FATALISM OR FREEDOM 



atrophy and revert to bestial levels if neg- 

 lected. 



The conclusion Is that the ability to use 

 language, numbers and other symbols In 

 thinking and the rational prevision of fu- 

 ture contingencies gives greater capacity 

 for control of nature and of our adjust- 

 ment to It and for control of the social 

 progress of the community In which we 

 live. These same powers lead to the de- 

 velopment of personal Ideals which become 

 dominant motives of conduct and which 

 may eventuate In a large measure of self- 

 control, all In lawful patterns of cause and 

 effect sequences. These thoughtful judg- 

 ments and consciously fabricated Ideals and 

 their related emotions and sentiments are 

 real causal factors In shaping all future 

 conduct because they are biological com- 

 ponents of the vital process; and In so far 

 as they do influence behavior the range of 

 natural freedom, that Is, freedom to un- 

 fold the original nature of the organiza- 

 tion In lawful patterns, has been by so 

 much enlarged. 



This freedom, I repeat. Is real. The 

 normal man In normal environment Is free 

 to work out his own Inner nature and to 

 enlarge and refine It. He Is free to de- 



[64] 



