Thought Force in Business and Everyday Life

William Walker Atkinson

• Publisher: Books on Demand
• Year: 2019
• Edition: 1
• eBook ISBN:
  9783750402713
• Topic: Law
• Subtopic: Law Theory & Practice
• Index: Law

"Theories are but mighty soap-bubbles, with which the grown-up children of science amuse themselves."The majority of writers upon this subject have devoted nearly all their efforts, as well as their space, to proving, first, that Personal Magnetism really existed; and, secondly, that the phenomenon was best accounted for by some pet theory of their own. Some attribute the power of influencing men to the use of a vegetarian diet, notwithstanding the fact that some of the most "magnetic" individuals "make graveyards of their stomachs." Others insist that in celibacy and abstinence from sexual intercourse may be found the secret, notwithstanding the fact that the majority of "magnetic" individuals do not differ in their sexual customs from their less magnetic brothers. Others hold that the "magnetic" force abounds in the air around us, and that, therefore, deep breathing will enable us to absorb great quantities of the vital fluid, charging ourselves with the force in the manner of the storage battery. And so on, each with his little pet theory.

Lesson 1. Salutatory

Views of other writers—Erroneous theories—Vegetarianism—Celibacy—Vital fluid—Deep Breathing—Real progress made by investigation, not by theories—Existence of personal magnetism unquestioned—A self-evident truth—Results, not theories—No pet theories advanced—Accept nothing that you cannot demonstrate.

"Theories are but mighty soap-bubbles, with which the grown-up children of science amuse themselves."

The majority of writers upon this subject have devoted nearly all their efforts, as well as their space, to proving, first, that Personal Magnetism really existed; and, secondly, that the phenomenon was best accounted for by some pet theory of their own. Some attribute the power of influencing men to the use of a vegetarian diet, notwithstanding the fact that some of the most "magnetic" individuals "make graveyards of their stomachs." Others insist that in celibacy and abstinence from sexual intercourse may be found the secret, notwithstanding the fact that the majority of "magnetic" individuals do not differ in their sexual customs from their less magnetic brothers. Others hold that the "magnetic" force abounds in the air around us, and that, therefore, deep breathing will enable us to absorb great quantities of the vital fluid, charging ourselves with the force in the manner of the storage battery. And so on, each with his little pet theory.

Now, I have no fault to find with the systems above mentioned. Although not a strict vegetarian, I sympathize with those of that belief; although not leading a life of celibacy, I see much good in the doctrine of continence, and there can be no two opinions as to the merits of chastity; whilst not accepting the theory of the absorption of "magnetic force” from the earth's atmosphere, I am a firm advocate of, and believer in, "deep breathing,” and believe that if the same was universally practiced much sickness and physical weakness would disappear from the earth. All these things are good, but a little reflection will show anyone that they are not the prime factors in the production of the quality known as "Personal Magnetism.” The writers on the subject usually conclude by telling their readers of the wonderful possibilities open to anyone who can acquire this power and learn how to use it. They, however, say little or nothing of how this force may be acquired, that is, beyond stating their theories. They deliver discourses—but do not instruct. They are preachers—not teachers. They dwell upon theories—and neglect facts.

The real progress in this branch of scientific research has been made, not by writers or theorists, but by a few earnest investigators who have conducted numberless experiments, and have explored every avenue of information, and who have brought this wonderful subject out of the realms of mere speculation and placed it upon a scientific basis.

The writer has been a close student and investigator of this subject for many years, and the present work is an attempt to give to his students some of the fundamental principles derived from the investigations and practical experiments of himself and his co-workers in this field. Our lessons therefore will be confined, so far as is possible, to statements of proven facts, and practical instruction, touching upon theory only when absolutely necessary.

In my opinion, I would insult your intelligence if I were to present to you an elaborate argument, the purpose of which would be an attempt to prove the existence of that wonderful force, latent in man, developed by the few, but possible of acquirement by all; that mysterious quality called, for want of a better name—Personal Magnetism.

To set out to prove its existence, would be akin to an attempt to convince the average intelligent man of the fact that the magnet influences the needle; that the X rays penetrate the body of man or a still more solid object; that a message be conveyed by electricity, along a beam of light, or even, by wireless telegraphy, through the air without the need of any other medium. Every intelligent person is aware of the existence of the above mentioned phenomena, and does not need to have the same demonstrated to him. If he is interested in the subject at all, he wishes to be taught how to operate these forces, so that he may be able to reproduce the experiments himself. This is equally true of the student of Personal Magnetism. He has long since learned that such a force exists. He sees it around him every day, and knows of the wonders that are accomplished by its aid. He, possibly, is aware that he has developed the force to a certain degree, and what he wants, in any event, is to become acquainted with the means whereby he can fully develop and intelligently use the force latent within him. I, therefore, shall make no attempt to demonstrate the existence of this force, believing it to be self-evident.

