Dr. Norbert Wiener, who pioneered in the development
of goal-seeking mechanisms in World War II, believes
that something very similar to the foregoing happens in
the human nervous system whenever you perform any
purposeful activity—even in such a simple goal-seeking
situation as picking up a package of cigarettes from a
table.
We are able to accomplish the goal of picking up the
cigarettes because of an automatic mechanism, and not
by "will" and forebrain thinking alone. All that the forebrain
does is to select the goal, trigger it into action by
desire, and feed information to the automatic mechanism
so that your hand continually corrects its course.
In the first place, said Dr. Wiener, only an anatomist
would know all the muscles involved in picking up the
cigarettes. And if you knew, you would not consciously
say to yourself, "I must contract my shoulder muscles to
elevate my arm, now I must contract my triceps to extend
my arm, etc." You just go ahead and pick up the cigarettes,
and are not conscious of issuing orders to individual
muscles, nor of computing just how much contraction
is needed.
When "YOU" select the goal and trigger it into action,
an automatic mechanism takes over. First of all, you have
picked up cigarettes, or performed similar movements before.
Your automatic mechanism has "learned" something
of the correct response needed. Next, your automatic
mechanism uses feedback data furnished to the brain by
your eyes, which tells it "the degree to which the cigarettes
are not picked up." This feedback data enables the
automatic mechanism to continually correct the motion
of your hand, until it is steered to the cigarettes.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
THE TWO GENERAL TYPES OF
SERVO-MECHANISMS
Servo-mechanisms are divided into two general types:
(1) where the target, goal, or "answer" is known, and the
objective is to reach it or accomplish it, and (2) where
the target or "answer" is not known and the objective is
to discover or locate it. The human brain and nervous
system operates in both ways.
An example of the first type is the self-guided torpedo,
or the interceptor missile. The target or goal is known—
an enemy ship or plane. The objective is to reach it. Such
machines must "know" the target they are shooting for.
They must have some sort of propulsion system which
propels them forward in the general direction of the target.
They must be equipped with "sense organs" (radar,
sonar, heat perceptors, etc.) which bring information from
the target. These "sense organs" keep the machine
informed when it is on the correct course (positive feedback)
and when it commits an error and gets off course
(negative feedback). The machine does not react or re
spond to positive feedback. It is doing the correct thing
already and "just keeps on doing what it is doing." There
must be a corrective device, however, which will respond
to negative feedback. When negative feedback informs the
mechanism that it is "off the beam" too far to the right,
the corrective mechanism automatically causes the rudder
to move so that it will steer the machine back to the left.
If it "overcorrects" and heads too far to the left, this mistake
is made known through negative feedback, and the
corrective device moves the rudder so it will steer the
machine back to the right. The torpedo accomplishes its
goal by going forward, making errors, and continually
correcting them. By a series of zigzags it literally "gropes"
its way to the goal.
SERVO-MECHANISMS
Servo-mechanisms are divided into two general types:
(1) where the target, goal, or "answer" is known, and the
objective is to reach it or accomplish it, and (2) where
the target or "answer" is not known and the objective is
to discover or locate it. The human brain and nervous
system operates in both ways.
An example of the first type is the self-guided torpedo,
or the interceptor missile. The target or goal is known—
an enemy ship or plane. The objective is to reach it. Such
machines must "know" the target they are shooting for.
They must have some sort of propulsion system which
propels them forward in the general direction of the target.
They must be equipped with "sense organs" (radar,
sonar, heat perceptors, etc.) which bring information from
the target. These "sense organs" keep the machine
informed when it is on the correct course (positive feedback)
and when it commits an error and gets off course
(negative feedback). The machine does not react or re
spond to positive feedback. It is doing the correct thing
already and "just keeps on doing what it is doing." There
must be a corrective device, however, which will respond
to negative feedback. When negative feedback informs the
mechanism that it is "off the beam" too far to the right,
the corrective mechanism automatically causes the rudder
to move so that it will steer the machine back to the left.
If it "overcorrects" and heads too far to the left, this mistake
is made known through negative feedback, and the
corrective device moves the rudder so it will steer the
machine back to the right. The torpedo accomplishes its
goal by going forward, making errors, and continually
correcting them. By a series of zigzags it literally "gropes"
its way to the goal.
"PSYCHO-CYBERNETICS"—A NEW CONCEPT
OF HOW YOUR BRAIN WORKS
When we conceive of the human brain and nervous
system as a form of servo-mechanism, operating in accordance
with Cybernetic principles, we gain a new insight
into the why and wherefore of human behavior.
I choose to call this new concept "Psycho-Cybernetics":
the principles of Cybernetics as applied to the human
brain.
I must repeat. Psycho-Cybernetics does not say that
man is a machine. Rather, it says that man has a machine
which he uses. Let us examine some of the similarities
between mechanical servo-mechanisms and the human
brain:
OF HOW YOUR BRAIN WORKS
When we conceive of the human brain and nervous
system as a form of servo-mechanism, operating in accordance
with Cybernetic principles, we gain a new insight
into the why and wherefore of human behavior.
I choose to call this new concept "Psycho-Cybernetics":
the principles of Cybernetics as applied to the human
brain.
I must repeat. Psycho-Cybernetics does not say that
man is a machine. Rather, it says that man has a machine
which he uses. Let us examine some of the similarities
between mechanical servo-mechanisms and the human
brain:
HOW YOUR SUCCESS MECHANISM WORKS
"You" are not a machine.
But new discoveries in the science of Cybernetics all
point to the conclusion that your physical brain and nervous
system make up a servo-mechanism which "You"
use, and which operates very much like an electronic computer,
and a mechanical goal-seeking device. Your brain
and nervous system constitute a goal-striving mechanism
which operates automatically to achieve a certain goal,
very much as a self-aiming torpedo or missile seeks out
its target and steers its way to it. Your built-in servomechanism
functions both as a "guidance system" to automatically
steer you in the right direction to achieve certain
goals, or make correct responses to environment, and
also as an "electronic brain" which can function automatically
to solve problems, give you needed answers, and
provide new ideas or "inspirations." In his book The
Computer and the Brain, Dr. John von Newmann says
that the human brain possesses the attributes of both the
analogue and the digital computer.
The word "Cybernetics" comes from a Greek word
which means literally, "the steersman."
Servo-mechanisms are so constructed that they automatically
"steer" their way to a goal, target, or "answer."
"You" are not a machine.
But new discoveries in the science of Cybernetics all
point to the conclusion that your physical brain and nervous
system make up a servo-mechanism which "You"
use, and which operates very much like an electronic computer,
and a mechanical goal-seeking device. Your brain
and nervous system constitute a goal-striving mechanism
which operates automatically to achieve a certain goal,
very much as a self-aiming torpedo or missile seeks out
its target and steers its way to it. Your built-in servomechanism
functions both as a "guidance system" to automatically
steer you in the right direction to achieve certain
goals, or make correct responses to environment, and
also as an "electronic brain" which can function automatically
to solve problems, give you needed answers, and
provide new ideas or "inspirations." In his book The
Computer and the Brain, Dr. John von Newmann says
that the human brain possesses the attributes of both the
analogue and the digital computer.
The word "Cybernetics" comes from a Greek word
which means literally, "the steersman."
Servo-mechanisms are so constructed that they automatically
"steer" their way to a goal, target, or "answer."
Animals cannot select their goals. Their goals (self-preservation
and procreation) are pre-set, so to speak. And
their success mechanism is limited to these built-in goalimages,
which we call "instincts."
Man, on the other hand, has something animals haven't
—Creative Imagination. Thus man of all creatures is more
than a creature, he is also a creator. With his imagination
he can formulate a variety of goals. Man alone can direct
his Success Mechanism by the use of imagination, or
imaging ability.
We often think of "Creative Imagination" as applying
only to poets, inventors, and the like. But imagination is
creative in everything we do. Although they did not understand
why, or how imagination sets our creative mechanism
into action, serious thinkers of all ages, as well as
hard-headed "practical" men, have recognized the fact and
made use of it. "Imagination rules the world," said Napoleon.
"Imagination of all man's faculties is the most
God-like," said Glenn Clark. "The faculty of imagination
is the great spring of human activity, and the principal
source of human improvement . . . Destroy this faculty,
and the condition of man will become as stationary as
that of the brutes," said Dugold Stewart, the famous Scottish
philosopher. "You can imagine your future," says
Henry J. Kaiser, who attributes much of his success in
business to the constructive, positive use of creative
imagination.
and procreation) are pre-set, so to speak. And
their success mechanism is limited to these built-in goalimages,
which we call "instincts."
Man, on the other hand, has something animals haven't
—Creative Imagination. Thus man of all creatures is more
than a creature, he is also a creator. With his imagination
he can formulate a variety of goals. Man alone can direct
his Success Mechanism by the use of imagination, or
imaging ability.
We often think of "Creative Imagination" as applying
only to poets, inventors, and the like. But imagination is
creative in everything we do. Although they did not understand
why, or how imagination sets our creative mechanism
into action, serious thinkers of all ages, as well as
hard-headed "practical" men, have recognized the fact and
made use of it. "Imagination rules the world," said Napoleon.
"Imagination of all man's faculties is the most
God-like," said Glenn Clark. "The faculty of imagination
is the great spring of human activity, and the principal
source of human improvement . . . Destroy this faculty,
and the condition of man will become as stationary as
that of the brutes," said Dugold Stewart, the famous Scottish
philosopher. "You can imagine your future," says
Henry J. Kaiser, who attributes much of his success in
business to the constructive, positive use of creative
imagination.
