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Suggestion & Auto-Suggestion by William Walker Atkinson Order in Adobe PDF eBook or printed form for $7.95 (+ printing charge) or click here to order in printed form from Amazon.com for $18.96 Book Description
In his book "Suggestion and Auto-Suggestion" once again, Atkinson draws from his very deep well of knowledge on the power of thought and how it can be used to make our lives happier and more satisfying. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to change their patterns of thinking to attain a more dynamic life. CONTENTS PART 1. SUGGESTION. 1.
What is Suggestion?
2.
Suggestion of Authority 3.
Suggestion of Habit and Repetition 4.
Suggestion of Imitation 5.
Instances of Suggestion 6.
Suggestion in Business 7.
Suggestion and Character
8.
Suggestion in Childhood
9.
Suggestion and Health 10.
Masked Suggestion
11.
Suggestive Therapeutics
12.
Mental Cause and Cure 13.
Therapeutic Suggestion 14.
Suggestive Treatments 15.
“The New Method”
PART 3. AUTO-SUGGESTION. 16.
Auto-Suggestion 17.
Self-Impression 18.
Auto-Suggestive Methods
19.
Character Building
20.
Health, Happiness and
Prosperity Chapter
1. WHAT
IS SUGGESTION? While the majority of thinking
people know what is meant by the
word “suggestion,” in its modern psychological sense, yet very few of
them are
able to give even a fairly good definition of the term. And this
difficulty is
not confined to the general public, for even the writers on the subject
of
Suggestion seem to experience the same trouble in defining the term,
and many
of them have seemingly given up the task in despair; for they have
plunged
right into the middle of the subject, leaving the reader to learn what
Suggestion is by what it does. But, notwithstanding
this
difficulty, we
think it well to begin our consideration of the subject by at
least an attempt
to define the term, and to give a preliminary explanation of its
scientific
meaning. The word “suggestion” is
derived from the Latin word “suggestus,” which has for its
base the word “suggero,” meaning:
“To carry under.”
Its original use was in the sense of a “placing under” or deft
insinuation of a
thought, idea, or impression, under the observant and watchful care of
the
attention, and into the “inner consciousness” of the individual.
The word, as
generally used, indicates the use of a hint or other indirect form of
calling a
matter to the attention of another. But beyond this use, there has
arisen a
secondary, and more subtle employment of the word, i. e. in the
sense of a
sly, guarded insinuation of an idea, in such a way that the
hearer would
fail to understand that he was receiving a hint, but would be apt to
think that
the idea arose in his own mind, from the workings of his own mentality.
The
word “insinuation” gives one the nearest idea of this form of
suggestion. The
word “insinuate” means: “To introduce anything gently, or by slow
degrees; to instill
artfully; to hint guardedly or indirectly; to intimate;”—the main idea
of the
term being “to creep in.” And, indeed many suggestions (in the
scientific sense
of the term) are so insinuated into the mind. But among psychologists, the
word began to take on a new meaning,
i. e. that of the introduction of anything into the mind of the other,
in an
indirect and non-argument manner. One of the dictionaries defines this
sense of
the term as follows: “To introduce indirectly into the mind or
thoughts.” And,
later, psychologists began to use the term in a still broader sense, i.
e. that
of the impression upon the mind by the agency of other
objects, such
as gesture, signs, words, speech, physical sensations, environment,
etc. And
this use was extended later, to meet the requirements of the
adherents of
telepathy, who employed it in the sense of the “insinuation of ideas by
telepathic
means,” the term “mental suggestion” generally being used to
distinguish this
particular form of suggestion. The comparatively recent
interest in, and discoveries regarding
the great subconscious area of mind, caused a new interest to attach to
the use
of suggestion, for the majority of the writers held that this
subconscious region
of the mind was particularly amenable to suggestion, and that to
this part of
the mind all suggestions were really directed and aimed. The
“insinuation” was
held to be the artful introduction of the thought into this region of mentality.