I also intend to avoid a tiresome discussion of the numerous theories which have been advanced to account for the phenomenon of Personal Magnetism. I have no pet theory to advance. I will endeavor to teach you how to obtain results, and you can then read up on the subject of theories, or possibly formulate a new theory of your own. I will state briefly my own conception of the cause underlying the phenomena alluded to in this work, but I shall not attempt to force my views upon you. You are at liberty to accept or reject any theory, as the result in no way depends upon any special form of belief. Many of those who have obtained the best results, have discarded one theory after another, and now say that they do not attempt to explain the real cause underlying the results, being content to work on, without a dogmatic theory, so long as they know how to obtain the results.

With this explanation, l will leave the land of theory and enter into the realm of practice, and will endeavor to so instruct you along the lines of the development and use of this mighty force, that you may reproduce the results already obtained by others, and perhaps may become investigators and leaders in the work of blazing the way through the woods of superstition and mystery with which the subject has been surrounded so long. l will ask you to accept nothing that you cannot prove.

Lesson 2. The Nature Of The Force

The force not magnetic in its nature—Subtle current of thought-waves—Thoughts are things—Our thoughts affect ourselves as well as others—Change of appearance following change of occupation—Thoughts take form in action—Thought the greatest force in the world—“I can and I will" vs. “I can't"—Practical instruction not transcendental discourses— The adductive power of thought—Fear thoughts the root of injurious thinking.

To the minds of most people the term Personal Magnetism conveys the idea of a current radiating from the person of the magnetic individual, drawing to him all those within the radius of his magnetic force. This idea, whilst on the whole erroneous, still contains within it the germ of the real truth. There is a current of attracting force radiating from man, but it is not a magnetic force in so far as the term "magnetism” implies some connection with the lodestone or electricity. The human magnetic current, whilst bearing some resemblance to these two familiar forces in its effects, has no real connection with them so far as is concerned its origin or intrinsic nature.

That which we call Personal Magnetism is the subtle current of thought-waves, or thought-vibrations, projected from the human mind. Every thought created by our minds is a force of greater or lesser intensity, varying in strength according to the impetus imparted to it at the time of its creation. When we think, we send from us a subtle current, which travels along like a ray of light, and has its influence on the minds of others who are often far removed from us by space, a forceful thought will go on its errand charged with a mighty power, and will often beat down the instinctive resistance of the minds of others to outside impressions, whilst a weak thought will be unable to obtain an entrance to the mental castle of another, unless that castle be but poorly guarded. Repeated thoughts along the same lines, sent one after the other, will often effect an entrance where a single thought-wave, although much stronger, will be repulsed. It is an exhibition of a physical law in the psychical world, and exemplifies the old saying about steady dripping wearing away a stone.

We are all influenced much more than we are aware by the thoughts of others. I do not mean by their opinions, but by their thoughts. A great writer on the subject very truly says: "Thoughts are Things." They are things, and most powerful things at that. Unless we understand this fact, we are at the mercy of a mighty force, of whose nature we know nothing, and whose very existence many of us deny. On the other hand, if we understand the nature and laws governing this wonderful force, we can master it and render it our instrument and assistant.

Every thought created by us, weak or strong, good or bad, healthy or unhealthy, sends out its vibratory waves, which affect, to a greater or lesser extent, all with whom we come in contact, or who may come within the radius of our thought vibrations. Thought waves are like the ripples on a pond caused by the casting in of a pebble. They move in constantly widening circles, radiating from a central point. Of course, if an impulse projects the thought waves forcibly toward a certain object, its force will be felt more strongly at that point.

Besides affecting others, our thoughts affect us, not only temporarily, but permanently. We are what we think ourselves into being. The Biblical statement that "as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he," is literally correct. We are all creatures of our own mental creating. You know how easy it is to think yourself into a "blue" state of mind, or the reverse, but you do not realize that repeated thought upon a certain line will manifest itself not only in character (which it certainly does), but also in the physical appearance of the thinker. This is a demonstrable fact, and you have but to look around you to realize it. You have noticed how a man's occupation shows itself in his appearance and general character. What do you suppose occasions this phenomenon? Nothing more nor less than that thought. If you ever have changed your occupation, your general character and appearance kept pace with your changed habits of thought. Your new occupation brought out a new train of thought, and "Thoughts take form in Action." You may have never taken this view of the matter, but it is true nevertheless, and you may find ample proof of its correctness by merely looking around you.

