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Suggestion and Auto-Suggestion

Atkinson, William Walker
Reader rating
4.6
(1 reviews) 93 sold
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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Uncover the profound, subtle forces that shape our thoughts and reality.

William Walker Atkinson, a luminary of the New Thought movement, meticulously dissects the concept of "suggestion" in this seminal work. He explores its fundamental definition and myriad forms, from the influence of authority and habit to the power of imitation and character. Through his characteristic lucid prose, Atkinson reveals how suggestion permeates our daily lives, demonstrating its capacity for both healthy, therapeutic applications and character development. This insightful study offers readers a deeper understanding of the mind's hidden mechanisms and how to harness them for personal empowerment.

Key themes
The Nature of Influence Forms of Persuasion Mind-Body Wellness
Historical context

This work emerges from the New Thought movement, a spiritual and philosophical tradition that emphasizes the power of positive thinking and mental influence over physical reality. It stands as a foundational text within English-language esoteric literature, bridging metaphysical concepts with practical psychological application.

Difficulty
● Easy
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🕯️ Occult Philosophy
🏛 Cosimo Classics 📅 2010 📖 220 pages 📔 Hardcover 📐 Hardcover ISBN: 9781616403607
Fun fact
Atkinson's 'Suggestion and Auto-Suggestion' remains a surprisingly fresh and accessible exploration of mental influence. Its strength lies in its clear, essay-like structure and illustrative examples, making complex ideas digestible. Those seeking a prescriptive, step-by-step manual might find it too philosophical, but for readers desiring a foundational understanding of the mind's power, it's invaluable. It's a cornerstone text within the New Thought tradition, offering timeless wisdom on self-mastery.

📝 Description: Suggestion and Auto-Suggestion

A philosophical study by W. W. Atkinson, Suggestion and Auto-Suggestion is written, in his usual style, like an essay on "suggestion." In other words, he discusses the definition of suggestion, the different forms it takes (such as authority, habit, imitation, character, and so on), the influence of suggestion, and how suggestion can be healthy and therapeutic, plus build character. As always, Atkinson is descriptive and holds the readers' attention with anecdotes and examples. American writer WILLIAM WALKER ATKINSON (1862-1932) was editor of the popular magazine New Thought from 1901 to 1905, and editor of the journal Advanced Thought from 1916 to 1919. He authored dozens of New Thought books under numerous pseudonyms, including "Yogi," some of which are likely still unknown today.

💎 Expert review

💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
Atkinson’s prose remains remarkably accessible, making complex metaphysical ideas digestible for the general reader. However, those seeking rigorous academic psychology or scientific empirical data will likely find this text lacking in technical depth. It is not suited for skeptics who demand hard evidence over philosophical speculation, nor for readers preferring dense, abstruse occult jargon. While its insights into suggestion and auto-suggestion are profound for believers in mental influence, the casual reader expecting a narrative plot or modern therapeutic techniques may find the repetitive focus on mental discipline tedious. It is a classic for its era, but requires an open mind to appreciate fully.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking to master their internal landscape will find immense value in this guide to the subtle forces shaping thought and reality. It is ideal for those interested in personal empowerment, therapeutic self-improvement, or understanding the mechanics of habit and authority. By revealing how suggestion permeates daily life, Atkinson provides tools for character development and mental clarity. Whether you are a practitioner of New Thought philosophy or simply curious about the mind's hidden mechanisms, this book offers a lucid path to harnessing these powers for positive change and deeper self-awareness.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.7/5
★★★★
If you're fascinated by the power of the mind, seeking to understand the unseen influences on your daily life, or aiming to cultivate greater self-mastery, this book is an essential read. It offers clarity without condescension, guiding you toward profound insights into mental control.

Reader rating

4.6
Based on 1 reviews
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Esoterica Books editorial team

Atkinson’s prose remains remarkably accessible, making complex metaphysical ideas digestible for the general reader. However, those seeking rigorous academic psychology or scientific empirical data will likely find this text lacking in technical depth. It is not suited for skeptics who demand hard evidence over philosophical speculation, nor for readers preferring dense, abstruse occult jargon. While its insights into suggestion and auto-suggestion are profound for believers in mental influence, the casual reader expecting a narrative plot or modern therapeutic techniques may find the repetitive focus on mental discipline tedious. It is a classic for its era, but requires an open mind to appreciate fully.

❓ Frequently asked questions

In this context, 'suggestion' refers to the process by which an idea, thought, or belief is introduced into the mind, often subconsciously, influencing an individual's attitudes, feelings, and behaviors without direct logical argument or conscious command.
While offering a philosophical and descriptive framework for understanding suggestion, Atkinson consistently grounds his explanations with examples. It's more of an insightful study revealing the 'how' and 'why,' which then empowers the reader to apply these principles practically.

📖 Who should read this

If you're fascinated by the power of the mind, seeking to understand the unseen influences on your daily life, or aiming to cultivate greater self-mastery, this book is an essential read. It offers clarity without condescension, guiding you toward profound insights into mental control.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

The Nature of Influence

Atkinson delves into the core mechanics of how ideas are transmitted and absorbed, often without conscious awareness. He illustrates suggestion not merely as a direct command but as a subtle, pervasive energy that shapes our perceptions, beliefs, and subsequent actions. Understanding this foundational principle is key to mastering one's mental landscape.

Forms of Persuasion

The book meticulously categorizes the various channels through which suggestion operates. From the compelling force of an authoritative voice to the ingrained patterns of habit, and the unconscious mimicry of imitation, Atkinson provides a comprehensive overview. He also highlights how one's own character can become a powerful source of self-suggestion.

Mind-Body Wellness

Beyond theoretical exploration, Atkinson outlines the practical, transformative potential of suggestion for healing and self-improvement. He presents it as a tool for cultivating positive mental states, overcoming challenges, and fostering robust character. This aspect bridges the philosophical discussion with tangible benefits for personal development.

💬 Quotes from the book

“Observe the multitude: how readily they adopt the prevailing current of thought, often without conscious deliberation. This subtle, pervasive force is suggestion at work, shaping societies as surely as it shapes individual will.”

“The master of auto-suggestion learns that the mind, like a fertile garden, will yield whatsoever seeds are sown. Plant thoughts of vigor, and vigor shall blossom; sow doubt, and barrenness will follow.”

📜 Historical context

Published during the heyday of the New Thought movement, Atkinson's work stands as a foundational text. It contributed significantly to popularizing the idea that mental states profoundly influence reality, aligning with contemporaries who emphasized positive thinking and self-healing. His prolific output under various pseudonyms made these esoteric ideas accessible to a wide audience.

📚 Glossary

Suggestion
Auto-Suggestion
New Thought

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. Reflect on a recent instance where you believe you were influenced by suggestion. What was the source, and how did it affect you?
  2. Consider an area of your life where you desire change. How might you apply the principles of auto-suggestion to foster that transformation?
  3. How can a deeper understanding of suggestion help you discern and protect yourself from unhelpful external influences in your daily environment?

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