The Success "Instinct'
A squirrel does not have to be taught how to gather
nuts. Nor does it need to learn that it should store them
for winter. A squirrel born in the spring has never experienced
winter. Yet in the fall of the year it can be observed
busily storing nuts to be eaten during the winter months
when there will be no food to be gathered. A bird does
not need to take lessons in nest-building. Nor does it need
to take courses in navigation. Yet birds do navigate
thousands of miles, sometimes over open sea. They have
no newspapers or TV to give them weather reports, no
books written by explorer or pioneer birds to map out for
them the warm areas of the earth. Nonetheless the bird
"knows" when cold weather is imminent and the exact
location of a warm climate even though it may be thousands
of miles away.
In attempting to explain such things we usually say that
animals have certain "instincts" which guide them. Analyze
all such instincts and you will find they assist the
animal to successfully cope with its environment. In short,
animals have a "success instinct."
We often overlook the fact that man too has a success
instinct, much more marvelous and much more complex
than that of any animal. Our Creator did not short-change
man. On the other hand, man was exceptionally blessed in
this regard.
A squirrel does not have to be taught how to gather
nuts. Nor does it need to learn that it should store them
for winter. A squirrel born in the spring has never experienced
winter. Yet in the fall of the year it can be observed
busily storing nuts to be eaten during the winter months
when there will be no food to be gathered. A bird does
not need to take lessons in nest-building. Nor does it need
to take courses in navigation. Yet birds do navigate
thousands of miles, sometimes over open sea. They have
no newspapers or TV to give them weather reports, no
books written by explorer or pioneer birds to map out for
them the warm areas of the earth. Nonetheless the bird
"knows" when cold weather is imminent and the exact
location of a warm climate even though it may be thousands
of miles away.
In attempting to explain such things we usually say that
animals have certain "instincts" which guide them. Analyze
all such instincts and you will find they assist the
animal to successfully cope with its environment. In short,
animals have a "success instinct."
We often overlook the fact that man too has a success
instinct, much more marvelous and much more complex
than that of any animal. Our Creator did not short-change
man. On the other hand, man was exceptionally blessed in
this regard.
Your Built-in Guidance System
Every living thing has a built-in guidance system or
goal-striving device, put there by its Creator to help it
achieve its goal—which is, in broad terms—to "live." In
the simpler forms of life the goal "to live" simply means
physical survival for both the individual and the species.
The built-in mechanism in animals is limited to finding
food and shelter, avoiding or overcoming enemies and
hazards, and procreation to insure the survival of the
species.
In man, the goal "to live" means more than mere survival.
For an animal to "live" simply means that certain
physical needs must be met. Man has certain emotional
and spiritual needs which animals do not have. Consequently
for man to "live" encompasses more than physical
survival and procreation of the species. It requires certain
emotional and spiritual satisfactions as well. Man's builtin
"Success Mechanism" also is much broader in scope
than an animal's. In addition to helping man avoid or
overcome danger, and the "sexual instinct" which helps
keep the race alive, the Success Mechanism in man can
help him get answers to problems, invent, write poetry,
run a business, sell merchandise, explore new horizons in
science, attain more peace of mind, develop a better personality,
or achieve success in any other activity which is
intimately tied in to his "living" or makes for a fuller life.
goal-striving device, put there by its Creator to help it
achieve its goal—which is, in broad terms—to "live." In
the simpler forms of life the goal "to live" simply means
physical survival for both the individual and the species.
The built-in mechanism in animals is limited to finding
food and shelter, avoiding or overcoming enemies and
hazards, and procreation to insure the survival of the
species.
In man, the goal "to live" means more than mere survival.
For an animal to "live" simply means that certain
physical needs must be met. Man has certain emotional
and spiritual needs which animals do not have. Consequently
for man to "live" encompasses more than physical
survival and procreation of the species. It requires certain
emotional and spiritual satisfactions as well. Man's builtin
"Success Mechanism" also is much broader in scope
than an animal's. In addition to helping man avoid or
overcome danger, and the "sexual instinct" which helps
keep the race alive, the Success Mechanism in man can
help him get answers to problems, invent, write poetry,
run a business, sell merchandise, explore new horizons in
science, attain more peace of mind, develop a better personality,
or achieve success in any other activity which is
intimately tied in to his "living" or makes for a fuller life.
Discovering the Success Mechanism Within You
IT may seem strange, but it is nevertheless true that up
until ten years ago scientists had no idea of just how the
human brain and nervous system worked "purposely" or
to achieve a goal. They knew what happened from having
made long and meticulous observations. But no single
theory of underlying principles tied all these phenomena
together into a concept that made sense. R. W. Gerard,
writing in Scientific Monthly in June, 1946, on the brain
and imagination, stated that it was sad but true that most
of our understanding of the mind would remain as valid
and useful if, for all we knew, the cranium were stuffed
with cotton wadding.
However, when man himself set out to build an "electronic
brain," and to construct goal-striving mechanisms
of his own, he had to discover and utilize certain basic
principles. Having discovered them, these scientists began
to ask themselves: Could this be the way that the human
brain works also? Could it be that in making man, our
Creator provided us with a servo-mechanism more
marvelous and wonderful than any electronic brain or
guidance system ever dreamed of by man, but operating
according to the same basic principles? In the opinion of
famous Cybernetic scientists like Dr. Norbert Wiener, Dr.
John von Newmann, and others, the answer was an unqualified
"yes."
until ten years ago scientists had no idea of just how the
human brain and nervous system worked "purposely" or
to achieve a goal. They knew what happened from having
made long and meticulous observations. But no single
theory of underlying principles tied all these phenomena
together into a concept that made sense. R. W. Gerard,
writing in Scientific Monthly in June, 1946, on the brain
and imagination, stated that it was sad but true that most
of our understanding of the mind would remain as valid
and useful if, for all we knew, the cranium were stuffed
with cotton wadding.
However, when man himself set out to build an "electronic
brain," and to construct goal-striving mechanisms
of his own, he had to discover and utilize certain basic
principles. Having discovered them, these scientists began
to ask themselves: Could this be the way that the human
brain works also? Could it be that in making man, our
Creator provided us with a servo-mechanism more
marvelous and wonderful than any electronic brain or
guidance system ever dreamed of by man, but operating
according to the same basic principles? In the opinion of
famous Cybernetic scientists like Dr. Norbert Wiener, Dr.
John von Newmann, and others, the answer was an unqualified
"yes."
If you can remember, worry, or tie your shoe, you can
succeed.
As you will see later, the method to be used consists of
creative mental picturing, creatively experiencing through
your imagination, and the formation of new automatic
reaction patterns by "acting out" and "acting as if."
I often tell my patients that "If you can remember,
worry, or tie your shoe, you will have no trouble applying
this method." The things you are called upon to do are
simple, but you must practice and "experience." Visualizing,
creative mental picturing, is no more difficult than
what you do when you remember some scene out of the
past, or worry about the future. Acting out new action
patterns is no more difficult than "deciding," then following
through on tying your shoes in a new and different
manner each morning, instead of continuing to tie them
in your old "habitual way," without thought or decision.
succeed.
As you will see later, the method to be used consists of
creative mental picturing, creatively experiencing through
your imagination, and the formation of new automatic
reaction patterns by "acting out" and "acting as if."
I often tell my patients that "If you can remember,
worry, or tie your shoe, you will have no trouble applying
this method." The things you are called upon to do are
simple, but you must practice and "experience." Visualizing,
creative mental picturing, is no more difficult than
what you do when you remember some scene out of the
past, or worry about the future. Acting out new action
patterns is no more difficult than "deciding," then following
through on tying your shoes in a new and different
manner each morning, instead of continuing to tie them
in your old "habitual way," without thought or decision.
The key goal-image is our Self-image.
Our Self-Image prescribes the limits for the accomplishment
of any particular goals. It prescribes the "area of the
possible."
Like any other servo-mechanism, our Creative Mechanism
works upon information and data which we feed
into it (our thoughts, beliefs, interpretations). Through
our attitudes and interpretations of situations, we "describe"
the problem to be worked upon.
If we feed information and data into our Creative
Mechanism to the effect that we ourselves are unworthy,
inferior, undeserving, incapable (a negative self-image)
this data is processed and acted upon as any other data
in giving us the "answer" in the form of objective experience.
Like any other servo-mechanism, our Creative Mechanism
makes use of stored information, or "memory," in
solving current problems and responding to current situations.
Your program for getting more living out of life consists
in first of all, learning something about this Creative
Mechanism, or automatic guidance system within you and
how to use it as a Success Mechanism, rather than as a
Failure Mechanism.
The method itself consists in learning, practicing, and
experiencing, new habits of thinking, imagining, remembering,
and acting in order to (1) develop an adequate
and realistic Self-image, and (2) use your Creative Mechanism
to bring success and happiness in achieving particular
goals.
Our Self-Image prescribes the limits for the accomplishment
of any particular goals. It prescribes the "area of the
possible."
Like any other servo-mechanism, our Creative Mechanism
works upon information and data which we feed
into it (our thoughts, beliefs, interpretations). Through
our attitudes and interpretations of situations, we "describe"
the problem to be worked upon.
If we feed information and data into our Creative
Mechanism to the effect that we ourselves are unworthy,
inferior, undeserving, incapable (a negative self-image)
this data is processed and acted upon as any other data
in giving us the "answer" in the form of objective experience.
Like any other servo-mechanism, our Creative Mechanism
makes use of stored information, or "memory," in
solving current problems and responding to current situations.
Your program for getting more living out of life consists
in first of all, learning something about this Creative
Mechanism, or automatic guidance system within you and
how to use it as a Success Mechanism, rather than as a
Failure Mechanism.
