Edward Aubanel died in 1886. Frédéric Mistral would go on to win the Nobel Prize. Aubanel remains less known—a regional poet, a printer’s son.
But for those who discover him, he offers something more valuable than fame: a mirror of real will.
His willpower was not the explosive kind that moves armies. It was the slow, patient force that allows a man to watch his love become a nun, watch his youth fade, watch his body age at the press—and still carve beauty into every page.
He took the rose of his romantic soul and forged it into iron.
In 1875, Aubanel emerged from the fog with a book that should not exist: *“Li Fiò d’Avignoun” * (The Daughters of Avignon) and, most powerfully, *“Lou Rèi dóu Miejour” * (The King of the South).
But his masterpiece of willpower is the posthumously published collection *“La Zani” *—a cycle of poems about his lost love. Read one poem, and you see grief. Read the sequence, and you see willpower in motion.
Consider these lines (translated from Provençal):
“I have closed the pomegranate of my heart,
No hand shall open it again.
The seed is dead beneath the winter snow,
But the tree still stands.”
This is the essence of Aubanel’s will. He does not pretend to have healed. He does not claim victory. His will is stoic, not triumphant. It is the will to continue standing even when the fruit is gone.
Unlike his contemporary Baudelaire, who romanticized the abyss, Aubanel worked the abyss. He returned to his printing press. He rejoined Mistral. He wrote, line by agonizing line, not because inspiration struck, but because he willed himself to the desk every morning.
Will power, in Aubanel’s view, is not about being a superhuman ascetic. It is about becoming someone for whom the right action is the natural action. The disciplined person is not fighting themselves every moment—they settled the fight long ago.
So this week, don’t ask, “How can I have more will power?”
Ask instead, “What one decision, if made once and for all, would make a hundred future decisions effortless?”
That is the quiet engine of success. That is will power, the Edward Aubanel way.
What’s one area of your life where you’re relying on resistive will instead of directive will? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
This guide focuses on the concepts found in Will-power: How to Control and Stimulate It, Train it to Effort and Use it to Succeed in Life . Often attributed to Edward Aubanel
(of the renowned Aubanel publishing family in Avignon), the primary author is Raymond de Saint-Laurent
. The work is a foundational text in early 20th-century "mind-training," specifically associated with Rosicrucian (AMORC) thought and personal development. Core Philosophy of Will-Power
The text views willpower not just as an abstract trait, but as a "primordial fact of our nature" that can be stimulated, trained, and directed.
Mind-Training Foundation: Success is built on self-control, which is considered an indispensable factor for any achievement.
The "Life Aim": Success requires a clear, specific objective. Without a defined aim, mental energy stagnates.
Rational Self-Mastery: Progress comes through "rationalizing and redirecting" impulses rather than simply repressing them. Key Practical Lessons
Aubanel and Saint-Laurent provided specific, actionable steps to develop this internal force:
Define Your Aim: Identify what you want to be and assess if it is reasonable. Break this aim into stages with strict deadlines. will power edward aubanel
Rhythmic Breathing for Control: A core exercise involves walking at a regular pace while breathing in and out for a set number of paces (e.g., 4 paces in, 4 paces out) for roughly 20 minutes. This is designed to induce a state of calm that aids self-control.
Constructive Suggestion: Constant use of positive, constructive mental suggestions is required to replace negative patterns and fear-based thinking.
Habit of Effort: Willpower is treated like a muscle that must be "trained to effort" through regular progress checks and focused mental sessions. Historical & Esoteric Context
Publisher Influence: The Aubanel Publishing House (Édouard Théodore-Aubanel) in Avignon specialized in publishing esoteric, religious, and psychological works that formed the "Mind-Training Series".
Esoteric Connection: These lessons are frequently cited in Rosicrucian (AMORC) archives and manuscripts as part of a broader curriculum on mental alchemy and success.
The primary work associated with Edward Aubanel on this topic is a book titled
Will-Power: How to Control and Stimulate It, Train It to Effort and Use It to Succeed in Life
While searching for "articles," you are likely looking for this specific text or its summary, as it is the core publication on the subject from this publisher. Key Publication Details Full Title
Will-Power: How to Control and Stimulate It, Train It to Effort and Use It to Succeed in Life Authorship
: The book is part of the "Mind-Training Series" published by E. Aubanel (Édouard Aubanel) in 1950, often attributed to Raymond de Saint-Laurent as the primary author.
