AT a time in the world's history when the minds of men were in great agitation, a statesman projected into the arena of thought the word "self-determination." Many thinkers have wished with great earnestness that the word "self-government" could have been used instead. The reason for this desire becomes clear when we think of the definition given by Mrs. Eddy in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 106): "Man is properly self -governed only when he is guided rightly and governed by his Maker, divine Truth and Love."
Self-determination implies self-will. Self-government implies self-control. Self-will is aggressive in demanding rights, and provocatively complaining with regard to remembered wrongs. Self-control takes cognizance of duties, and regulates conduct with a view to a consideration of the rights of others. Too great emphasis, then, placed upon self-determination, either by nations or by persons, promises neither world peace nor the establishment of good will among men.
Once again we have the clear analysis of Mrs. Eddy's thinking given in our textbook (p. 206): "The power of the human will should be exercised only in subordination to Truth; else it will misguide the judgment and free the lower propensities. It is the province of spiritual sense to govern man."