The method itself consists in learning, practicing, and
experiencing, new habits of thinking, imagining, remembering,
and acting in order to (1) develop an adequate
and realistic Self-image, and (2) use your Creative Mechanism
to bring success and happiness in achieving particular
goals.
The key goal-image is our Self-image.
Our Self-Image prescribes the limits for the accomplishment
of any particular goals. It prescribes the "area of the
possible."
Like any other servo-mechanism, our Creative Mechanism
works upon information and data which we feed
into it (our thoughts, beliefs, interpretations). Through
our attitudes and interpretations of situations, we "describe"
the problem to be worked upon.
If we feed information and data into our Creative
Mechanism to the effect that we ourselves are unworthy,
inferior, undeserving, incapable (a negative self-image)
this data is processed and acted upon as any other data
in giving us the "answer" in the form of objective experience.
Like any other servo-mechanism, our Creative Mechanism
makes use of stored information, or "memory," in
solving current problems and responding to current situations.
Your program for getting more living out of life consists
in first of all, learning something about this Creative
Mechanism, or automatic guidance system within you and
how to use it as a Success Mechanism, rather than as a
Failure Mechanism.
The method itself consists in learning, practicing, and
experiencing, new habits of thinking, imagining, remembering,
and acting in order to (1) develop an adequate
and realistic Self-image, and (2) use your Creative Mechanism
to bring success and happiness in achieving particular
goals.
Our Self-Image prescribes the limits for the accomplishment
of any particular goals. It prescribes the "area of the
possible."
Like any other servo-mechanism, our Creative Mechanism
works upon information and data which we feed
into it (our thoughts, beliefs, interpretations). Through
our attitudes and interpretations of situations, we "describe"
the problem to be worked upon.
If we feed information and data into our Creative
Mechanism to the effect that we ourselves are unworthy,
inferior, undeserving, incapable (a negative self-image)
this data is processed and acted upon as any other data
in giving us the "answer" in the form of objective experience.
Like any other servo-mechanism, our Creative Mechanism
makes use of stored information, or "memory," in
solving current problems and responding to current situations.
Your program for getting more living out of life consists
in first of all, learning something about this Creative
Mechanism, or automatic guidance system within you and
how to use it as a Success Mechanism, rather than as a
Failure Mechanism.
The method itself consists in learning, practicing, and
experiencing, new habits of thinking, imagining, remembering,
and acting in order to (1) develop an adequate
and realistic Self-image, and (2) use your Creative Mechanism
to bring success and happiness in achieving particular
goals.
New Scientific Insights into "Subconscious Mind"
The new science of "Cybernetics" has furnished us with
convincing proof that the so-called "subconscious mind"
is not a "mind" at all, but a mechanism—a goal-striving
"servo-mechanism" consisting of the brain and nervous
system, which is used by, and directed by mind. The
latest, and most usable concept is that man does not have
two "minds," but a mind, or consciousness, which "operates"
an automatic, goal-striving machine. This automatic,
goal-striving machine functions very similarly to the way
that electronic servo-mechanisms function, as far as basic
principles are concerned, but it is much more marvelous,
much more complex, than any electronic brain or guided
missile ever conceived by man.
This Creative Mechanism within you is impersonal. It
will work automatically and impersonally to achieve
goals of success and happiness, or unhappiness and failure,
depending upon the goals which you yourself set for
it. Present it with "success goals" and it functions as a
"Success Mechanism." Present it with negative goals, and
it operates just as impersonally, and just as faithfully as a
"Failure Mechanism."
Like any other servo-mechanism, it must have a clearcut
goal, objective, or "problem" to work upon.
The goals that our own Creative Mechanism seeks to
achieve are MENTAL IMAGES, or mental pictures,
which we create by the use of IMAGINATION.
The new science of "Cybernetics" has furnished us with
convincing proof that the so-called "subconscious mind"
is not a "mind" at all, but a mechanism—a goal-striving
"servo-mechanism" consisting of the brain and nervous
system, which is used by, and directed by mind. The
latest, and most usable concept is that man does not have
two "minds," but a mind, or consciousness, which "operates"
an automatic, goal-striving machine. This automatic,
goal-striving machine functions very similarly to the way
that electronic servo-mechanisms function, as far as basic
principles are concerned, but it is much more marvelous,
much more complex, than any electronic brain or guided
missile ever conceived by man.
This Creative Mechanism within you is impersonal. It
will work automatically and impersonally to achieve
goals of success and happiness, or unhappiness and failure,
depending upon the goals which you yourself set for
it. Present it with "success goals" and it functions as a
"Success Mechanism." Present it with negative goals, and
it operates just as impersonally, and just as faithfully as a
"Failure Mechanism."
Like any other servo-mechanism, it must have a clearcut
goal, objective, or "problem" to work upon.
The goals that our own Creative Mechanism seeks to
achieve are MENTAL IMAGES, or mental pictures,
which we create by the use of IMAGINATION.
YOUR PROGRAM FOR BETTER LIVING
In my opinion, psychology during the past 30 years has
become far too pessimistic regarding man and his potentiality
for both change and greatness. Since psychologists
and psychiatrists deal with so-called "abnormal" people,
the literature is almost exclusively taken up with man's
various abnormalities, his tendencies toward self-destruction.
Many people, I am afraid, have read so much of
this type of thing that they have come to regard such
things as hatred, the "destructive insinct," guilt, selfcondemnation,
and all the other negatives as "normal
human behavior." The average person feels awfully weak
and impotent when he thinks of the prospect of pitting
his puny will against these negative forces in human
nature, in order to gain health and happiness. If this were
a true picture of human nature and the human condition,
"self-improvement" would indeed be a rather futile thing.
However, I believe, and the experiences of my many
patients have confirmed the fact, that you do not have to
do the job alone. There is within each one of us a "life
instinct," which is forever working toward health, happiness,
and all that makes for more life for the individual.
This "life instinct" works for you through what I call the
Creative Mechanism, or when used correctly the "Success
Mechanism" built into each human being.
become far too pessimistic regarding man and his potentiality
for both change and greatness. Since psychologists
and psychiatrists deal with so-called "abnormal" people,
the literature is almost exclusively taken up with man's
various abnormalities, his tendencies toward self-destruction.
Many people, I am afraid, have read so much of
this type of thing that they have come to regard such
things as hatred, the "destructive insinct," guilt, selfcondemnation,
and all the other negatives as "normal
human behavior." The average person feels awfully weak
and impotent when he thinks of the prospect of pitting
his puny will against these negative forces in human
nature, in order to gain health and happiness. If this were
a true picture of human nature and the human condition,
"self-improvement" would indeed be a rather futile thing.
However, I believe, and the experiences of my many
patients have confirmed the fact, that you do not have to
do the job alone. There is within each one of us a "life
instinct," which is forever working toward health, happiness,
and all that makes for more life for the individual.
This "life instinct" works for you through what I call the
Creative Mechanism, or when used correctly the "Success
Mechanism" built into each human being.
I Begin a New Career
These observations led me into a new career. Some 15
years ago I became convinced that the people who consult
a plastic surgeon need more than surgery and that
some of them do not need surgery at all. If I were to treat
these people as patients, as a whole person rather than as
merely a nose, ear, mouth, arm or leg, I needed to be in a
position to give them something more. I needed to be able
to show them how to obtain a spiritual face lift, how to
remove emotional scars, how to change their attitudes and
thoughts as well as their physical appearance.
This study has been most rewarding. Today, I am more
convinced than ever that what each of us really wants,
deep down, is more LIFE. Happiness, success, peace of
mind, or whatever your own conception of supreme good
may be, is experienced in its essence as-more life. When
we experience expansive emotions of happiness, self-confidence,
and success, we enjoy more life. And to the degree
that we inhibit our abilities, frustrate our God-given talents,
and allow ourselves to suffer anxiety, fear, self-condemnation
and self-hate, we literally choke off the life
force available to us and turn our back upon the gift
which our Creator has made. To the degree that we deny
the gift of life, we embrace death.
These observations led me into a new career. Some 15
years ago I became convinced that the people who consult
a plastic surgeon need more than surgery and that
some of them do not need surgery at all. If I were to treat
these people as patients, as a whole person rather than as
merely a nose, ear, mouth, arm or leg, I needed to be in a
position to give them something more. I needed to be able
to show them how to obtain a spiritual face lift, how to
remove emotional scars, how to change their attitudes and
thoughts as well as their physical appearance.
This study has been most rewarding. Today, I am more
convinced than ever that what each of us really wants,
deep down, is more LIFE. Happiness, success, peace of
mind, or whatever your own conception of supreme good
may be, is experienced in its essence as-more life. When
we experience expansive emotions of happiness, self-confidence,
and success, we enjoy more life. And to the degree
that we inhibit our abilities, frustrate our God-given talents,
and allow ourselves to suffer anxiety, fear, self-condemnation
and self-hate, we literally choke off the life
force available to us and turn our back upon the gift
which our Creator has made. To the degree that we deny
the gift of life, we embrace death.
The Self-image—the Real Secret
Discovery of the self-image explains all the apparent
discrepancies we have been discussing. It is the common
denominator—the determining factor in all our case histories,
the failures as well as the successes.
The secret is this: To really "live," that is to find life
reasonably satisfying, you must have an adequate and
realistic self image that you can live with. You must find
your self acceptable to "you." You must have a wholesome
self-esteem. You must have a self that you can trust
and believe in. You must have a self that you are not
ashamed to "be," and one that you can feel free to express
creatively, rather than to hide or cover up. You must
have a self that corresponds to reality so that you can
function effectively in a real world. You must know yourself—
both your strengths and your weaknesses and be
honest with yourself concerning both. Your self-image
must be a reasonable approximation of "you," being
neither more than you are, nor less than you are.