Many theories
were advanced to account for the phenomena of the subconscious in
its phase of
the suggestible-mind, and the discussion still rages. But, no matter
what
theory may triumph in the end, the fact of the existence of the
subconscious
region of mind has been firmly established. While the theorists are
disputing
about names and generalities, a great army of investigators are
uncovering new
principles of application, and new facts of phenomena regarding this
wonderful
part of the mind. While the theorists are disputing about the ‘‘Why,’’
the
investigators are finding out much about the “How.” The subject
has now
reached the stage where it may be divested from mysticism or
“super-naturalness,”
and studied from a purely scientific position. Sub-consciousness
without Suggestion
would be like “Hamlet” without the Prince. The two subjects are
bound closely
together, and it is difficult to consider one except in connection with
the
other. In order to understand the
modern psychological use of the word “suggestion”—which
is the use that we shall make of the term in this book,—you must make
the broad
distinction between the ideas accepted by the mind following the
employment of
logic, reasoning, demonstration,
proof, etc.,
on the one hand; and impressions
made
upon, or ideas induced in
the mind by
other methods. The words “Impression”
and “Induce”
will give you the best idea of the
effect of
suggestion. When an idea is placed
in the mind
of a person by Suggestion, it is
always placed
there by one of the following three general methods: 1. Suggestion by means of impressing
the fact upon the mind
by firm authoritative statements, repetition, etc., in which the
suggestion
acts as a die upon the molten wax; or 2. Suggestion by means of inducing
the idea in the mind, by
indirect insinuation, hint, casual mention, etc., by which the mind is
caught
off its guard, and the instinctive resistance of the will is
escaped; or 3. Suggestion, generally along
the lines of association, in which
outward appearances, objects, environment, etc., act to both
impress and
induce the idea into the mind. Of course there are eases in
which several of these three methods
are associated or combined, but a careful analysis will show that one or more of
the three
are always in evidence in any and all cases of Suggestion. To some, the above statements
may seem strange, for to many the arguments
of a person are held to be the strongest forms of suggestion,
impression and
induction. But a little analysis will show that there is far more to
Suggestion
than argument. In the first place mere argument for argument’s sake is
not a
strong suggestion. Men may argue for hours, without any special object
in view,
and after a great flood of words, all the parties thereto will go on
their way,
unconvinced, unimpressed, and with no new convictions or ideas
“induced” in
them, unless under the latter classification may be included the
frequent “impression”
or conviction that the other party to the argument is either densely
ignorant,
a fool, bigoted, or else an unmitigated bore. The twelfth juror,
who complained
of the “eleven stubborn” fellow-jurymen, was not especially
amenable to the
suggestion by argument; although the same man undoubtedly could
have been
swayed by the employment of a more subtle form of influence. It is true
that
often argument is
necessary to brush away certain objections to certain ideas, but
after that is
done the real work of Suggestion is performed by the person
wishing to make an
impression. As a rule Suggestion is not operated by opposing will to
will;
argument to argument; or logic to logic. On the contrary, it
generally
operates by insinuating itself under, over, or around the
argument, will, or
logic; or else by an authoritative statement, repeated as often as
possible,
without proof, and avoiding argument. And even where proof or argument
is
employed, it will be found that the Suggestion is in the form of the
main
statement, and that the argument and proof are merely the
“stage-business” of
the performance. In the form of Suggestion, in
which Impression is the method employed,
the action is generally direct and open. The ‘‘strong men’’ frequently
employ
this method effectively, carrying it through by sheer force of
personality and
real or fancied authority. Where Induction is the form employed, the
method
resembles that of the diplomat, and tact, finesse, and subtle
insinuation are the forms of the operation. In this form of Suggestion, which is far
more common
than is generally imagined, diplomats, women, and others having
fine
perceptions and instinctive delicacy of mental touch, excel. The lift
of an eyebrow;
the shrug of a shoulder; the carefully shaded accent—all these are
phases of
this form of Suggestion. And many little tricks of manner, gesture,
etc., are
likewise. So common is the use of Suggestion in these times, that an
acquaintance with the subject is almost absolutely necessary to every
one. Another form of Suggestion that
has sprung into prominence in late
years, is that of Therapeutic Suggestion, by which term is meant the
employment
of Direct Suggestion for the purpose of causing the mind to exert its
inherent
power to regulate the functions of the body, by means of the
involuntary nervous
system, etc. Therapeutic Suggestion has reached an important place in
the method
of combating disease and ill-health, and is now taught in all the
principal
medical colleges, although until recently regarded by them with
disfavor. It
also covers and explains many of the various forms of “healing” by
various
mental and so-called “spiritual” methods, which, under various guises
and
names, have grown
so rapidly in popular favor during the past decade. A portion of this
book
shall be devoted to this branch of the subject. Another important branch of the
general subject of Suggestion is
found in what is known as “Auto-Suggestion,” which is Self-Suggestion,
or
Suggestion given by oneself, to oneself, according to certain methods
and
principles, and which method is also in great favor at the present
time, under
one name or another, and under one theory or another.