: The text provides practical lessons on self-discipline, mental training, and the development of imagination and reasoning. Google Books Related Resources
If you are researching Aubanel for academic or historical reasons, he is also associated with: Monetary Research
: An "Aubanel" (likely a different individual, G. Aubanel) co-authored a seminal 1957 article with Hicks and Dorrance titled
"The Distinction Between Internal and External Sources of Monetary Expansion" IMF Staff Papers Linguistics : More recently, researchers like Vincent Aubanel
have published articles on phonological variation and speech recognition. ResearchGate
You can view the bibliographic details for the will-power book on Google Books or access related mind-training documents on summary of the lessons within the book, or a different Edward Aubanel entirely?
The deepest layer. Sustaining will is the capacity to continue when motivation has died, when no one is watching, and when results are not yet visible. This is where Aubanel’s philosophy shines: he believed sustaining will is not forced, but cultivated through ritual and environment. By removing small decisions (what to wear, when to eat, where to work), you preserve will power for what truly matters.
“The master does not rise each morning wondering if he will train. The question was settled years ago.”
Why is Aubanel finding an audience now? The answer lies in the dopamine economy. We live in a world designed to erode our prefrontal cortex—the center of executive function. Social media, infinite scrolling, and on-demand entertainment are engines of passivity.
Aubanel’s work serves as a counter-manifesto to this cultural drift. He identifies that the modern struggle isn't against physical barriers, but against psychological friction.
In a pivotal chapter titled "The Resistance of the Void," Aubanel describes the moment of hesitation before a difficult task as a physical space. He encourages readers to
Title: A Haunting Exploration of Identity and Heritage: A Review of Will Power's "Edward Aubanel" Edward Aubanel died in 1886
Introduction
Will Power's play "Edward Aubanel" is a thought-provoking and visually stunning exploration of identity, heritage, and the search for self. The play, which premiered in 2015, tells the story of Edward Aubanel, a Creole man who sets out to discover his roots and connect with his ancestors. Through a blend of poetry, music, and drama, Power masterfully weaves together a narrative that is both personal and universal, inviting audiences to reflect on their own experiences and connections to their heritage.
The Story
The play follows Edward Aubanel, a Creole man who feels disconnected from his roots. He embarks on a journey to discover his ancestors and understand his place in the world. Through a series of vignettes, Edward encounters various characters, including his ancestors, who guide him on his quest for self-discovery. Along the way, he grapples with themes of identity, culture, and belonging, ultimately arriving at a deeper understanding of himself and his place in the world.
Themes and Symbolism
One of the most striking aspects of "Edward Aubanel" is its exploration of identity and heritage. Power skillfully uses the character of Edward to examine the complexities of Creole culture and the ways in which historical trauma and cultural erasure can impact individual and collective identity. The play is rich in symbolism, with recurring motifs of trees, roots, and water serving as powerful metaphors for growth, connection, and transformation.
Poetics and Language
Power's use of language is a highlight of the play. His poetry is both lyrical and accessible, conveying complex emotions and ideas with clarity and precision. The play's dialogue is infused with a sense of musicality, with characters' speeches often taking on a rhythmic, song-like quality. This use of language adds to the play's emotional impact, making it feel both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Performance and Staging
The play's performance and staging are also noteworthy. The cast brings a high level of energy and passion to their roles, bringing the characters to life with nuance and depth. The set design is minimal yet effective, using simple props and lighting to evoke a sense of place and atmosphere. The use of music and sound is also noteworthy, adding to the play's emotional impact and helping to convey the characters' emotions and experiences.
Impact and Relevance
"Edward Aubanel" is a play that feels both timely and timeless. Its exploration of identity, heritage, and self-discovery is universally relatable, making it a work that transcends specific cultural or historical contexts. The play's themes of cultural erasure, historical trauma, and the search for connection and belonging are particularly relevant in today's world, making it a work that feels both urgent and necessary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Will Power's "Edward Aubanel" is a masterpiece of contemporary theatre. Its exploration of identity, heritage, and self-discovery is both deeply personal and universally relatable, making it a work that will resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. The play's use of language, performance, and staging are all noteworthy, combining to create a work that is both visually stunning and emotionally powerful. If you're looking for a play that will challenge your assumptions, move you to tears, and inspire you to reflect on your own experiences and connections to your heritage, then "Edward Aubanel" is a must-see.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Recommendation: This play is highly recommended for anyone interested in contemporary theatre, poetry, and performance. It's a great choice for audiences looking for a work that will challenge their assumptions and inspire them to reflect on their own experiences and connections to their heritage.
