Likewise there may be drawn another distinction and division of attention into two classes, viz., Attenion attracted by some impression coming into consciousness without any conscious effort of the Will—­this is called Involuntary Attention, for the Attention and Interest is caught by the attractiveness or novelty of the object.  Attention directed to some object by an effort of the Will, is called Voluntary Attention.  Involuntary Attention is quite common, and requires no special training.  In fact, the lower animals, and young children seem to have a greater share of it than do adult men.  A great percentage of men and women never get beyond this stage to any marked degree.  On the other hand, Voluntary Attention requires effort, will, and determination—­a certain mental training, that is beyond the majority of people, for they will not “take the trouble” to direct their attention in this way.  Voluntary Attention is the mark of the student and other thoughtful men.  They focus their minds on objects that do not yield immediate interest or pleasure, in order that they may learn and accomplish.  The careless person will not thus fasten his Attention, at least not more than a moment or so, for his Involuntary Attention is soon attracted by some passing object of no matter how trifling a nature, and the Voluntary Attention disappears and is forgotten.  Voluntary Attention is developed by practice and perseverance, and is well worth the trouble, for nothing in the mental world is accomplished without its use.

The Attention does not readily fasten itself to uninteresting objects, and, unless interest can be created it requires a considerable degree of Voluntary Attention in order that the mind may be fastened upon such an object.  And, more than this, even if the ordinary attention is attracted it will soon waver, unless there is some interesting change in the aspect of the object, that will give the attention a fresh hold of interest, or unless some new quality, characteristic or property manifests itself in the object.  This fact occurs because the mind mechanism has not been trained to bear prolonged Voluntary Attention, and, in fact, the physical brain is not accustomed to the task, although it may be so trained by patient practice.

It has been noticed by investigators that the Attention may be rested and freshened, either by withdrawing the Voluntary Attention from the object, and allowing the Attention to manifest along Involuntary lines toward passing objects, etc.; or, on the other hand, by directing the Voluntary Attention into a new field of observation—­toward some new object.  Sometimes one plan will seem to give the best results, and again the other will seem preferable.

We have called your attention to the fact that Interest develops Attention, and holds it fixed, while an uninteresting object or subject requires a much greater effort and application.  This fact is apparent to anyone.  A common illustration may be found in the matter of reading a book.  Nearly everyone will give his undivided attention to some bright, thrilling story, while but few are able to use sufficient Voluntary Attention to master the pages of some scientific work.  But, right here, we wish to call your attention to the other side of the case, which is another example of the fact that Truth is composed of paradoxes.