Auto-Suggestion may be,
and is, advantageously employed along therapeutic lines, and many cases
of “healing”
by many supposed methods, are really the result of the
auto-suggestion of the
patient, aroused in various ways. Auto-Suggestion is also very
advantageously employed
in Character Building, and in Self Development. It is found to be the
active basis
of all the various forms of self improvement along mental lines. All of the above forms of
Suggestion will be touched upon under
the chapters devoted to them in this book, with further explanation and
details. The purpose of this introductory chapter is merely to give you
a
general idea of what Suggestion is, and its several forms. Chapter
2. SUGGESTION
OF AUTHORITY. In the preceding chapter we
called your attention to the fact
that Suggestions are accepted by persons when given by one or more
of three
general methods. These three methods, you will remember, are: (1)
Suggestion
by impression, as by authoritative statements, etc.; (2)
Suggestion by
inducing the idea in the mind, by insinuation, hint, and other indirect
means;
and (3) Suggestion along the lines of association of outward
objects, etc.,
which act both by impressing and inducing the idea in the receptive
mind of the
person so suggested to. But these three classes of
suggestion may be considered as being
caused by the suggestion reaching the individual along several
different
lines, or channels. For convenience we may divide these channels of
suggestion
into five classes, viz: 1. The Suggestion of Authority;
2. The Suggestion of
Association; 3. The Suggestion of Habit; 4. The
Suggestion of
Repetition; 5. The Suggestion of Imitation. In order that you may be able
to distinguish the difference between
these different phases of Suggestion, we shall call your attention to
the details
observable in each, briefly and concisely, that we may hasten on
to the
general subject of the book. 1. The Suggestion of
Authority: This form of suggestion manifests
along both the lines of impression and induction, respectively. That is
to say,
Suggestion by Authority manifests both in the positive
authoritative statements
directed to the point; and also by the spoken or written statements
made by
those who speak or write with an air of authority. It is a peculiarity
of the
human mind that it is inclined to listen with respect and credence to
the
words, written or spoken, of persons who assume the air of authority
and
knowledge. The same person who will weigh carefully every proposition
of those,
whom he considers to be his equals, or inferiors, will accept the
statements of
those whom he considers to possess authority or knowledge exceeding his own, without
more than a
casual questioning, and sometimes without any questioning or doubt
whatsoever.
Let some person posing as an authority, or occupying a position of
command,
calmly state a fallacy with an air of wisdom and conviction, without
any “ifs”
or “buts,” and many otherwise careful people will accept the suggestion
without
question; and unless they are afterward forced to analyze it by
the light of
reason, they will let this seed idea find lodgment in their minds, to
blossom
and bear fruit thereafter. The explanation is that in such cases
the person
suspends the critical attention which is usually interposed by the
attentive
will, and allows the idea to enter his mental castle unchallenged,
thereafter
to dwell at home there, and to influence other ideas in the future. It
is like
a man assuming a lordly air and marching past the watchman at the gate
of the
mental fortress, where the ordinary visitor is challenged and
severely scrutinized;
his credentials examined; and the mark of approval placed upon him
before he
may enter. The acceptance of such
suggestions is akin to a person bolting a
particle of food, instead of masticating it. As a rule we bolt many a bit
of mental
provender, owing to its stamp of real or pretended authority. And many
persons
understanding this phase of suggestion, take advantage of it, and ‘‘use
it in
their business” accordingly. The confidence-man, as well as the
shrewd
politician and the seller of neatly printed gold mines, imposes himself
upon
the public by means of an air of authority, or by what is known in
the parlance
of the busy streets, as “putting up a good front.” Some men are all
“front,”
and have nothing behind their authoritative air—but that
authoritative air
provides them with a living. As Bulwer-Lytton makes one of his
characters say:
“Whenever you are about to utter something astonishingly false, always
begin
with, ‘It is an acknowledged fact,’ etc.’’ Many a false statement has
been accepted
when prefaced with a “I assert without fear of
contradiction,” etc. Or, “It
is generally conceded by the best authorities, that,” etc. Or, “The
best
sources of information agree,” etc. Often there is this variation: “As
you
probably know, sir,” etc. But in many cases there is not even this
preface—the
statement is made with a “Thus
saith the Lord”
manner, and is accepted because of the tone and manner
accompanying it. As a
rule these authoritative suggestions are not accompanied by argument or
logical
proof—they are thrust at you as self-evident truths. Or, if argument
there be,
it is generally but a few specious comparisons of bits of sophistry,
offered to
quiet the mental conscience of the person. Many authoritative
suggestions are
crystallized into epigrammatic axiomic phrases, which are accepted
as true
because of their ‘‘patness,’’ and apparent smartness, without analysis
on the
part of those to whom they are offered. Political catch-words and
current
explanations belong to this class. Many a phrase is accepted by the
public because
it ‘‘sounds good,’’ without any regard to the truth stated in it. It would not be so bad if it
were merely the acceptance of the
suggestion of authority in itself. But that is only the beginning of
the
trouble, for the suggested idea once admitted to the mind without
question
takes up its abode there and colors all subsequent thought of the
individual.