When this self-image is intact and secure, you feel
"good." When it is threatened, you feel anxious and insecure.
When it is adequate and one that you can be
wholesomely proud of, you feel self-confident. You feel
free to "be yourself" and to express yourself. You function
at your optimum. When it is an object of shame, you
attempt to hide it rather than express it. Creative expres
sion is blocked. You become hostile and hard to get along
with.
If a scar on the face enhances the self-image (as in the
case of the German duelist), self-esteem and self-confidence
are increased. If a scar on the face detracts from the
self-image (as in the case of the salesman), loss of selfesteem
and self-confidence results.
When a facial disfigurement is corrected by plastic surgery,
dramatic psychologic changes result only if there is
a corresponding correction of the mutilated self-image.
Sometimes the image of a disfigured self persists even after
successful surgery, much the same as the "phantom limb"
may continue to feel pain years after the physical arm or
leg has been amputated.
Discovery of the self-image explains all the apparent
discrepancies we have been discussing. It is the common
denominator—the determining factor in all our case histories,
the failures as well as the successes.
The secret is this: To really "live," that is to find life
reasonably satisfying, you must have an adequate and
realistic self image that you can live with. You must find
your self acceptable to "you." You must have a wholesome
self-esteem. You must have a self that you can trust
and believe in. You must have a self that you are not
ashamed to "be," and one that you can feel free to express
creatively, rather than to hide or cover up. You must
have a self that corresponds to reality so that you can
function effectively in a real world. You must know yourself—
both your strengths and your weaknesses and be
honest with yourself concerning both. Your self-image
must be a reasonable approximation of "you," being
neither more than you are, nor less than you are.
When this self-image is intact and secure, you feel
"good." When it is threatened, you feel anxious and insecure.
When it is adequate and one that you can be
wholesomely proud of, you feel self-confident. You feel
free to "be yourself" and to express yourself. You function
at your optimum. When it is an object of shame, you
attempt to hide it rather than express it. Creative expres
sion is blocked. You become hostile and hard to get along
with.
If a scar on the face enhances the self-image (as in the
case of the German duelist), self-esteem and self-confidence
are increased. If a scar on the face detracts from the
self-image (as in the case of the salesman), loss of selfesteem
and self-confidence results.
When a facial disfigurement is corrected by plastic surgery,
dramatic psychologic changes result only if there is
a corresponding correction of the mutilated self-image.
Sometimes the image of a disfigured self persists even after
successful surgery, much the same as the "phantom limb"
may continue to feel pain years after the physical arm or
leg has been amputated.
Such "imaginary ugliness" is not at all uncommon. A
recent survey of college co-eds showed that 90 per cent
were dissatisfied in some way with their appearance. If
the words "normal" or "average" mean anything at all, it
is obvious that 90 per cent of our population cannot be
"abnormal" or "different" or "defective" in appearance.
Yet, similar surveys have shown that approximately the
same percentage of our general population find some reason
to be ashamed of their body-image.
These people react just as if they suffered an actual disfigurement.
They feel the same shame. They develop the
same fears and anxieties. Their capacity to really "live"
fully is blocked and choked by the same sort of psychologic
roadblocks. Their "scars," though mental and emotional
rather than physical, are just as debilitating.
recent survey of college co-eds showed that 90 per cent
were dissatisfied in some way with their appearance. If
the words "normal" or "average" mean anything at all, it
is obvious that 90 per cent of our population cannot be
"abnormal" or "different" or "defective" in appearance.
Yet, similar surveys have shown that approximately the
same percentage of our general population find some reason
to be ashamed of their body-image.
These people react just as if they suffered an actual disfigurement.
They feel the same shame. They develop the
same fears and anxieties. Their capacity to really "live"
fully is blocked and choked by the same sort of psychologic
roadblocks. Their "scars," though mental and emotional
rather than physical, are just as debilitating.
The Mystery of Imaginary Ugliness
To a person handicapped by a genuine congenital defect,
or suffering from an actual facial disfigurement as a
result of an accident, plastic surgery can indeed seemingly
perform magic. From such cases it would be easy to
theorize that the cure-all for all neuroses, unhappiness,
failure, fear, anxiety and lack of self-confidence would be
wholesale plastic surgery to remove all bodily defects.
However, according to this theory, persons with normal
or acceptable faces should be singularly free from all
psychological handicaps. They should be cheerful, happy,
self-confident, free from anxiety and worry. We know only
too well this is not true.
Nor can such a theory explain the people who visit the
office of a plastic surgeon and demand a "face lift" to
cure a purely imaginary ugliness. There are the 35- or 45-
year-old women who are convinced that they look "old"
even though their appearance is perfectly "normal" and in
many cases unusually attractive.
There are the young girls who are convinced that they
are "ugly" merely because their mouth, nose or bust
measurement does not exactly match that of the currently
reigning movie queen. There are men who believe that
their ears are too big or their noses too long. No ethical
plastic surgeon would even consider operating upon these
people, but unfortunately the quacks, or so-called
"beauty doctors" whom no medical association will admit
to membership, have no such qualms.
or suffering from an actual facial disfigurement as a
result of an accident, plastic surgery can indeed seemingly
perform magic. From such cases it would be easy to
theorize that the cure-all for all neuroses, unhappiness,
failure, fear, anxiety and lack of self-confidence would be
wholesale plastic surgery to remove all bodily defects.
However, according to this theory, persons with normal
or acceptable faces should be singularly free from all
psychological handicaps. They should be cheerful, happy,
self-confident, free from anxiety and worry. We know only
too well this is not true.
Nor can such a theory explain the people who visit the
office of a plastic surgeon and demand a "face lift" to
cure a purely imaginary ugliness. There are the 35- or 45-
year-old women who are convinced that they look "old"
even though their appearance is perfectly "normal" and in
many cases unusually attractive.
There are the young girls who are convinced that they
are "ugly" merely because their mouth, nose or bust
measurement does not exactly match that of the currently
reigning movie queen. There are men who believe that
their ears are too big or their noses too long. No ethical
plastic surgeon would even consider operating upon these
people, but unfortunately the quacks, or so-called
"beauty doctors" whom no medical association will admit
to membership, have no such qualms.
Scars That Bring Pride Instead of Shame
Still another clue in search of the elusive self image was
the fact that not all scars or disfigurements bring shame
and humiliation. When I was a young medical student in
Germany, I saw many another student proudly wearing
his "saber scar" much as an American might wear the
Medal of Honor. The duelists were the elite of college
society and a facial scar was the badge that proved you a
member in good standing. To these boys, the acquisition
of a horrible scar on the cheek had the same psychologic
effect as the eradication of the scar from the cheek of my
salesman patient. In old New Orleans a Creole wore an
eye patch in much the same way. I began to see that a
knife itself held no magical powers. It could be used on
one person to inflict a scar and on another to erase a scar,
with the same psychological results.
the fact that not all scars or disfigurements bring shame
and humiliation. When I was a young medical student in
Germany, I saw many another student proudly wearing
his "saber scar" much as an American might wear the
Medal of Honor. The duelists were the elite of college
society and a facial scar was the badge that proved you a
member in good standing. To these boys, the acquisition
of a horrible scar on the cheek had the same psychologic
effect as the eradication of the scar from the cheek of my
salesman patient. In old New Orleans a Creole wore an
eye patch in much the same way. I began to see that a
knife itself held no magical powers. It could be used on
one person to inflict a scar and on another to erase a scar,
with the same psychological results.
But what about the exceptions who didn't change? The
Duchess who all her life had been terribly shy and selfconscious
because of a tremendous hump in her nose?
Although surgery gave her a classic nose and a face that
was truly beautiful, she still continued to act the part of
the ugly duckling, the unwanted sister who could never
bring herself to look another human being in the eye. If
the scalpel itself was magic, why did it not work on the
Duchess?
Or what about all the others who acquired new faces
but went right on wearing the same old personality? Or
how explain the reaction of those people who insist that
the surgery has made no difference whatsoever in their
appearance? Every plastic surgeon has had this experience
and has probably been as baffled by it as I was. No
matter how drastic the change in appearance may be, there
are certain patients who will insist that "I look just the
same as before—you didn't do a thing." Friends, even
family, may scarcely recognize them, may become enthusiastic
over their newly acquired "beauty," yet the patient
herself insists that she can see only slight or no improvement,
or in fact deny that any change at all has been made.
Comparison of "before" and "after" photographs does
little good, except possibly to arouse hostility. By some
strange mental alchemy the patient will rationalize, "Of
course, I can see that the hump is no longer in my nose
—but my nose still looks just the same," or, "The scar
may not show any more, but it's still there."
Duchess who all her life had been terribly shy and selfconscious
because of a tremendous hump in her nose?
Although surgery gave her a classic nose and a face that
was truly beautiful, she still continued to act the part of
the ugly duckling, the unwanted sister who could never
bring herself to look another human being in the eye. If
the scalpel itself was magic, why did it not work on the
Duchess?
Or what about all the others who acquired new faces
but went right on wearing the same old personality? Or
how explain the reaction of those people who insist that
the surgery has made no difference whatsoever in their
appearance? Every plastic surgeon has had this experience
and has probably been as baffled by it as I was. No
matter how drastic the change in appearance may be, there
are certain patients who will insist that "I look just the
same as before—you didn't do a thing." Friends, even
family, may scarcely recognize them, may become enthusiastic
over their newly acquired "beauty," yet the patient
herself insists that she can see only slight or no improvement,
or in fact deny that any change at all has been made.
