How to Control the mind
People say: "one can't help
a thought." But one can, Control of the thinking machine is entirely
possible. And since there is nothing that happens to us outside of our own
brain, there is nothing that hurts us, and nothing that gives us pleasure
except in the brain, this idea is one of the oldest clichés. Its profound truth
and urgency that most people live and die without realizing it. People complain
about the lack of power to concentrate, not witting that they might gain power
if they choose.
And without the power to
concentrate, it directs its work to the brain, and without the power to ensure
obedience, true life is impossible. Mind control is the first element of a
complete existence.
Therefore, it seems to me, the
first business of the day should be to put the heart through its paces. Adopt a
whole army of individuals, from milking to pig killer, to allow you to bribe
your stomach into a decent behavior. Why pay little attention to the much more
delicate machinery of the mind, especially as you would not need any extra
help? It was this time of art and technology of living that I reserved the time
of arriving at your office from the moment of quitting your door.
What? Should I cultivate my mind
again on streets, on platforms, on trains, and on crowded streets?" That's
right, nothing is easier! No tools needed! Not even a book nevertheless, the
case is not easy.
When you leave your home,
concentrate your mind on the subject (no matter what, in the first place). You
will have gone 10 yards before your mind is skipped under your very eyes and
you will be larking around the corner with a different subject.
Try to restore it with pain in
the neck. Ere you have reached the station you would have it back about 40 times.
Do not despair. Continue with that. You will succeed. If you persevere, you
will not be able to defeat by any chance. Do not be lazy to pretend that your
heart can not concentrate. Do you remember that morning when you received a
disturbing letter that demanded a very carefully expressed answer? How, without
a second break, kept your mind steady on the subject of the answer until you
reach your office. It was the case when you were aroused by circumstances to
such a degree of vitality that you were able to dominate your mind like a
tyrant. You will not be trifled with. You claimed that the work should be done,
and that work was done.
By regular practice of
concentration (as if there is no secret-save the secret of patience), you can
every hour of the day (not the best part of you) your exercise is a very useful
thing. If you get into your morning train with a pair of dumbbells for your
muscles and Encyclopedia in 10 volumes for your learning, you'll probably be
able to walk down the street, or sit in the corner of a compartment behind a
pipe and see what's going on. Or laugh at what asinine boor that you are
engaged in the most important of the daily acts?
As long as you're focused, I
don't care that what about you're focused. It is only a training of thinking
machines that count. But still, you can focus on something useful, killing 2
birds with 1 stone as well. I suggest-it's just a suggestion-a small chapter of
Marcus Aurelius or Epictetus.
It is not, back, the name that
was given in the embarrassment has been used. For myself, I read a chapter also
more "real" to ordinary common sense, which applies to the everyday
life of ordinary people like you and me (dislike, pause, nonsense) than Marcus
Aurelius or Epictetus—and they are chapters, so short! In the evening, concentrate
on it the next morning. You will see.
Yes, my friend, it's useless for
you to try to hide the facts. I can hear your brain like a phone in my ear. You
are saying to yourself: "this man was doing quite well until his seventh
chapter. He began to interest me faintly. But he says about thinking on the
train, and as a concentration, is not for me. It may be enough for some people,
but it's not my line.”
It's for you, I repeat
passionately. Sure, you're the very guy I'm aiming for.
Throw away suggestions and you'll
throw away the most valuable suggestions ever offered to you. That's not my
suggestion. It is the proposal of the wisest, pragmatic, hardened men who
walked the Earth. I'll just give it to you with a second hand. Get your mind in
hand dare to do. And see how this process cures half of life's evil.




