cannot or do not do it.

We have tried to show the vast forces of ignorance and of the animal nature of humanity ever operating to pull man down to the general level and hold him there; but this does not explain why he allows these forces to influence and weaken his will. For the question seems to resolve itself into a matter of the will—in fact, to the development and use of the will.

Very few people, even students of Truth, realize that it is the lack of will-power that keeps them from climbing above the level of mediocrity, poverty and insignificance. Then the great necessity before every man is the development of will-power, before he can accomplish or be anything above his fellows.

But is that desirable, or is it right for him to want to be above his fellows, to one who truly loves his brothers? A question asked and subtly suggested to minds not yet capable of reasoning things out for themselves. The true answer is found in the efforts or rather the acts of life itself in making man develop his will-power, by forcing him into conditions of lack, limitation and inharmony that compel him to struggle to free himself from them.