Customer Reviews

Practical Mental Influence

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

This striking little book published in 1908 takes a practical approach to the idea of mind power, persuasion, thought transference and mass influencing. Whereas most of the early New Thought metaphysicians like Thomas Troward & Emmet Fox wrote in the mystical tradition, Atkinson engages mental phenomena from an angle where natural science meets psychology. His analyses are convincing, especially when measured against the blood-soaked history of the century that was then in its infancy.

He starts out with the law of vibration by first demolishing the tenets of scientific materialism and then by comparing consciousness to scientific theories of vibration with analogy to sight and sound. Argueing that the study of consciousness belongs in the realm of physical science rather than in metaphysics, Atkinson quotes some of the scientists of his day on the massive gaps between vibrationary rates, inaudible sounds & invisible light.

There are 'atmospheres' that appear to inhabit places; these may be impossible to measure but the anecdotal evidence is overwhelming. The two main factors in the manifestation of mental influence are concentration and visualization/mental imaging, both of which the author explores in detail. He discusses the two general forms of the use of mental influence that he calls "fascination" and "hypnotism." Influencing at a distance, as in the practice of distance healing, is also dealt with.

Atkinson shows how advertising and sales techniques draw upon ancient knowledge of thought transference. The chapter on mass influencing describes how ideas and beliefs rapidly spread amongst large sectors of a population. He then shows how vitally important it is for the individual to be resistant or at least aware of the various currents of ideas prevalent at any given time. This advice is more pertinent than ever in our age of ubiquitous mass media.

His insight is timeless. Considering that his writing dates from 1908 before the slaughters of the 20th century had started, many of his ideas proved prophetic. Since then, quantum physics has confirmed the legitimacy of his insights, e.g. that everything is energy. As mentioned before, Atkinson takes a practical approach to explaining the mechanics of thought power and thus appears to lean to the occult side of the esoteric more than the mystical. I do not mean this in a negative way, as his moral psychology is based on the best in the Western tradition. He was certainly an advocate of what William James called The Religion of Healthy Mindedness.

Atkinson's contributions are particularly valuable in explaining how susceptible the individual is to fashions, trends and thought patterns that spread around the globe. In order to remain immune to individual & mass mental influence, one has to rely on the Indwelling Presence or Higher Self for clarity & guidance. This is the only antidote against mental waves of feelings & emotions that sweep the public mind with the potential of "stampeding" people into adopting certain ideas or of following certain leaders.

Who'd have thought that such alarming numbers of seemingly sane people would be swept up in crazy & contradictory conspiracy theories in the 21st century? Eric Hoffer's True Believer is a seminal study of mass movements, whilst the French intellectual André Glucksmann has warned of a 'contagion of hatred', a concept that he insists ought to be taken literally. Atkinson reveals and illuminates those aspects of the phenomena that neither of them has articulated.

Words have power. In order to raise awareness of the power within, prayers and protective chants/mantras exist in all the ancient traditions; some are specifically devoted to repel mental pathogens ('deliver us from evil'). In Sanskrit, one such is the Durga mantra. Hebrew has the Elohai Neshama chant, based on the belief that the Nefesh (vital) & Ruach (movement) levels of the soul can be contaminated but that the life force level, Neshama, cannot be stained as it is indivisible from the life source. This particular mantra simultaneously evokes compassion for all.

These clear & concise explanations of the mental laws & processes at work in shaping public perception and opinion have particular relevance in times of turbulence when charismatic leaders tend to prey on panic by promoting their destructive ideologies. I highly recommend this thought-provoking book for a clear understanding of persuasion, politics and how to immunize your mind, your most precious possession.

Use the power of your mind to influence others, and your environment. As usual, William Walker Atkinson lays it out in an easy to follow lesson plan, that allows your to use the powerof your thoughts to influence others in a positive way. I started to try it out, and got results pretty quickly. Good stuff!

An awesome book. Simply blew me away. And most amazing of all - this stuff actually works!

I originally bought this item in 1981 and used the information to influence a group of trouble-making teenagers to move away from the front steps of our apartment building. They would always hang out there because we lived next door to a burger joint with video games. Tried it once and they never returned. I was only 12-years-old at the time!

the size of the book is a reflection of the information in it, which isnt very large. even though it contentrates on the area of personal magnetism, it does explain it very well without any fluff. it would of been great to see some more inovative techniques, as the ones in this book seemed very straight forward but what can u expect from something that was written almost hundred years ago.

