The Training of the Will

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This quiz is based on the article The Training of the Will by By Roberto Assagioli, originally published in Psychosynthesis Research Foundation, Issue No. 17, 1966.

You can take this quiz multiple times. The intention of the quiz is to help strengthen your memory for some of the key concepts in the article. See also Studying Effectively.

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What is the main cause of individual and collective evils, hindering progress of our civilization? *

1 point

The rapid pace of modern life

The focus on the inner powers of man

The complexity of modern life

The wide gulf between external and inner powers of modern man

What are the methods suggested to remedy the lack of balance between outer and inner powers of man?
*

1 point

Simplification of external life and the development of inner powers

By accepting the increasing and more insistent demands upon our nervous energy

Relaxation and rest

Resisting the general current and suppressing emotions

How does Assagioli view the use of modern man's powers over nature?
*

1 point

It is the root of all evil

It should be given up for the sanity, happiness and dignity of modern man

It is not desirable for modern man to give them up

It is the cause of the individual and collective evils

What is the real innermost center of man?
*

1 point

Intelligence

Will

Emotions

Nervous energy

How does a man with a weak will fare in the world?
*

1 point

Succeeds and gains better than worldly success

Overcomes obstacles

Expresses his true self

Is a slave of the will of others and external circumstances

What is the first indispensable condition for acquiring a strong will?
*

1 point

The desire to master a foreign language or play a musical instrument

The earnest resolve to devote time, energy and means necessary for its attainment

The possession of a firm and decided will

The ability to re-make oneself

How does the cultivation of the will compare to the cultivation of other abilities?
*

1 point

It requires more perseverance and effort

It is harder because the individual lacks volitional energy

It is easier because the individual gradually evolves an ever increasing fund of volitional energy, which can be used for its further development

It is the same as cultivating other abilities

What is the main purpose of preparation?
*

1 point

To create the initial urge and impetus to develop the will

To arouse a desire to develop the will

To lead to a firm decision to do all that is necessary to attain the goal

All of the above

What is Assagioli's opinion on those who do not set themselves to the task of developing a strong will?
*

1 point

They are lazy and lack faith

They are traitors to themselves and are responsible to themselves and to others for the consequences

They can invest energy in increasing the production in their chosen industry

They are not capable of developing a strong will

What is one key method for strengthening the will?
*

1 point

Performing deliberate acts that have no other purpose than the training of the will

Following a series of contractions to strengthen specific muscles

Using exercises similar to those used to strengthen a weak limb

Following a strict diet plan

What did William James advocate for in regards to strengthening the will?
*

1 point

Keeping alive in oneself the faculty of making efforts by means of little useless exercises every day

Following a series of contractions to strengthen specific muscles

Using exercises similar to those used to strengthen a weak limb

Following a strict diet plan

What is the method of will training suggested by E. Boyd Barrett?
*

1 point

Carrying out a number of simple and easy little tasks with precision, regularity and persistence

Following a series of contractions to strengthen specific muscles

Using exercises similar to those used to strengthen a weak limb

Following a strict diet plan

Which of the following is an exercise of the will that can be done in daily life?
*

1 point

Getting dressed in the morning with precision and attention

Eating lunch quickly while thinking about work

Taking long breaks when feeling tired

Playing video games for hours on end

What is the benefit of "making haste slowly"?
*

1 point

Increased efficiency and productivity without tension and exhaustion

Increased speed and accuracy in completing tasks

The ability to multitask easily

The ability to procrastinate effectively

What is a good way to overcome for mental fatigue?
*

1 point

Physical exercises

Listening to music

Taking a long nap

Watching a movie

Which of the following is not an example of a physical exercise that is well-suited for the training of the will?
*

1 point

Golf

Tennis

Skating

Eating a sandwich quickly

Which of the following are characteristic of a strong will?
*

1 point

Energy

Persistence

Concentration

All of the above

What is needed more than energy for certain tasks of great length?
*

1 point

Persistence

Tenacity

Physical strength

Intelligence

What is the problem with dividing attention among many books or projects?
*

1 point

It is difficult to maintain energy

It makes it hard to remain at a desk for long hours

It can lead to the production of nothing of vital importance

It causes a lack of intelligence

What is the true function of the will?
*

1 point

To put itself in direct opposition to other psychological forces and mental activities

To be intelligent and skilful

To direct, stimulate, and regulate the activities of various aspects of our being

To achieve success in life by any means necessary

What can happen if the will puts itself into direct opposition to other psychological forces and mental activities?
*

1 point

It will lead to success in life

It will often be overpowered

It will result in an enormous dissipation of energy

It will cause psychological disturbances

What are the main cause of conflicts and reactions in modern life? *

1 point

The failure to take relationships into consideration

The general clash of wills in competitions

The uneconomic, wasteful and exhausting ways of life adopted by our civilization

All of the above

What is the ultimate goal of replacing competition by cooperation, conflict by arbitration and agreements?
*

1 point

To dominate groups, classes, and nations

To reduce wastage of physical and psychological energies

To achieve a superior human solidarity

To impose our will on nature and destiny

What is the difference between "will-to-good" and "goodwill"?
*

1 point

The will-to-good has the emphasis is on the will, while in goodwill, the emphasis is on goodness

The will-to-good is about imposing oneself on nature and destiny, while goodwill is about accepting and adhering to universal values

The will-to-good is about competition, while goodwill is about cooperation

The will-to-good is about being in tune with life, while goodwill is about being in harmony with others

What are the fundamental obstacles to goodwill and the will-to-good? *

1 point

Self-centeredness and selfishness

Lack of understanding and empathy

Fanaticism and violence

All of the above

What is the main benefit of reflective meditation on the grandeur of the universe?
*

1 point

A sense of expansion and new dignity

A clearer insight into personal and practical problems

A feeling of being small and humiliated

A sense of importance and personal merit

How does the individual will change when it freely submits to the universal will?
*

1 point

It is diminished or annihilated

It rises with new power and is transfigured

It becomes good, strong and wise

It loses its strength

Optional: Write a few sentences about what you learnt from the article and how you can apply those things in your life.

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