Suae quisque vitae pictor est; artifex hujus operis est voluntas
Note sulla traduzione
This is a Latin phrase from the book "Strength of Will" by E. Boyd Barrett. He is talking about a young Jesuit, John Berchmans, and saying he was very dedicated towards any goal he set himself. "In him the maxim was verified to the fullest: 'Suae quisque vitae pictor est; artifex hujus operis est voluntas.'"
Hi Lilian. Common usage doesn't generally capitalize the word "will" (voluntas), which makes it extremely confusing when there is other usages of "will" ("will you please consider this?" - for example). I tend to capitalize it to show it as an important human faculty, however it may then lead to confusion with the proper name Will (William). The joys of English. (Thanks to the translator, this is similar to another translation I received on another forum. I don't think I can 'accept' it yet as I think I need to be a member for 3 days.
Your suggestion is good, however in this sense the "Will" is a human psychic faculty (by "psychic" I mean 'of the mind' rather than in the more general connotation of the work). In various type of philosophy and psychology the Will is a faculty that essentially turns 'thought' or 'desire' into action. For example: Think about raising your arm. Does it raise? (probably not). Now, actually raise it. This is one example of the Will in action. Will-power is the a force of the Will. Check out www.willproject.org if you want more information.