Final answer:
The two powers of the human soul that make self-culture possible are the intellect, which allows for reflection and reasoning, and the will, which provides the capacity to desire, choose, and act upon those choices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two powers of the human soul that make self-culture possible are the intellect and will. These powers are rooted in philosophical and spiritual discussions about the nature of the soul and the self. Aristotle's distinction of the souls of living beings points to the unique capability of the human soul to reason, while many religious and spiritual traditions, including Hinduism and Christianity, emphasize the persistence and growth of the soul towards a higher self or divine connection.
The intellect enables humans to reflect, reason, and form abstract concepts, as illustrated by the rational soul's capacity to gather information from the senses and abstract intelligible concepts about the world. This is emphasized, for example, in the writings of Ibn Sina, who proposed that through reflection, children and adults alike can observe causal relationships and develop knowledge about the world around them.
The will, on the other hand, is the soul's capacity to desire, choose, and act upon those choices. It is through the exercise of will that individuals can apply their intellect to pursue self-culture, define their moral compass, and seek personal growth. Through the will, people choose to internalize cultural values, seek out self-improvement, and act in ways that reflect their understanding and values.