edly knows all _that_.

Yet it was not until within a very few years that I discovered that
this idea, which seemed so commonplace, had within it mysteries and
meanings which were stupendously original or remarkable. I found that
there was a certain intensity or power of attention, far surpassing
ordinary observation, which we may, if we will, summon up and _force_
on ourselves, just as we can by special effort see or hear far better
at times than usually. The Romans show by such a phrase as _animum
adjicere_, and numerous proverbs and synonyms, that they had learned
to bend their attention energetically. They were good listeners,
therefore keen observers.

Learning to control or strengthen the Will is closely allied to
developing Attention and Interest, and for reasons which will soon be
apparent, I will first consider the latter, since they constitute a
preparation or basis for the former. And as preliminary, I will
consider the popular or common error to the effect that everyone has
alloted to him or to her just so much of the faculty of attention or
interest as it has pleased Nature to give--the same being true as
regards Memory, Will, the Constructive or Artistic abilities, and so
on--when in very truth and on the warrant of Experience all may be
increased _ad infinitum_. Therefore, we find ignorant men complacently
explaining their indifference to art and literature or culture on the
ground that they take no interest in such subjects, as if interest
were a special heaven-sent gift. Who has not heard the remark, "He or
she takes such an _interest_ in so many things--I wish that I could."
Or, as I heard it very recently expressed, "It must be delightful to
be able to interest one's self in something at any time." Which was
much the same as the expression of the Pennsylvania German girl, "_Ach
Gott_! I wisht I hat genius und could make a pudden!"

No one can be expected to take an interest at once and by mere will in
any subject, but where an earnest and serious Attention has been
directed to it, Interest soon follows. Hence it comes that those who
deliberately train themselves in Society after the precept enforced by
all great writers of social maxims to listen politely and patiently,
are invariably rewarded by acquiring at last shrewd intelligence, as
is well known to diplomatists. That mere stolid patience subdues
impatience sounds like a dull common-place saying, but it is a silver
pencil disguised as an iron