The mystic will : a method of developing and strengthening the faculties of the mind, through the awakened will, by a simple, scientific process possible to any person of ordinary intelligene / by Charles G. Leland.

  • Leland, Charles Godfrey, 1824-1903.
Date:
[1907]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The mystic will : a method of developing and strengthening the faculties of the mind, through the awakened will, by a simple, scientific process possible to any person of ordinary intelligene / by Charles G. Leland. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    in the fullest belief that he or she assuredly knows all that. Yet it was not until within a very few years that I discovered that this idea, which seemed so common- place, had within it mysteries and meanings which were stupendously original or remarkable. I found that there was a certain intensity or power of attention, far sur- passing ordinary observation, which we may, if we will, summon up and force on ourselves, just as we can by special effort see or hear far better at times than usually. The Romans show by such a phrase as animum adjicere, and numerous proverbs and syno- nyms, that they had learned to bend their attention ener- getically. They were good listeners, therefore keen ob- servers. Learning to control or strengthen the Will is closely allied to developing Attention and Interest, and for reasons which will soon be apparent, I will first con- sider the latter, since they constitute a preparation or basis for the former. And as preliminary, I will con- sider the popular or common error to the effect that everyone has alloted to him or to her just so much of the faculty of attention or interest as it has pleased Na- ture to give—the same being true as regards Memory, Will, the Constructive or Artistic abilities, and so on— when in very truth and on the warrant of Experience all may be increased ad infinitum. Therefore, we find ignorant men complacently explaining their indifference to art and literature or culture on the ground that they take no interest in such subjects, as if interest were a special heaven-sent gift. Who has not heard the re- mark, “He or she takes such an interest in so many things—I wish that I could.” Or, as I heard it very recently expressed, “It must be delightful to be able to interest one’s self in something at any time.” Which was much the same as the expression of the Pennsyl- vania German girl, “Ach Gott! I wisht I hat genius und could make a pudden!” No one can be expected to take an interest at once and by mere will in any subject, but where an earnest