Customer Reviews

The Edinburgh Lectures on Mental Science (1909)

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Trying to explain magic in rational terms has rather fallen out of fashion, and sometimes you have to turn to the classics.

Half philosophy, half science, Troward's little volume builds a rational and plausible basis for controlling events in what most people would deem "supernatural" ways. His premise, condensed down to three words, is "faith changes reality" -- it's what comes up in exploring that hypothesis that makes the book interesting. The book is as well-organized and well-presented as you would expect any college textbook to be, although the flowery 100-year-old language might be a turn-off to some.

While "Edinburgh" is of use to people trying to understand (or accept) magic, its greatest value is by far for those who are already exploring the subject. I wish that this book came in clue bat form, so I could hit a number of would-be "mages" over the head with it, and have them absorb it instantly. While one may not necessarily agree with everything Troward says (I found the insistence on a Christian perspective rather extreneous, for example), his ability to build a rich and cohesive system is an inspiration -- and a solid foundation. Ultimately, those who wish to change the world must understand it, and this book can be a great first step on that path. It's one of the must-read books on my bookshelf.

I have been a student of quantum theory as it applies to our ability to create form from thougtht. "The Edinburgh Lectures on Mental Science" by Thomas Troward were published in 1909. They contain all of the same principles being set forth by today's gurus of quantam theory such as Deepak Chopra and Wayne Dyer. Very interesting book. Also recommend, "Your Invisible Power" by Genevieve Behrend. Ms. Behrend was the only student of Thomas Troward. Her book is a more basic way to apply the same principles.

A classic by one of the pioneers of New Thought; these lectures deal with the questions of spirit and matter, the nature of intelligence, the unity of spirit, and the relationship between the conscious and subconscious mind. Troward had a knack for conveying profound philosophical matters in a most understandable way and for formulating ancient truths so that a child could understand. He explains the difference between form (matter) and being - that the one is the mode of the relative and the mark of subjection to conditions, while the other is the truth of the absolute and that which controls conditions. Because spirit is infinite, it is everywhere and must be present at every point in space at the same moment. This is a fundamental fact of all being. The relation between spirit and being as idea (from which the elements of time and space are absent) and form (the relative which is dependent on those elements) leads to the fact that pure spirit continually subsists in the absolute and from it all the phenomena of being flow. In proportion to our level of recognition of this fact, our power for producing visible outward results by the action of our thought will grow. The book concludes with the practical application of this knowledge in our lives and affairs. I highly recommend the Edinburgh lectures as well as the Dore Lectures and Troward's masterpiece "The Creative Process in the Individual."

I first came across Thomas Troward through working with Bob Proctor on a coaching program. Although I looked at all the great authors Bob mentioned, Thomas Troward very quickly became my favourite..

These lectures, on what became known as 'New Thought', kind of metaphysical also, are nothing short of profound - if you study them and work them, not just read them.

The principles contained in them are truly the secret to all this modern day talk about the 'Law of Attraction' and 'The Secret Movie' etc..

I came across them a few years ago, and now they form a solid piece of my personal growth - in fact most Sundays I use these as my spiritual lessons[..]

Yes, you need to study them, think about them, and shift your thinking into a more contemporary context - but the principles are timeless, and beautiful..

Thoroughly recommended.

The book arrived in perfect condition. It was exactly what I was looking to obtain.

This has to be one of the best written books of the ages. The author did a brilliant job! I would recommend this read for anyone attempting to bring about change in their lives. There is no better book to read that would assist you in understanding the mental faculties and how important your understanding of each is required.

Jacqueline P. Piper
The Image Enhancer
[...]

Thomas Troward was the inspiration for the early New Thought pioneers......something you can read again and again and get something new each time.......

An old and very good book on Mental Science.
The author goes along a very deep logic about our thoughts and universal laws to explain the relation of material acquisition and thoughts.