the development of ‘character’ can be a product of conscious intention

Tolkien vs. Socialism  (lewrockwell.com)
- Highlight Loc. 101-5  | Added on Monday, November 28, 2011, 02:50 AM

"A man is not only a seed – JRRT argued – developing in a defined pattern, well or ill according to its situation or its defects as an example of its species; a man is both a seed and in some degree also a gardener, for good or ill. I am impressed by the degree in which the development of ‘character’ can be a product of conscious intention, the will to modify innate tendencies in desired directions (...) In any case, I personally find most people incalculable in any particular situation of emergency" (Tolkien 1995, p.240).