either for the worse or the better, according to the type of action
indulged in.

We do not yet fully realize what a wonderful adventure life is. We
are entrusted with tremendous powers, and by their use or mis-use
we can either destroy ourselves or build up our character in every
possible direction. What a responsibility, yet what a glorious
opportunity!

In order, however, to find a way of escape from evil habit and
weaknesses of character, we must go deeper than actual deeds, for
actions are effects of hidden causes. The cause of all action is
thought. A thought, someone has said, is an action in the process
of being born. It is true that we possess primitive desires and
impulses, but these can be transmuted into noble actions and high
achievement simply by directing the thoughts and attention to higher
and better things. For instance, the powers of sex become transmuted
into brain power if the thoughts and attention are completely
transferred from sex to intellectual pursuits. If, however, the
thoughts are allowed to dwell upon sex or passion, then the kingdom
becomes divided against itself, and man begins to drift towards the
abyss. The strain of modern life is filling our asylums, yet there
are those who can work fifteen or even eighteen hours a day and thrive
on it, although engaged in severely-trying brain work. These have
learnt to transmute their lower powers into higher. This is not done
by means of esoteric or occult practices, but by obeying the Divine
Injunction to set our affections on things above. In other words,
to keep our thoughts and attention fixed upon higher and better aims,
ambitions and pursuits.

It is impossible to overcome bad habits by fighting them, for the
more we fight them the stronger they become. The injunction to "resist
not evil" is very applicable to habit. The way of escape is not by
fighting evil or wrong habit, no matter what its character may be,
but by concentrating upon building a good habit that shall cut the
ground from under the feet of the bad one, or by turning the attention
to higher and better things.