Ourselves (Book II: Self-Direction)
By Charlotte M. Mason (1904)
Book II of Charlotte Mason's moral philosophy masterpiece: focuses on the practical art of self-direction, the way of the will, the way of the reason, the soul's divine citizenship, and spiritual maturity.
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Lesson 1: The Divine Sovereign of the Soul
The true King of Mansoul: man formed not to be an isolated dictator of himself, but a loyal subject in the Kingdom of Go...
### The Divine Sovereign of the Soul
**Living Narrative Summary**: The true King of Mansoul: man formed not to be an isolated dictator of himself, but a loyal subject in the Kingdom of God; the peace of surrender.
**Charlotte Mason Discussion & Narration Focus**: What does Mason mean by saying our souls find their true liberty only when they acknowledge their rightful King?
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Table of Contents
12 ChaptersEvery chapter below is pre-indexed for oral narration and easy 1-click scheduling into your weekly Charlotte Mason lesson plan.
Lesson 1: The Divine Sovereign of the Soul
The true King of Mansoul: man formed not to be an isolated dictator of himself, but a loyal subject in the Kingdom of Go...
Lesson 2: The Way of the Will: The Power of Change
The secret of turning the will away from temptation; not fighting the thought head-on with clenched teeth, but deliberat...
Lesson 3: The Function of Habit: The Rail Tracks of Life
How habits laid down in youth become smooth railway lines for easy, noble living; ten efforts make a habit, and a habit ...
Lesson 4: The Great Law of Duty: 'I Ought'
The majestic word 'Ought'; doing right simply because it is right, without regard to pleasure, convenience, or human app...
Lesson 5: The Discipline of the Mind: Solitude and Meditation
The danger of constant bustle and distraction; cultivating the power of being quietly alone with noble thoughts, great l...
Lesson 6: The Way of the Reason: Guarding Against Fallacy
How false ideas gain entrance to Mansoul; the duty of examining our premises; why an idea must be weighed by Conscience ...
Lesson 7: The Freedom of the City: The Spirit of Service
Citizenship beyond self; the call to serve the family, the school, the town, and the nation; the noble joy of forgetting...
Lesson 8: The Soul's Secret Chambers: Reverence and Prayer
Reverence, the holy veil before the mystery of God and holy things; prayer as natural communion between a child and the ...
Lesson 9: The Struggle with Indolence: The Sins of Omission
Indolence, the creeping paralysis that does no outward crime, but leaves every noble duty undone; the uncultivated viney...
Lesson 10: The Power of Ideals: Heroic Companionship
Living in fellowship with the great souls of history; how reading Plutarch, King Arthur, and the martyrs shapes our subc...
Lesson 11: The Peace of Conscience: The Cleansed Slate
The agonizing burden of guilt; the grace of forgiveness; confession and the blood of Christ that purges the conscience f...
Lesson 12: The Whole Duty of Man: Living in the Light
The culmination of Charlotte Mason's philosophy: a life ordered, vigilant, and joyful; walk as children of the light; th...
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