notice, and through the very fact of choosing a good we blindly
neglect a best.



VI

Here, then, are the three steps in the formation of the purpose,--the
ideal, the desire, and the decision,--each earlier one preparing the
way for that which is to follow. But an intention is altogether
useless if it pauses here. It was formed to be sent forth, to he
entrusted to forces stretching beyond the intending mind. The laws of
nature are to take it in charge. The Germans have a good proverb: "A
stone once thrown belongs to the devil." When once it parts from our
hands, it is no longer ours. It is taken up, for evil or for good, by
agencies other than our own. If we mistake the agency to which we
intrust it, enormous mischief may ensue, and we shall he helpless.
These agencies, accordingly, need careful scrutiny before being called
on to work their will. The business of scrutinizing them and of
turning over the purpose to their keeping, forms the second half (B)
of self-direction. In contrast with (A), the formation of the purpose
or the intention, this may be called the realization of the purpose,
or volition. Volition, it is true, is often employed more
comprehensively, but we shall do the term no violence if we confine
its meaning to the discharge of our subjective purpose into the
objective world. Volition then will also, under our scheme, have three
subordinate stages.