HOW TO ATTAIN TRUE GREATNESS. 41

 

And that is why I find a difficulty in choos-
ing a profession. If I would permit myself
to think only of rising in the world, for the
sake of the world’s estimation, I should not
hesitate long. But I am afraid of confirm-
ing what I feel to be evil. And therefore
it is that I am resolved to compel myself
to choose from purer ends.”

“Then you are no longer a free agent.”

“Why not?”

“Because, in that kind of compulsion,
you cease to act from freedom.”

“Ts it right, James, for us to compel our-
selves to do right when we are inclined to -
do wrong? Certainly there is more free-
dom in being able to resist evil, than in
being bound by it hand and foot, so as to
be its passive slave.”

“You are a strange reasoner, Harvey.”

“If my conclusions are not rational, con-
trovert them.”

“And have to talk for ever ?”

“No doubt you would, James, to drive

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