A man who thinks Energy, manifests Energy. The man who thinks Courage, manifests Courage. The man who thinks, "l can and l will"’ "gets there", while the "l can't" man "gets left." You know that to be true. Now, what causes the difference? Thought—just plain every-day thinking, that's all. Of course, the action follows the thought. But why?—Just because it cannot help itself. Action follows as the natural result of vigorous thinking. You think in earnest, and action does the rest. Thought is the greatest thing in the world. If you do not know it now, you will before you are through with this course of lessons. You may say that this is no new thing to you—that you knew all about "making up your mind," and all that sort of thing, long ago. Then why did you not put it into practice and make something of yourself? l will tell you the trouble. You thought "l Can't" instead of "l Can." Now, l am going to change that "l Can't" into a big "I Can’’ and a bigger "l Will." That is what l am here for, and l intend to "make you over," before l am through with you.

l suppose that you thought l would give you an elaborate, transcendental discourse on things away up in the clouds, and hoped that I would tell you how to charge yourself up with a lot of magnetism, so that you would be able to light the gas with the tips of your fingers, or draw everybody to you like a piece of steel to a magnet, now, didn't you? Well, I am not. But I intend to tell you how you can generate in yourself a force, compared with which magnetism is weak; a force that will make a man of you; a force that will make you realize the I am within you; a power that will enable you to be a man of strong personal qualities; a man of influence; a successful man. I will tell you how you can acquire that which you have been calling Personal Magnetism, providing you will start at it in earnest. It is worth working for, and when you feel your new strength developing within you, you would not exchange your new found knowledge for a fortune.

Why, you feel a little stronger already, don't you? Of course you do. I never have talked five minutes to a class of students about "I Can and I Will” and about the I am within them without their throwing back their shoulders, raising their heads, taking a long breath, and looking me square in the eyes as a man or woman should. It was "thought manifesting itself in action.” Do you see the point? I had planted the little seed of self-knowledge, and it had begun to sprout.

Before I conclude this lesson, I wish to direct your attention to one other very important thing about thought, and that is the Adductive Power of Thought. Pay attention to this, please, as it is of the highest importance.

Avoiding all attempts at a scientific explanation, and keeping away from technical terms, I will state the matter concisely thus:

Thoughts attract like thoughts; the good thoughts attracts other good thoughts; the bad thoughts, the bad; thoughts of strength, likewise; thoughts of discouragement and doubt follow the rule, and so on through the entire gamut of thoughts.

Your thought attracts to it the corresponding thought of others and increases your stock of that particular kind of thought. Do you see the point? Think Fear thoughts, and you draw to yourself all the Fear thought in that neighborhood. The harder you think it, the greater supply of undesirable thought flocks to you. Think "I am Fearless," and all the courageous thought force within your radius will move towards you, and will aid you. Try it. That is, try the latter.

Don't think Fear thoughts. Do you know that Fear and its oldest child, Worry, are at the bottom of more misery, more unhappiness, more failures, than anything else in the world. Fear and Hate are the parents of all the vile thoughts. I will go into this matter with you at greater length in subsequent lessons, but let me urge upon you now, with all the earnestness of which I am capable, to tear out those vile weeds—Fear and Hate. Tear them out by the roots.

They spoil the whole garden and breed hosts of other weeds, such as Worry, Doubt, Timidity, Lack of Self Respect, Jealousy, Spite, Malice, Envy, Slander and Morbid Ideas.

I am not trying to preach you a sermon, but I know that these vile thoughts are hindering your progress, and you will realize it, too, if you will stop to think for a moment. Open the blinds, and let the pure sunshine of Bright, Cheerful and Happy thoughts pour in, and the microbes of Doubt and Despair and Failure will leave, and seek more congenial quarters.

If you were my dearest frie...

Table of contents

• Thought Force in Business and Everyday Life
• Preface
• Lesson 1. Salutatory
• Lesson 2. The Nature Of The Force
• Lesson 3. How Thought Force Can Aid You
• Lesson 4. Direct Psychic Influence
• Lesson 5. A Little Worldly Wisdom
• Lesson 6. The Power Of The Eye
• Lesson 7. The Magnetic Gaze
• Lesson 8. The Volic Force
• Lesson 9. Direct Volation
• Lesson 10. Telepathic Volation
• Lesson 11. The Adductive Quality Of Thought
• Lesson 12. Character Building By Mental Control
• Lesson 13. The Art Of Concentering
• Lesson 14. The Practice Of Concentering
• Lesson 15. Valedictory
• Copyright