
Marguerite DUPORTAL
AVANT-PROPOS
I L’exercice ou le temps peuvent-ils créer ou développer la volonté?
II Un traitement physique de la personne humaine peut-il créer ou développer la volonté?
III Pouvoir. Savoir. Vouloir
IV Les directions diverses du vouloir
V L’attrait commandant au vouloir
VI Le devoir libérant le vouloir de la servitude de l’attrait
VII La notion divine du devoir
VIII La volonté appliquée à la connaissance
A bold and thought‑provoking essay opens by addressing anyone who feels their will is weak or missing. The author declares that every person carries the same amount of willpower, likening it to the “Napoleon” hidden within each of us, and sets out to dismantle the widespread belief that some are naturally lacking in this essential quality.
The first part examines the common argument that will can be cultivated through practice or time, only to reveal the logical flaws in that line of thinking. By contrasting the idea of “weak‑willed” individuals with the notion of moral infirmity, the writer challenges readers to reconsider how responsibility and judgment are assigned. The tone remains analytical yet accessible, inviting listeners to reflect on their own assumptions about determination and the role it plays in shaping character.
Language
fr
Duration
~2 hours (170K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
Paris: Lethielleux, 1926.
Credits
Laurent Vogel (This file was produced from images generously made available by the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF/Gallica))
Release date
2024-02-26
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1869–1946
A French writer of poetry, reflection, and spiritual counsel, she explored suffering, silence, reason, and the will with unusual calm and clarity. Her work moves between philosophy and faith, inviting readers to meet hardship with thoughtfulness and courage.
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