The ancient Hindus as well as the ancient Spartans insisted on the need of leading a life of restraint, even of self-denial. They knew that without strict control, man's energies often go in waste, in useless efforts.
Discipline is necessary, in the first place, for one's moral life. Self-indulgence is a natural temptation for all men. Our senses seek easy satisfaction. But if we give way to this craving, we will, in course of time, think of nothing but this. It is easier path, to lead life of pleasures like a bed of roses; but ultimately this leads to misery.
Therefore, we must keep our passion under fullest check. We can do this in two ways,—first, we must accept a noble ideal. Man is greater than all animals because man is ready to sacrifice the pleasures of life for a noble cause. Secondly, we must accept the guidance of our respected leaders. To submit to the orders of this leader is no shame. At school we must submit to the order of the teacher; on the playground, of the captain, at home of our superiors. We should remember, — "He alone can command who knows how to obey".
Discipline is equally necessary in our intellectual life. This intellect must function under the strict control, if it is to do any real work. For example, if a man is unable to fix his attention on any one topic till it is mastered, he will not learn anything. But the man who accepts discipline in the intellectual pursuits, he is sure to achieve "some work of noble note."
Discipline is necessary in our spiritual life. The spiritual activity must be guided according to a system. This is religion. Discipline is of supreme importance in the military life—in the battlefield. The order of