I take my clue once more from nature. To go counter to my inner prompting would be to exercise my will against an economical energising of my being. Wisdom in the use of energy implies in this case full co-operation. On the physical side, there is less friction, more harmonious action, less fatigue, a better state generally.

There is one situation, however, in which people seldom realise their own need, that is, when they have weighed alternatives so long that they have lost the power of initiative. To study inner states when one is in such a condition might be to become more and more enveloped in self-conscious considerations. What some of us need is a mental upheaval sufficient to upset nicely-balanced arguments and plunge us into a definite line of action. There are occasions when by a sheer act of will we must break through the line of self -consciousness and do something courageous that will bring about a vigorous reaction. Conscience not only makes cowards of us but represses energy which should be in free play. Simply to put ourselves in motion in some direction is the great need of the extremely conscientious. When the repressed energies are once more in exercise it will be time to consider what use to make of them.

If there be a time when it is justifiable to influence another it is when the "New England conscience" has brought about a deadened condition.