Comparison of "before" and "after" photographs does
little good, except possibly to arouse hostility. By some
strange mental alchemy the patient will rationalize, "Of
course, I can see that the hump is no longer in my nose
—but my nose still looks just the same," or, "The scar
may not show any more, but it's still there."
Or consider the salesman who suffered a facial disfigurement
as the result of an automobile accident. Each
morning when he shaved he could see the horrible disfiguring
scar on Ms cheek and the grotesque twist to his
mouth. For the first time in his life he became painfully
self-conscious. He was ashamed of himself and felt that
his appearance must be repulsive to others. The scar became
an obsession with him. He was "different" from other
people. He began to "wonder" what others were thinking
of him. Soon Ms ego was even more mutilated than his
face. He began to lose confidence in himself. He became
bitter and hostile. Soon almost all his attention was
directed toward himself—and his primary goal became
the protection of his ego and the avoidance of situations
which might bring humiliation. It is easy to understand
how the correction of his facial disfigurement and the restoration
of a "normal" face would overnight change this
man's entire attitude and outlook, his feelings about himself,
and result in greater success in his work.
as the result of an automobile accident. Each
morning when he shaved he could see the horrible disfiguring
scar on Ms cheek and the grotesque twist to his
mouth. For the first time in his life he became painfully
self-conscious. He was ashamed of himself and felt that
his appearance must be repulsive to others. The scar became
an obsession with him. He was "different" from other
people. He began to "wonder" what others were thinking
of him. Soon Ms ego was even more mutilated than his
face. He began to lose confidence in himself. He became
bitter and hostile. Soon almost all his attention was
directed toward himself—and his primary goal became
the protection of his ego and the avoidance of situations
which might bring humiliation. It is easy to understand
how the correction of his facial disfigurement and the restoration
of a "normal" face would overnight change this
man's entire attitude and outlook, his feelings about himself,
and result in greater success in his work.
Some twenty years ago I reported many such case histories
in my book New Faces—New Futures. Following
its publication, and similar articles in leading magazines,
I was besieged with questions by criminologists, sociologists
and psychiatrists.
They asked questions that I could not answer. But they
did start me upon a search. Strangely enough, I learned
as much if not more from my failures as from my successes.
It was easy to explain the successes. The boy with the
too-big ears, who had been told that he looked like a
taxi-cab with both doors open. He had been ridiculed all
his life—often cruelly. Association with playmates meant
humiliation and pain. Why shouldn't he avoid social contacts?
Why shouldn't he become afraid of people and
retire into himself? Terribly afraid to express himself in
any way it was no wonder he became known as a moron.
When his ears were corrected, it would seem only natural
that the cause of his embarrassment and humiliation had
been removed and that he should assume a normal role
in life—which he did.
in my book New Faces—New Futures. Following
its publication, and similar articles in leading magazines,
I was besieged with questions by criminologists, sociologists
and psychiatrists.
They asked questions that I could not answer. But they
did start me upon a search. Strangely enough, I learned
as much if not more from my failures as from my successes.
It was easy to explain the successes. The boy with the
too-big ears, who had been told that he looked like a
taxi-cab with both doors open. He had been ridiculed all
his life—often cruelly. Association with playmates meant
humiliation and pain. Why shouldn't he avoid social contacts?
Why shouldn't he become afraid of people and
retire into himself? Terribly afraid to express himself in
any way it was no wonder he became known as a moron.
When his ears were corrected, it would seem only natural
that the cause of his embarrassment and humiliation had
been removed and that he should assume a normal role
in life—which he did.
How a Plastic Surgeon Became Interested in Self-Image Psychology
Offhand, there would seem to be little or no connection
between surgery and psychology. Yet, it was the work of
the plastic surgeon which first hinted at the existence of
the "self image" and raised certain questions which led to
important psychologic knowledge.
When I first began the practice of plastic surgery many
years ago, I was amazed by the dramatic and sudden
changes in character and personality which often resulted
when a facial defect was corrected. Changing the physical
image in many instances appeared to create an entirely
new person. In case after case the scalpel that I held
in my hand became a magic wand that not only transformed
the patient's appearance, but transformed his
whole life. The shy and retiring became bold and courageous.
A "moronic," "stupid" boy changed into an alert,
bright youngster who went on to become an executive with
a prominent firm. A salesman who had lost his touch and
his faith in himself became a model of self confidence.
And perhaps the most startling of all was the habitual
"hardened" criminal who changed almost overnight from
an incorrigible who had never showed any desire to
change, into a model prisoner who won a parole and went
on to assume a responsible role in society.
between surgery and psychology. Yet, it was the work of
the plastic surgeon which first hinted at the existence of
the "self image" and raised certain questions which led to
important psychologic knowledge.
When I first began the practice of plastic surgery many
years ago, I was amazed by the dramatic and sudden
changes in character and personality which often resulted
when a facial defect was corrected. Changing the physical
image in many instances appeared to create an entirely
new person. In case after case the scalpel that I held
in my hand became a magic wand that not only transformed
the patient's appearance, but transformed his
whole life. The shy and retiring became bold and courageous.
A "moronic," "stupid" boy changed into an alert,
bright youngster who went on to become an executive with
a prominent firm. A salesman who had lost his touch and
his faith in himself became a model of self confidence.
And perhaps the most startling of all was the habitual
"hardened" criminal who changed almost overnight from
an incorrigible who had never showed any desire to
change, into a model prisoner who won a parole and went
on to assume a responsible role in society.
The trouble with these students was not that they were
dumb, or lacking in basic aptitudes. The trouble was an
inadequate self-image ("I don't have a mathematical
mind"; "I'm just naturally a poor speller"). They "identified"
with their mistakes and failures. Instead of saying
"I failed that test" (factual and descriptive) they concluded
"I am a failure." Instead of saying "I flunked that
subject" they said "I am a flunk-out." For those who are
interested in learning more of Lecky's work, I recommend
securing a copy of his book: Self Consistency, a Theory
of Personality, The Island Press, New York, N.Y.
Lecky also used the same method to cure students of
such habits as nail biting and stuttering.
My own files contain case histories just as convincing:
the man who was so afraid of strangers that he seldom
ventured out of the house, and who now makes his living
as a public speaker. The salesman who had already prepared
a letter of resignation because he "just wasn't cut
out for selling," and six months later was number one
man on a force of 100 salesmen. The minister who was
considering retirement because "nerves" and the pressure
of preparing a sermon a week were getting him down, and
now delivers an average of three "outside talks" a week
in addition to his weekly sermons and doesn't know he
has a nerve in his body.
dumb, or lacking in basic aptitudes. The trouble was an
inadequate self-image ("I don't have a mathematical
mind"; "I'm just naturally a poor speller"). They "identified"
with their mistakes and failures. Instead of saying
"I failed that test" (factual and descriptive) they concluded
"I am a failure." Instead of saying "I flunked that
subject" they said "I am a flunk-out." For those who are
interested in learning more of Lecky's work, I recommend
securing a copy of his book: Self Consistency, a Theory
of Personality, The Island Press, New York, N.Y.
Lecky also used the same method to cure students of
such habits as nail biting and stuttering.
My own files contain case histories just as convincing:
the man who was so afraid of strangers that he seldom
ventured out of the house, and who now makes his living
as a public speaker. The salesman who had already prepared
a letter of resignation because he "just wasn't cut
out for selling," and six months later was number one
man on a force of 100 salesmen. The minister who was
considering retirement because "nerves" and the pressure
of preparing a sermon a week were getting him down, and
now delivers an average of three "outside talks" a week
in addition to his weekly sermons and doesn't know he
has a nerve in his body.
One of the earliest and most convincing experiments
along this line was conducted by the late Prescott Lecky,
one of the pioneers in self-image psychology. Lecky conceived
of the personality as a "system of ideas," all of
which must seem to be consistent with each other. Ideas
which are inconsistent with the system are rejected, "not
believed," and not acted upon. Ideas which seem to be
consistent with the system are accepted. At the very center
of this system of ideas—the keystone—the base upon
which all else is built, is the individual's "ego ideal," his
"self-image," or his conception of himself. Lecky was a
school teacher and had an opportunity to test his theory
upon thousands of students.
Lecky theorized that if a student had trouble learning a
certain subject, it could be because (from the student's
point of view) it would be inconsistent for him to learn it.
Lecky believed, however, that if you could change the
student's self-conception, which underlies this viewpoint,
his attitude toward the subject would change accordingly.
If the student could be induced to change his self-definition,
his learning ability should also change. This proved
to be the case. One student who misspelled 55 words out
of a hundred and flunked so many subjects that he lost
credit for a year, made a general average of 91 the next
year and became one of the best spellers in school. A boy
who was dropped from one college because of poor
grades, entered Columbia and became a straight "A" student.
A girl who had flunked Latin four times, after three
talks with the school counselor, finished with a grade of
84. A boy who was told by a testing bureau that he had no
aptitude for English, won honorable mention the next
year for a literary prize.
along this line was conducted by the late Prescott Lecky,
one of the pioneers in self-image psychology. Lecky conceived
of the personality as a "system of ideas," all of
which must seem to be consistent with each other. Ideas
which are inconsistent with the system are rejected, "not
believed," and not acted upon. Ideas which seem to be
consistent with the system are accepted. At the very center
of this system of ideas—the keystone—the base upon
which all else is built, is the individual's "ego ideal," his
"self-image," or his conception of himself. Lecky was a
school teacher and had an opportunity to test his theory
upon thousands of students.
Lecky theorized that if a student had trouble learning a
certain subject, it could be because (from the student's
point of view) it would be inconsistent for him to learn it.
