EVOLUTION THE MASTER-KEY 



choice. To some of us it may appear that the use 

 of the term free-will to indicate this consciousness 

 of choice is an abuse of language ; but this opinion 

 does not relieve us from the necessity of examining 

 and attempting to analyze this fact of choice anti- 

 dogmatic dogmas, like all others, being always at 

 the mercy of facts. 



When we deny the freedom of the will, be it 

 observed, we do not deny the existence of will 

 itself. Without choice there could surely be no 

 volition. To assert that we can choose, then, is 

 no more than to assert that we can will, which de- 

 terminism is not so insane as to dispute. Liberta- 

 rianism, however, takes this indisputable fact as 

 the fundamental proof of its position; and there 

 certainly is no argument for freedom like that 

 which is given in the immediate testimony of 

 consciousness. At this moment I know, as a fact 

 which laughs at all theories, that I can finish this 

 chapter to-night or leave it till to-morrow morning 

 which would be quite soon enough and spend 

 the next hour with Wordsworth, which I please. 

 I am free to do either, surely. This is immediately 

 given in consciousness. What is not immediately 

 given, however, but can be readily discerned by 

 reflection, is that my decision, when made, will 

 have been determined by circumstances within or 

 without me. I may be interrupted to-morrow. 

 On the other hand, interruption is improbable, and 

 at worst there remains the afternoon. If I say that 

 I continue "just because I want to," thereby 

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