Many of us have experienced periods in our life, when, some new
idea attracting
us, we found it
necessary to take mental stock of our other ideas on the subject. In
such cases
the majority of us have found that our minds have been filled
with all
sorts of mental rubbish, without any basis in actual truth, which have
been acquired
in the past merely from the acceptance of the suggestions of
authority. We are
like the man of whom Josh Billings once said: “He knows more that ain’t
so,
than any other man a livin’ ” We advise you to be a little less
hospitable to
these authoritative statements in the future. Be a little bit more your
own authority.
If you find it easier to accept a strong statement of this kind, at the
time,
do so with the mental reservation of “accepted subject to future
examination,
with privilege of rejection.” And above everything else in this line,
be sure
of the “authority” of your stator of facts—examine his credentials. 2. The Suggestion of
Association: This form of Suggestion
is one of the most common phases. It is found on all sides, and at all
times.
The mental law of association makes it very easy for us to associate
certain
things with certain other things, and we will find that when one of the
things is recalled
it will bring with, it its associated impressions. For example to
many persons
the odor of certain flowers recalls the memory and feelings of
funerals, cemeteries
and death. This because at some time the person has perceived the
identical
odor when associated with the scenes of a funeral. The faint odor of
mignonette
will carry the mind back over the years to some tender episode of the
earlier
days, and before we know it we are indulging in sentimental
reminiscences and
thoughts of “it might have been” and all the rest of it. The sound of
some old
melody will bring back the feelings, sad or joyful, of time long since
past. We
know of a case in which the individual has a chain of melodies reaching
back
for many years, each, particular one being connected with some
particular period
of his life. When he wishes to live over the past, he begins
humming, and thus
travels from youth to middle-age, or the reverse, by the sound of the
various
melodies. But there are many other forms
of suggestion by association. We
are apt to associate a well-dressed man, of commanding carriage, traveling in an
expensive
automobile, as a man of wealth and influence. And, accordingly
when some
adventurer of the “ J. Rufus Wallingford” type travels our way, clad in
sumptuous apparel, with the air of an Astorbilt, and a $10,000 (hired)
automobile,
we hasten to place our money and valuables in his keeping, and esteem
ourselves
honored by having been accorded the privilege. The actor, orator,
preacher and
politician use the suggestion of association upon us by the
employment of
tones vibrant with feeling and emotion, which are associated in
our minds with
the actual feeling and emotion—and lo! we are weeping or laughing;
smiling or
frowning; filled with approval or condemnation, as the case may
be. The speaker
pulls the associative strings of suggestion, and we dance
accordingly. We find that many of our
prejudices, favorable or unfavorable,
are the result of associations of past experiences. If we have had
an
unpleasant business experience with a man with a peculiar expression or
color
of hair, we find it hard to overcome a prejudice against others of
similar
personal appearance, in after years. Sometimes a name will carry
associations with it.
We once knew a man who would absolutely refuse to have business dealings
with any one named ‘‘M— —,’’ because
he had once been badly worsted and
cheated in a real estate deal
by a man of that name. Many names are associated with persons who had
borne
them in the past, and, as ridiculous as it may seem, we find it
difficult to
overcome the prejudice. The majority of people have experiences of
this kind. How many of our readers do not
feel an antipathy for some
particular article of food, because of some unpleasant experience with
that
article in the past? Personally, when the writer was a boy, his father
wishing
to break him of the habit of eating too heartily of “cream-puffs,” once
offered
to pay for all that the boy could eat at one time. Boy-like, the offer
was
accepted, and the result was disastrous—for years after he could
not look at a
cream-puff without feeling sad and reminiscent. And the memory of
what he once
found in a hotel mince-pie caused an associated suggestion that
held its grip
with the passage of the years. How many of our ideas are the
result of associated suggestion, we
can tell only when we begin to take occasional mental stock. Many of
our ideas,
feelings, prejudices, likes and dislikes, are the result of this form
of suggestion,
rather than of anything really attaching to them alone. The moral is
that we
should watch carefully the company that our mental images are keeping,
and
avoid unpleasant mental attachments. |