Lecky believed, however, that if you could change the
student's self-conception, which underlies this viewpoint,
his attitude toward the subject would change accordingly.
If the student could be induced to change his self-definition,
his learning ability should also change. This proved
to be the case. One student who misspelled 55 words out
of a hundred and flunked so many subjects that he lost
credit for a year, made a general average of 91 the next
year and became one of the best spellers in school. A boy
who was dropped from one college because of poor
grades, entered Columbia and became a straight "A" student.
A girl who had flunked Latin four times, after three
talks with the school counselor, finished with a grade of
84. A boy who was told by a testing bureau that he had no
aptitude for English, won honorable mention the next
year for a literary prize.
The self-image can be changed
The self-image can be changed. Numerous case histories
have shown that one is never too young nor too old
to change his self-image and thereby start to live a new
life.
One of the reasons it has seemed so difficult for a person
to change his habits, his personality, or his way of life,
has been that heretofore nearly all efforts at change have
been directed to the circumference of the self, so to speak,
rather than to the center. Numerous patients have said to
me something like the following: "If you are talking about
'positive thinking,' I've tried that before, and it just doesn't
work for me." However, a little questioning invariably
brings out that these individuals have employed "positive
thinking," or attempted to employ it, either upon particular
external circumstances, or upon some particular
habit or character defect ("I will get that job." "I will be
more calm and relaxed in the future." "This business venture
will turn out right for me," etc.) But they had never
thought to change their thinking of the "self" which was
to accomplish these things.
Jesus warned us about the folly of putting a patch of
new material upon an old garment, or of putting new wine
into old bottles. "Positive thinking" cannot be used effectively
as a patch or a crutch to the same self image. In
fact, it is literally impossible to really think about a particular
situation, as long as you hold a negative concept
of self. And, numerous experiments have shown that once
the concept of self is changed, other things consistent with
the new concept of self, are accomplished easily and without
strain.
have shown that one is never too young nor too old
to change his self-image and thereby start to live a new
life.
One of the reasons it has seemed so difficult for a person
to change his habits, his personality, or his way of life,
has been that heretofore nearly all efforts at change have
been directed to the circumference of the self, so to speak,
rather than to the center. Numerous patients have said to
me something like the following: "If you are talking about
'positive thinking,' I've tried that before, and it just doesn't
work for me." However, a little questioning invariably
brings out that these individuals have employed "positive
thinking," or attempted to employ it, either upon particular
external circumstances, or upon some particular
habit or character defect ("I will get that job." "I will be
more calm and relaxed in the future." "This business venture
will turn out right for me," etc.) But they had never
thought to change their thinking of the "self" which was
to accomplish these things.
Jesus warned us about the folly of putting a patch of
new material upon an old garment, or of putting new wine
into old bottles. "Positive thinking" cannot be used effectively
as a patch or a crutch to the same self image. In
fact, it is literally impossible to really think about a particular
situation, as long as you hold a negative concept
of self. And, numerous experiments have shown that once
the concept of self is changed, other things consistent with
the new concept of self, are accomplished easily and without
strain.
Self-image makes everything about you!
This self-image becomes a golden key to living a better
life because of two important discoveries:
(1) All your actions, feelings, behavior—even your
abilities—are always consistent with this self-image.
In short, you will "act like" the sort of person you conceive
yourself to be. Not only this, but you literally cannot
act otherwise, in spite of all your conscious efforts or
will power. The man who conceives himself to be a "failure-
type person" will find some way to fail, in spite of all
his good intentions, or his will power, even if opportunity
is literally dumped in his lap. The person who conceives
himself to be a victim of injustice, one "who was meant
to suffer," will invariably find circumstances to verify his
opinions.
The self-image is a "premise," a base, or a foundation
upon which your entire personality, your behavior, and
even your circumstances are built. Because of this our ex
periences seem to verify, and thereby strengthen our self
images, and a vicious or a beneficent cycle, as the case
may be, is set up.
For example, a schoolboy who sees himself as an "F"
type student, or one who is "dumb in mathematics," will
invariably find that his report card bears him out. He then
has "proof." A young girl who has an image of herself
as the sort of person nobody likes will find indeed that
she is avoided at the school dance. She literally invites rejection.
Her woe-begone expression, her hang-dog manner,
her over-anxiousness to please, or perhaps her unconscious
hostility towards those she anticipates will
affront her—all act to drive away those whom she would
attract. In the same manner, a salesman or a businessman
will also find that his actual experiences tend to "prove"
his self-image is correct.
Because of this objective "proof" it very seldom occurs
to a person that his trouble lies in his self-image or his
own evaluation of himself. Tell the schoolboy that he only
"thinks" he cannot master algebra, and he will doubt
your sanity. He has tried and tried, and still his report
card tells the story. Tell the salesman that it is only an idea
that he cannot earn more than a certain figure, and he can
prove you wrong by his order book. He knows only too
well how hard he has tried and failed. Yet, as we shall
see later, almost miraculous changes have occurred both
in grades of students, and in the earning capacity of salesmen—
when they were prevailed upon to change their selfimages.
life because of two important discoveries:
(1) All your actions, feelings, behavior—even your
abilities—are always consistent with this self-image.
In short, you will "act like" the sort of person you conceive
yourself to be. Not only this, but you literally cannot
act otherwise, in spite of all your conscious efforts or
will power. The man who conceives himself to be a "failure-
type person" will find some way to fail, in spite of all
his good intentions, or his will power, even if opportunity
is literally dumped in his lap. The person who conceives
himself to be a victim of injustice, one "who was meant
to suffer," will invariably find circumstances to verify his
opinions.
The self-image is a "premise," a base, or a foundation
upon which your entire personality, your behavior, and
even your circumstances are built. Because of this our ex
periences seem to verify, and thereby strengthen our self
images, and a vicious or a beneficent cycle, as the case
may be, is set up.
For example, a schoolboy who sees himself as an "F"
type student, or one who is "dumb in mathematics," will
invariably find that his report card bears him out. He then
has "proof." A young girl who has an image of herself
as the sort of person nobody likes will find indeed that
she is avoided at the school dance. She literally invites rejection.
Her woe-begone expression, her hang-dog manner,
her over-anxiousness to please, or perhaps her unconscious
hostility towards those she anticipates will
affront her—all act to drive away those whom she would
attract. In the same manner, a salesman or a businessman
will also find that his actual experiences tend to "prove"
his self-image is correct.
Because of this objective "proof" it very seldom occurs
to a person that his trouble lies in his self-image or his
own evaluation of himself. Tell the schoolboy that he only
"thinks" he cannot master algebra, and he will doubt
your sanity. He has tried and tried, and still his report
card tells the story. Tell the salesman that it is only an idea
that he cannot earn more than a certain figure, and he can
prove you wrong by his order book. He knows only too
well how hard he has tried and failed. Yet, as we shall
see later, almost miraculous changes have occurred both
in grades of students, and in the earning capacity of salesmen—
when they were prevailed upon to change their selfimages.
Act upon it just as if it were true!
The most important psychologic discovery of this century
is the discovery of the "self-image." Whether we realize
it or not, each of us carries about with us a mental
blueprint or picture of ourselves. It may be vague and
ill-defined to our conscious gaze. In fact, it may not be
consciously recognizable at all. But it is there, complete
down to the last detail. This self-image is our own conception
of the "sort of person I am." It has been built up
from our own beliefs about ourselves. But most of these
beliefs about ourselves have unconsciously been formed
from our past experiences, our successes and failures, our
humiliations, our triumphs, and the way other people have
reacted to us, especially in early childhood. From all these
we mentally construct a "self" (or a picture of a self).
Once an idea or belief about ourselves goes into this picture
it becomes "true," as far as we personally are concerned.
We do not question its validity, but proceed to act upon it just as if it were true.
is the discovery of the "self-image." Whether we realize
it or not, each of us carries about with us a mental
blueprint or picture of ourselves. It may be vague and
ill-defined to our conscious gaze. In fact, it may not be
consciously recognizable at all. But it is there, complete
down to the last detail. This self-image is our own conception
of the "sort of person I am." It has been built up
from our own beliefs about ourselves. But most of these
beliefs about ourselves have unconsciously been formed
from our past experiences, our successes and failures, our
humiliations, our triumphs, and the way other people have
reacted to us, especially in early childhood. From all these
we mentally construct a "self" (or a picture of a self).
Once an idea or belief about ourselves goes into this picture
it becomes "true," as far as we personally are concerned.
We do not question its validity, but proceed to act upon it just as if it were true.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The Self Image: Your Key to a Better Life
DURING the past decade" a revolution has been quietly
going on in the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and
medicine.
New theories and concepts concerning the "self" have
grown out of the work and findings of clinical psychologists,
practicing psychiatrists and cosmetic or so-called
"plastic surgeons." New methods growing out of these
findings have resulted in rather dramatic changes in personality,
health, and apparently even in basic abilities and
talents. Chronic failures have become successful. "F"
students have changed into "straight A" pupils within a
matter of days and with no extra tutoring. Shy, retiring,
inhibited personalities have become happy and outgoing.
Writing in the January, 1959 issue of Cosmopolitan
magazine, T. F. James summarizes the results obtained
by various psychologists and M.D.'s as follows:
"Understanding the psychology of the self can mean the
difference between success and failure, love and hate, bitterness
and happiness. The discovery of the real self can
rescue a crumbling marriage, recreate a faltering career,
transform victims of 'personality failure.' On another
plane, discovering your real self means the difference between
freedom and the compulsions of conformity."
going on in the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and
medicine.
