Full Idea
We increase our control by making our actions more and more the effects of our attitudes, and less and less the effects of external forces acting on us independently of our attitudes.
Gist of Idea
To control our actions better, make them result from our attitudes, not from circumstances
Source
John Kekes (The Human Condition [2010], 02.4)
Book Reference
Kekes,John: 'The Human Condition' [OUP 2010], p.43
A Reaction
He says that the attitudes should be focused on our well-being. Attitudes may also, however, serve some exernal ideal, such as altruism or patriotism. He has built a case for 'control' being a much more important value than 'free will'.