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Chapter XV.
How to Develop Perception.
As we have seen, the phase of perception is a necessary
precedent to all manifestations of volition. We must
be aware of things before we can desire them or will
to possess or accomplish them. And perception is essential to
awareness. All authorities upon the subject of the development
of the Will insist that the first step to be accomplished is that of
the attainment of keen perception. The vital point in the use of
the Will is the doing of things the action toward something.
And perception alone can supply the objects toward which we
may move, act and do.
In developing perception one not only sharpens and
renders effective the several senses employed, but he also
trains his attention. Attention is purely an act of the Will, and
by exercising and training the attention one does much in
the direction of developing the use of the Will. The following
exercises will give you practice in perception. You may modify,
enlarge and improve these exercises to an endless extent. Do
not go through the exercises in a mechanical, monotonous
manner but put interest into the task.
Exercise I. Place before you some object lying near to your
hand, no matter how familiar it may be to you. Then examine
The Will