New theories and concepts concerning the "self" have
grown out of the work and findings of clinical psychologists,
practicing psychiatrists and cosmetic or so-called
"plastic surgeons." New methods growing out of these
findings have resulted in rather dramatic changes in personality,
health, and apparently even in basic abilities and
talents. Chronic failures have become successful. "F"
students have changed into "straight A" pupils within a
matter of days and with no extra tutoring. Shy, retiring,
inhibited personalities have become happy and outgoing.
Writing in the January, 1959 issue of Cosmopolitan
magazine, T. F. James summarizes the results obtained
by various psychologists and M.D.'s as follows:
"Understanding the psychology of the self can mean the
difference between success and failure, love and hate, bitterness
and happiness. The discovery of the real self can
rescue a crumbling marriage, recreate a faltering career,
transform victims of 'personality failure.' On another
plane, discovering your real self means the difference between
freedom and the compulsions of conformity."
Monday, January 19, 2009
WHAT IS SUCCESS?
Since I use the words "success" and "successful"
throughout this book, I think it is important at the outset
that I define those terms.
As I use it, "success" has nothing to do with prestige
symbols, but with creative accomplishment. Rightly
speaking no man should attempt to be "a success," but
every man can and should attempt to be "successful."
Trying to be "a success" in terms of acquiring prestige
symbols and wearing certain badges leads to neuroticism,
and frustration and unhappiness. Striving to be "successful"
brings not only material success, but satisfaction, fulfillment
and happiness.
Noah Webster defined success as "the satisfactory
accomplishment of a goal sought for." Creative striving
for a goal that is important to you as a result of your own
deep-felt needs, aspirations and talents (and not the symbols
which the "Joneses" expect you to display) brings
happiness as well as success because you will be functioning
as you were meant to function. Man is by nature a
goal-striving being. And because man is "built that way"
he is not happy unless he is functioning as he was made
to function—as a goal-striver. Thus true success and true
happiness not only go together but each enhances the
other.
RESERVE JUDGMENT FOR 21 DAYS
Do not allow yourself to become discouraged if nothing
seems to happen when you set about practicing the
various techniques outlined in this book for changing
your self-image. Instead reserve judgment—and go on
practicing—for a minimum period of 21 days.
It usually requires a minimum of about 21 days to
effect any perceptible change in a mental image. Following
plastic surgery it takes about 21 days for the average
patient to get used to his new face. When an arm or leg
is amputated the "phantom limb" persists for about 21
days. People must live in a new house for about three
weeks before it begins to "seem like home." These, and
may other commonly observed phenomena tend to show
that it requires a minimum of about 21 days for an old
mental image to dissolve and a new one to jell.
Therefore you will derive more benefit from this book
if you will secure your own consent to reserve critical
judgment for at least three weeks. During this time do not
be continually looking over your shoulder, so to speak,
or trying to measure your progress. During these 21 days
do not argue intellectually with the ideas presented, do
not debate with yourself as to whether they will work or
not. Perform the exercises, even if they seem impractical
to you. Persist in playing your new role, in thinking of
yourself in new terms, even if you seem to yourself to be
somewhat hypocritical in doing so, and even if the new
self-image feels a little uncomfortable or "unnatural."
You can neither prove nor disprove with intellectual
argument the ideas and concepts described in this book,
or simply by talking about them. You can prove them to
yourself by doing them and judging results for yourself.
I am only asking that you reserve critical judgment and
analytical argument for 21 days so that you will give
yourself a fair chance to prove or disprove their validity
in your own life.
The building of an adequate self image is something
that should continue throughout a lifetime. Admittedly
you cannot accomplish a lifetime of growth in three weeks'
time. But, you can experience improvement within three
weeks' time—and sometimes the improvement is quite
dramatic.
seems to happen when you set about practicing the
various techniques outlined in this book for changing
your self-image. Instead reserve judgment—and go on
practicing—for a minimum period of 21 days.
It usually requires a minimum of about 21 days to
effect any perceptible change in a mental image. Following
plastic surgery it takes about 21 days for the average
patient to get used to his new face. When an arm or leg
is amputated the "phantom limb" persists for about 21
days. People must live in a new house for about three
weeks before it begins to "seem like home." These, and
may other commonly observed phenomena tend to show
that it requires a minimum of about 21 days for an old
mental image to dissolve and a new one to jell.
Therefore you will derive more benefit from this book
if you will secure your own consent to reserve critical
judgment for at least three weeks. During this time do not
be continually looking over your shoulder, so to speak,
or trying to measure your progress. During these 21 days
do not argue intellectually with the ideas presented, do
not debate with yourself as to whether they will work or
not. Perform the exercises, even if they seem impractical
to you. Persist in playing your new role, in thinking of
yourself in new terms, even if you seem to yourself to be
somewhat hypocritical in doing so, and even if the new
self-image feels a little uncomfortable or "unnatural."
You can neither prove nor disprove with intellectual
argument the ideas and concepts described in this book,
or simply by talking about them. You can prove them to
yourself by doing them and judging results for yourself.
I am only asking that you reserve critical judgment and
analytical argument for 21 days so that you will give
yourself a fair chance to prove or disprove their validity
in your own life.
The building of an adequate self image is something
that should continue throughout a lifetime. Admittedly
you cannot accomplish a lifetime of growth in three weeks'
time. But, you can experience improvement within three
weeks' time—and sometimes the improvement is quite
dramatic.
THE SECRET OF USING THIS BLOG TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE
This book has been designed not merely to be read but
to be experienced.
You can acquire information from reading a book. But
to "experience" you must creatively respond to information.
Acquiring information itself is passive. Experiencing
is active. When you "experience," something happens inside
your nervous system and your midbrain. New "engrams"
and "neural" patterns are recorded in the gray
matter of your brain.
This book has been designed to force you literally to
"experience." Tailor-made, prefabricated "case histories"
have been kept intentionally to a minimum. Instead, you
are asked to furnish your own "case histories" by exercising
imagination and memory.
I have not supplied "summaries" at the end of each
chapter. Instead, you are asked to jot down the most important
points which appeal to you as key points which
should be remembered. You will digest the information in
this book better if you do your own analysis and summation
of the chapters.
Finally, you will find throughout the book certain
things to do and certain practice exercises which you are
asked to perform. These exercises are simple and easy to
perform, but they must be done regularly if you are to
derive maximum benefit from them.
to be experienced.
You can acquire information from reading a book. But
to "experience" you must creatively respond to information.
Acquiring information itself is passive. Experiencing
is active. When you "experience," something happens inside
your nervous system and your midbrain. New "engrams"
and "neural" patterns are recorded in the gray
matter of your brain.
This book has been designed to force you literally to
"experience." Tailor-made, prefabricated "case histories"
have been kept intentionally to a minimum. Instead, you
are asked to furnish your own "case histories" by exercising
imagination and memory.
I have not supplied "summaries" at the end of each
chapter. Instead, you are asked to jot down the most important
points which appeal to you as key points which
should be remembered. You will digest the information in
this book better if you do your own analysis and summation
of the chapters.
Finally, you will find throughout the book certain
things to do and certain practice exercises which you are
asked to perform. These exercises are simple and easy to
perform, but they must be done regularly if you are to
derive maximum benefit from them.
SYNTHETIC" EXPERIENCE
"Another discovery, this time in the field of experimental
and clinical psychology, enables us to use "experiencing"
as a direct and controlled method of changing the selfimage.
Actual, real-life experience can be a hard and ruthless
teacher. Throw a man in water over his head and the
experience may teach him to swim. The same experience
may cause another man to drown. The Army "makes a
man" out of many young boys. But there is no doubting
that Army experience also makes many psycho-neurotics.
For centuries it has been recognized that "Nothing succeeds
like success." We learn to function successfully by
experiencing success. Memories of past successes act as
built-in "stored information" which gives us self-confi
dence for the present task. But how can a person draw
upon memories of past successful experiences when he has
experienced only failure? His plight is somewhat comparable
to the young man who cannot secure a job because
he has no experience, and cannot acquire experience because
he cannot get a job.
This dilemma was solved by another important discovery
which, for all practical purposes, allows us to synthesize
"experience," to literally create experience, and
control it, in the laboratory of our minds. Experimental
and clinical psychologists have proved beyond a shadow
of a doubt that the human nervous system cannot tell the
difference between an "actual" experience and an experience
imagined vividly and in detail. Although this may
appear to be a rather extravagant statement, in this book
we will examine some controlled laboratory experiments
where this type of "synthetic" experience has been used
in very practical ways to improve skill in dart throwing
and shooting basketball goals. We will see it at work in
the lives of individuals who have used it to improve their
skill in public speaking, overcome fear of the dentist, develop
social poise, develop self-confidence, sell more
goods, become more proficient in chess—and in practically
every other conceivable type of situation where "experience"
is recognized to bring success. We will take a
look at an amazing experiment in which two prominent
doctors arranged things so that neurotics could experience
"normally," and thereby cured them!
Perhaps most important of all, we will learn how
chronically unhappy people have learned to enjoy life by
"experiencing" happiness!
and clinical psychology, enables us to use "experiencing"
as a direct and controlled method of changing the selfimage.
Actual, real-life experience can be a hard and ruthless
teacher. Throw a man in water over his head and the
experience may teach him to swim. The same experience
may cause another man to drown. The Army "makes a
man" out of many young boys. But there is no doubting
that Army experience also makes many psycho-neurotics.
For centuries it has been recognized that "Nothing succeeds
like success." We learn to function successfully by
experiencing success. Memories of past successes act as
built-in "stored information" which gives us self-confi
dence for the present task. But how can a person draw
upon memories of past successful experiences when he has
experienced only failure? His plight is somewhat comparable
to the young man who cannot secure a job because
he has no experience, and cannot acquire experience because
he cannot get a job.
