Evolution begins with a choice. Choice resumes from the beginning the idea of a voluntary act. In the context we are talking here, there is no mechanical evolution. That being one of the biggest misconceptions. There is no guaranteed glorious finale. Inertia will not help here. Though it does in terms of personal development, personal achievements. But not here.

Defining a goal as we are commonly familiarized with ‘goals’ leads us until a turning point. Reaching that moment/place requires complete reevaluation. Few of the habits gained so far will prove to be of any help here. “After this we must understand that in the way of development, man must become a different being, and we must learn and understand in what sense and in which direction man must become a different being; that is, what a different being means.” (1) This is how Ouspensky defines this turning point. Stating that man has to become a different being gives a sharp outline of the extraordinary transformation to be realized.

Remember, we are talking about a possible evolution. That suggests that it is not necessary and by no means obligatory to approach it. But also, that this is as far as natural growth goes. Nature stops here, leaves you all by yourself. You’ve got so far all you need to live your life. From here, if you want, you can enter in the realm of consciousness and of will.

The possible evolution also suggests that we have the capacity for development. As long as the possibility is there, the ability is there too. Not being part of the natural processes any more, this leads to assuming the decision, to choice and effort. Although the concept of effort has to be completely reevaluated at this point, effort is the only reliable ally. Nothing comes effortlessly, naturally any more.

1. in P. D. Ouspensky, The Psychology of Man’s Possible Evolution, p. 8.

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