A guide to developing will power according to the principles of Edward Aubanel
focuses on the methodical training of the mind to control and stimulate effort. His approach, often detailed in the "My 20 Lessons of Mind-Training" series, emphasizes that willpower is not a fixed trait but a muscle that can be strengthened through specific psychological exercises. 1. The Foundation: Mental Control
Willpower begins with the ability to direct your focus without distraction. Methodical Analysis
: Break down complex problems into small, manageable factors. By examining each factor logically, you prevent feelings or overwhelming emotions from distorting your judgment. Stimulating Effort
: Willpower is "stimulated" by maintaining powerful interests. If your interest in a goal is weak, your will to achieve it will be equally frail. 2. Training through Observation and Memory
Edward Aubanel’s system links willpower closely to the clarity of your mental impressions. The "First Impression" Rule “I have closed the pomegranate of my heart,
: To remember and act on a goal, you must form a strong initial impression. Multi-Sensory Engagement
: Use multiple senses to "dwell" on a mental image of your goal. This deepens the mental footprint, making it easier for the will to recall and prioritize that specific task later. Full Attention
: Distraction is the enemy of will. Practice giving absolute attention to a single object or thought for increasing intervals of time to build "mental stamina." 3. Logical Reasoning over Emotional Impulse
A core tenet of this approach is that a strong will is guided by reason, not passion. Avoid Distortion : Feelings can often "cloud" the necessity of a task. Step-by-Step Logic
: Use logic to justify why an effort is necessary. When the mind understands the
of the effort, the resistance to starting that effort decreases. 4. Practical Exercise: The "20 Lessons" Approach
To apply these principles, follow this structured routine found in Mind Training Techniques Daily Review
: Spend 10 minutes analyzing your day’s decisions logically. Focus Sessions
: Practice observing a simple object (like a pen) for 2 minutes, noting every detail, to train concentration. Interest Building
: Write down three reasons why your current goal is "vitally important" to you to stimulate the necessary emotional fuel for the will. Summary of Resources Primary Text
Will-power: How to Control and Stimulate It, Train it to Effort and Use it to Succeed in Life by Raymond de Saint-Laurent, published by E. Aubanel (1950) Mind Training
: Lessons on memory and observation by W.R. Borg, often associated with the Aubanel series of mental development exercise plan based on these 20 lessons to start your training?
"Will-power: How to Control and Stimulate It" is a 1950 mind-training book published by E. Aubanel, often associated with a "My 20 Lessons of Mind-Training" series attributed to authors like W. R. Borg. The work focuses on cultivating mental strength through self-control, defining life aims, and practical exercises such as rhythmic breathing, with themes often appearing alongside esoteric or New Thought literature. For more details, visit Google Books
Title: The Quiet Engine of Success: Unpacking Will Power with Edward Aubanel
Introduction
We’ve all heard the phrase “will power.” It’s usually invoked when someone resists a second slice of cake, wakes up for a 5 a.m. run, or finishes a project ahead of deadline. But for most people, will power remains a vague, almost mystical force—something you either have or you don’t.
Edward Aubanel, a thinker and writer who explored the intersection of human psychology, discipline, and personal mastery, offered one of the most practical and profound interpretations of will power. Unlike the pop-psychology versions that treat will power as a finite resource you “spend” throughout the day, Aubanel framed it as something far more essential: the sculpting tool of the self.
In this post, we’ll explore Edward Aubanel’s philosophy on will power, why it matters more than talent or intelligence, and how you can cultivate it without burning out.
Aubanel believed that the moment of hesitation between impulse and action is where will is born. He instructed his readers that when faced with a difficult task (getting out of a warm bed, diving into cold water, starting a hated chore), they had exactly five seconds to begin the action. If they hesitated longer, the "weaker self" would win. This predates modern "5-Second Rule" techniques by over a century.
Before diving into the concept, a quick note on the man himself. Edward Aubanel (often referenced in early 20th-century self-development and philosophical circles) was not a mainstream psychologist like William James, but rather a synthesist—someone who blended Stoic discipline, Eastern mindfulness, and Western practical ethics. His key insight was that will power is not about constant tension, but about alignment.
Aubanel famously wrote:
“The weak-willed man fights himself daily. The strong-willed man has no battle left, because he has chosen his war once, and well.”
This distinction is crucial. For Aubanel, will power wasn’t gritting your teeth against temptation every single moment. It was the prior act of deciding what matters—and then structuring your life so that will power becomes almost invisible.
Willpower—sometimes called self-control or self-discipline—is the mental ability to choose one action over another, resist short-term temptations, and pursue long-term goals. It's central to success in work, relationships, health, and creativity. Below is a concise, practical overview of what willpower is, the science behind it, common pitfalls, and evidence-based strategies to build and sustain it.