This dilemma was solved by another important discovery
which, for all practical purposes, allows us to synthesize
"experience," to literally create experience, and
control it, in the laboratory of our minds. Experimental
and clinical psychologists have proved beyond a shadow
of a doubt that the human nervous system cannot tell the
difference between an "actual" experience and an experience
imagined vividly and in detail. Although this may
appear to be a rather extravagant statement, in this book
we will examine some controlled laboratory experiments
where this type of "synthetic" experience has been used
in very practical ways to improve skill in dart throwing
and shooting basketball goals. We will see it at work in
the lives of individuals who have used it to improve their
skill in public speaking, overcome fear of the dentist, develop
social poise, develop self-confidence, sell more
goods, become more proficient in chess—and in practically
every other conceivable type of situation where "experience"
is recognized to bring success. We will take a
look at an amazing experiment in which two prominent
doctors arranged things so that neurotics could experience
"normally," and thereby cured them!
Perhaps most important of all, we will learn how
chronically unhappy people have learned to enjoy life by
"experiencing" happiness!
EXPERIENCING IS THE SECRET
The self-image is changed, for better or worse, not by
intellect alone, nor by intellectual knowledge alone, but
by "experiencing." Wittingly or unwittingly you developed
your self-image by your creative experiencing in the
past. You can change it by the same method.
It is not the child who is taught about love but the child
who has experienced love that grows into a healthy,
happy, well-adjusted adult. Our present state of self-confidence
and poise is the result of what we have "experienced"
rather than what we have learned intellectually.
Self-image psychology also bridges the gap and resolves
apparent conflicts between the various therapeutic
methods used today. It furnishes a common denominator
for direct and indirect counselling, clinical psychology,
psychoanalysis, and even auto-suggestion. All in one way
or another use creative experiencing to build a better selfimage.
Regardless of theories, this is what really happens,
for example, in the "therapeutic situation" employed by
the psychoanalytical school: The analyst never criticizes,
disapproves, or moralizes, is never shocked, as the patient
pours out his fears, his shames, his guilt-feelings and his
"bad thoughts." For perhaps the first time in his life the
patient experiences acceptance as a human being; he
"feels" that his self has some worth and dignity, and he
comes to accept himself, and to conceive of his "self" in
new terms.
intellect alone, nor by intellectual knowledge alone, but
by "experiencing." Wittingly or unwittingly you developed
your self-image by your creative experiencing in the
past. You can change it by the same method.
It is not the child who is taught about love but the child
who has experienced love that grows into a healthy,
happy, well-adjusted adult. Our present state of self-confidence
and poise is the result of what we have "experienced"
rather than what we have learned intellectually.
Self-image psychology also bridges the gap and resolves
apparent conflicts between the various therapeutic
methods used today. It furnishes a common denominator
for direct and indirect counselling, clinical psychology,
psychoanalysis, and even auto-suggestion. All in one way
or another use creative experiencing to build a better selfimage.
Regardless of theories, this is what really happens,
for example, in the "therapeutic situation" employed by
the psychoanalytical school: The analyst never criticizes,
disapproves, or moralizes, is never shocked, as the patient
pours out his fears, his shames, his guilt-feelings and his
"bad thoughts." For perhaps the first time in his life the
patient experiences acceptance as a human being; he
"feels" that his self has some worth and dignity, and he
comes to accept himself, and to conceive of his "self" in
new terms.
First words
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
The "self-image" is the key to human personality and
human behavior. Change the self-image and you change
the personality and the behavior.
But mote than this. The "self-image" sets the boundaries
of individual accomplishment. It defines what you
can and cannot do. Expand the self-image and you expand
the "area of the possible." The development of an
adequate, realistic self-image will seem to imbue the individual
with new capabilities, new talents and literally
turn failure into success.
Self-image psychology has not only been proved on its
own merits, but it explains many phenomena which have
long been known but not properly understood in the past.
For example, there is today irrefutable clinical evidence
in the fields of individual psychology, psychosomatic
medicine and industrial psychology that there are "success-
type personalities" and "failure-type personalities,"
"happiness-prone personalities" and "unhappiness-prone
personalities," and "health-prone personalities" and "disease-
prone personalities." Self-image psychology throws
new light on these and many other observable facts of
life. It throws new light on "the power of positive thinking,"
and more importantly, explains why it "works" with
some individuals and not with others. ("Positive thinking"
does indeed "work" when it is consistent with the individual's
self-image. It literally cannot "work" when it is
inconsistent with the self-image—until the self-image itself
has been changed.)
In order to understand self-image psychology, and use
it in your own life, you need to know something of the
mechanism it employs to accomplish its goal. There is an
abundance of scientific evidence which shows that the
human brain and nervous system operate purposefully in
accordance with the known principles of Cybernetics to
accomplish goals of the individual. Insofar as function is
concerned, the brain and nervous system constitute a marvelous
and complex "goal-striving mechanism," a sort of
built-in automatic guidance system which works for you
as a "success mechanism," or against you as a "failure
mechanism," depending on how "YOU," the operator,
operate it and the goals you set for it.
It is also rather ironic that Cybernetics, which began as
a study of machines and mechanical principles, goes far
to restore the dignity of man as a unique, creative being.
Psychology, which began with the study of man's psyche,
or soul, almost ended by depriving man of his soul. The
behaviorist, who understood neither the "man" nor his
machine, and thereby confused the one with the other,
told us that thought is merely the movement of electrons
and consciousness merely a chemical action. "Will" and
"purpose" were myths. Cybernetics, which began with the
study of physical machines, makes no such mistake. The
science of Cybernetics does not tell us that "man" is a
machine but that man has and uses a machine. Moreover,
it tells us how that machine functions and how it can be
used.
The "self-image" is the key to human personality and
human behavior. Change the self-image and you change
the personality and the behavior.
But mote than this. The "self-image" sets the boundaries
of individual accomplishment. It defines what you
can and cannot do. Expand the self-image and you expand
the "area of the possible." The development of an
adequate, realistic self-image will seem to imbue the individual
with new capabilities, new talents and literally
turn failure into success.
Self-image psychology has not only been proved on its
own merits, but it explains many phenomena which have
long been known but not properly understood in the past.
For example, there is today irrefutable clinical evidence
in the fields of individual psychology, psychosomatic
medicine and industrial psychology that there are "success-
type personalities" and "failure-type personalities,"
"happiness-prone personalities" and "unhappiness-prone
personalities," and "health-prone personalities" and "disease-
prone personalities." Self-image psychology throws
new light on these and many other observable facts of
life. It throws new light on "the power of positive thinking,"
and more importantly, explains why it "works" with
some individuals and not with others. ("Positive thinking"
does indeed "work" when it is consistent with the individual's
self-image. It literally cannot "work" when it is
inconsistent with the self-image—until the self-image itself
has been changed.)
In order to understand self-image psychology, and use
it in your own life, you need to know something of the
mechanism it employs to accomplish its goal. There is an
abundance of scientific evidence which shows that the
human brain and nervous system operate purposefully in
accordance with the known principles of Cybernetics to
accomplish goals of the individual. Insofar as function is
concerned, the brain and nervous system constitute a marvelous
and complex "goal-striving mechanism," a sort of
built-in automatic guidance system which works for you
as a "success mechanism," or against you as a "failure
mechanism," depending on how "YOU," the operator,
operate it and the goals you set for it.
It is also rather ironic that Cybernetics, which began as
a study of machines and mechanical principles, goes far
to restore the dignity of man as a unique, creative being.
Psychology, which began with the study of man's psyche,
or soul, almost ended by depriving man of his soul. The
behaviorist, who understood neither the "man" nor his
machine, and thereby confused the one with the other,
told us that thought is merely the movement of electrons
and consciousness merely a chemical action. "Will" and
"purpose" were myths. Cybernetics, which began with the
study of physical machines, makes no such mistake. The
science of Cybernetics does not tell us that "man" is a
machine but that man has and uses a machine. Moreover,
it tells us how that machine functions and how it can be
used.
Start
1. The Self Image-Your Key to a Better Life
2. Discovering the Success Mechanism Within You
3. Imagination—The First Key to Your Success Mechanism
4. Dehypnotize Yourself from False Beliefs
5. How to Utilize the Power of Rational Thinking
6. Relax and Let Your Success Mechanism Work for You
7. You Can Acquire the Habit of Happiness
8. Ingredients of the Success-Type Personality and How to Acquire Them
9. The Failure Mechanism—How to Make it Work for You, Instead of Against You
10. How to Remove Emotional Scars and Give Yourself "An Emotional Face Lift"
11. How to Unlock Your Real Personality
12. Do-It-Yourself Tranquilizers That Bring Peace of Mind
13. How to Turn a Crisis into a Creative Opportunity
14. How to Get "That Winning Feeling"
15. More Years of Life and More Life in Your Years
2. Discovering the Success Mechanism Within You
3. Imagination—The First Key to Your Success Mechanism
4. Dehypnotize Yourself from False Beliefs
5. How to Utilize the Power of Rational Thinking
6. Relax and Let Your Success Mechanism Work for You
7. You Can Acquire the Habit of Happiness
8. Ingredients of the Success-Type Personality and How to Acquire Them
9. The Failure Mechanism—How to Make it Work for You, Instead of Against You
10. How to Remove Emotional Scars and Give Yourself "An Emotional Face Lift"
11. How to Unlock Your Real Personality
12. Do-It-Yourself Tranquilizers That Bring Peace of Mind
13. How to Turn a Crisis into a Creative Opportunity
14. How to Get "That Winning Feeling"
15. More Years of Life and More Life in Your Years
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