The Art of Self-Mastery: Aligning Desire with Higher Values
Control over desires and will, according to the materials, is possible but is not achieved by simply manifesting arbitrary striving or wilfulness. Instead, true control occurs through conscious self-restraint and self-discipline, when natural impulses are directed and transformed into higher values.Thus, as stated in one source, "desires should be harmonized with what is necessary," and "we are children of the will, not of passion," which implies the need for a disciplined attitude toward one's feelings ( link txt, page: 59). This means that if a person wants to control their desires, they should not merely pursue them arbitrarily, but rather test and direct them through an inner strength capable of overcoming primary impulses.Another important aspect of self-regulation is presented in the following reasoning: "...all his natural, involuntary longings... are subject to the scrutiny and control of this higher authority. ... self-determination is possible only in the form of self-transcendence, self-discipline. Asceticism in the broadest sense of the word, understood precisely as self-discipline, is therefore a normal, necessary element of human life as a spiritual being. Self-restraint is the condition for true personal freedom" ( link txt). Here it is emphasized that to control oneself, it is not enough to simply manifest one's will, but rather to be able to restrain and direct one's natural tendencies appropriately.Thus, control over desires and will is not achieved through uncontrolled and overconfident striving (wilfulness), which can lead to the loss of true freedom and result in a state of "slavery" to one's passions. Instead, the development of inner strength presupposes conscious self-transcendence, in which a person's will is subordinated to higher principles and objective values.Supporting citation(s):"Continuing our discussion about marriage, food, and similar things, let us formulate the general principle: under no circumstances should one yield to the call of passion in our actions, but rather desires should be harmonized with what is necessary. We are children of the will, not of passion..." (source: link txt, page: 59)."Since these involuntary, uncontrolled longings that arise in us... all his natural, involuntary longings... are subject to the scrutiny and control of this higher authority. ... self-determination is possible only in the form of self-transcendence, self-discipline... Self-restraint is the condition for true personal freedom" (source: link txt).