This is a fascinating book! Once I started, I could not stop until I got to the last page! This book was first published just a year after Einstein had published his ground-breaking papers that lead to the field of quantum mechanics. The value of quantum mechanics can be readily observed by its relevance in a multitude of fields today. Likewise, the importance of this work in modern society can be clearly measured by its effects on contemporary America. Of course, the author did not have the advantage of understanding the world through the lens of 20th century advances in the sciences. Nevertheless, one can see how relevant this book is to our time by seeing the references the author makes to justify his Theory of Vibration. The initial reaction of the superficial reader may be one of skepticism. That's quite understandable, given the depth of this tome. In my experience, books of great significance require multiple readings to derive the maximum benefit. If you see a line you don't understand, ponder upon it. How does the author's 1908 English translate into modern day scientific thought? Insight is achieved with effort to understand great works. Take for example, the Hermians, having carefully saved the historical documents of Nesmith and his crew, followed in his footsteps to acquire the ability to defend themselves against Sarris. Only when you understand the author's Theory of Vibration can you acquire the powers that this book was meant to give you. And when you do, you will find yourself a different person. In short, figure out if you have not yet learned this material by searching inside the book on this site (or in a bookstore). If it looks like there is something to learn, then the small amount of money this book costs will more than compensate you in terms of wisdom and insight.

This is a really good book that best explains many influences all are effected by others in some degree, and how to best protect your self from these. I personally had known of such practice by experience with friends and families, community and political, even educational and religious influences that is most common around us. Since I was stubborn and rebellent, I had such strong will powers then kept me out of trouble and follow my own path that seems many can not accept. But I am me, free of beliefs and expectations of what others expect me to follow and be. But I follow the same path as the Tao Sages, Gurus, Buddha, and many others like me. If there is any influencing, it is my divine self within, and that of nature.

Whether or not you'll like this book depends entirely on your interests. However, if you find yourself drawn to information about thought waves, the power of the mind and influencing others you will enjoy this book. Plus it's a great price and also turned me onto several other books that Atkinson has written that are all good reading.

The book itself is short, maybe like 60 pages however it is not easy reading. It does take concentration and focus to really absorb what you're reading. Personally I took notes, :)

Practical Mental Influence is the most rigorous book on the law of attraction I've read so far. Instead of talking from the mental or spiritual realm (where a bit too much is simply assumed), Atkinson proceeds from the physical one. Yes, "the Three are but varying phases of One", but it's easier to accept his assertions when they're backed by 'hard sciences' nobody disputes. If only today's books on the subject were as thorough as this one written over 100 years ago!

And yet this book is also ranks as the most challenging. Even the most open-minded reader may be tempted to toss it aside when Atkinson uses metaphysical terms like "psychic wires" and "astral tubes". Still, there are some interesting new ideas if you're up for a (very) patient look.

Atkinson states that strong thoughts can overcome obstacles in travelling far and wide "with incredible speed". They can also last a long time: "[Just] as a ray of light travels through space for millions of miles and for centuries after the star itself has been blotted out of existence... so do the vibrations of Thought continue long after the thought, yes, long after the brain which sent them forth has passed into dust." I guess the movie Source Code wasn't so farfetched after all!

He uses this to explain why certain places have a certain vibe: "Every place has an atmosphere of its own, arising from the thought vibrations set in motion by the various persons who have inhabited or occupied them. Every city has its own mental atmosphere, which has an effect upon persons moving into them. Some are lively, some dull, some progressive, some old-fogeyish, some moral, some immoral - the result of the character of the early settlers and leading spirits of the places."

But things get confusing when Atkinson states that the temptation to do something bad is not our fault: "If you feel yourself inclining toward doing something which in your heart you feel that is not to your best interests, judged from a true standpoint, you may know that, consciously or unconsciously, someone is seeking to influence you." Does this mean we aren't in control of our lives after all? Or do we experience these effects because we somehow `attracted' them? It's not clear.

Ultimately, the aim is to develop Mental Influence to help others realise "the higher truths of life". This is especially valuable for those weighed down by a lifetime of negative thoughts that they cannot dissipate or neutralise alone. Perhaps there's nothing wrong with spending a few quiet minutes picturing your friends and family happy and well. Some might even call it prayer. But does using Mental Influence to get other people to do what we want always count as black magic? What if it's in their interests too? What if nobody is harmed? Again, it's not clear, which makes me think it might be better not to go down that blurry road at all lest we inadvertently reap the "frightful whirlwind on the mental plane".

Still, it's comforting to know that we are directly in touch with a Source of Power (God, The Universe, Buddha Nature, etc.) that is stronger than anything out there: "[The] assertion of the "I" within you will dissipate the influence around you and you will find yourself standing in a centre of Peace surrounded on all sides by the ocean of mental tumult and agitation... It may sound simple to you, but a little use of it will make you deem it the most important bit of practical knowledge you may possess." In this day and age, we need all the protection we can get.

Practical Mental Influence is a good book to read because it help you what to do with your Mental when People around you.... Good Book...