Salutatory
The nearer to the practical men keep
The less they deal in vague and abstract things
The less they deal in huge, mysterious words
The mightier is their power.
Thomas L. Harris
Views of other writers - Erroneous theories –
Vegetarianism – Celibacy - Vital Fluid -Deep Breathing - Real
progress made by investigation, not by theories - Existence of
personal magnetism unquestioned - A self-evident truth - Results,
not theories - No pet theories advanced - Accept nothing that you
cannot demonstrate.
"Theories are but mighty soap-bubbles, with which the grown-up
children of science amuse themselves." The majority of writers upon
this subject have devoted nearly all their efforts, as well as their
space, to proving, first, that Personal Magnetism really existed;
and, secondly, that the phenomenon was best accounted for by some
pet theory of their own. Some attribute the power of influencing men
to the use of a vegetarian diet, notwithstanding the fact that some
of the most "magnetic" individuals "make graveyards of their
stomachs." Others insist that in celibacy and abstinence from sexual
intercourse may be found the secret, notwithstanding the fact that
the majority of "magnetic" individuals do not differ in their sexual
customs from their less magnetic brothers. Others hold that the
"magnetic" force abounds in the air around us to absorb great
quantities of the vital fluid, charging ourselves with force in the
manner of the storage battery. And so on, each with his little pet
theory.
Now, I have no fault to find with the systems above mentioned.
Although not leading a life of celibacy, I see much good in the
doctrine of continence, and there can be no two opinions as to the
merits of chastity; whilst not accepting the theory of the
absorption of "magnetic force" from the earth's atmosphere, I am a
firm advocate of, and believer in, "deep breathing, " and believe
that if the same was universally practiced much sickness and
physical weakness would disappear from the earth. All these things
are good, but a little reflection will show anyone that they are not
the prime factors in the production of the quality known as
"Personal Magnetism." The writers on the subject usually conclude by
telling their readers of the wonderful possibilities open to anyone
who can acquire this power and learn how to use it. They, however,
say little or nothing of how this force may be acquired, that is
beyond stating their theories. They deliver discourses - but do not
instruct.
They are preachers - not teachers. They dwell upon theories - and
neglect facts.
The real progress in this branch of scientific research has been
made, not by writers or theorists, but by a few earnest
investigators who have conducted numberless experiments, and have
explored every avenue of information, and who have brought this
wonderful subject out of the realms of mere speculation and placed
it upon a scientific basis.
The writer has been a close student and investigator of this
subject for many years, and the present work is an attempt to give
to his students some of the fundamental principles derived from the
investigations and practical experiments of himself and his
co-workers in this field. Our lessons, therefore, will be confined,
so far as is possible, to statements of proven facts, and practical
instruction, touching upon theory only when absolutely necessary.
In my opinion, I would insult your intelligence if I were to
present to you an elaborate argument, the purpose of which would be
an attempt to prove the existence of that wonderful force, latent in
man, developed by the few, but possible of acquirement by all; that
mysterious quality called, for want of a better name - Personal
Magnetism.
To set out to prove its existence, would be akin to an attempt to
convince the average intelligent man of the fact that the magnet
influences the needle; that the X-rays penetrate the body of man or
still more solid object; that a message be conveyed by electricity,
along a beam of light, or even by wireless telegraphy, through the
air without the need of any other medium. Every intelligent person
is aware of the existence of the above-mentioned phenomena, and does
not need to have the same demonstrated to him. If he is interested
in the subject at all, he wishes to be taught how to permeate these
forces, so that he may be able to reproduce the experiments himself.
This is equally true of the student of Personal Magnetism. He has
long since learned that such a force exists. He sees it around him
everyday, and knows of the wonders that are accomplished by its aid.
He, possibly, is aware that he has developed the force to a certain
degree, and what he wants, in any event, is to become acquainted
with the means whereby he can fully develop and intelligently use
the force latent within him. I therefore shall make no attempt to
demonstrate the existence of the force, believing it to be
self-evident.
I also intend to avoid a tiresome discussion of the numerous
theories, which have been advanced to account for the phenomenon
theories, which have been advanced to account for the phenomenon of
Personal Magnetism. I have no pet theory to advance. I will endeavor
to teach you how to obtain results, and you can then read up on the
subject of theories, or possibly formulate a new theory of your own.
I will state briefly my own conception of the cause underlying the
phenomena alluded to in this work, but I shall not attempt to force
my views upon you. You are at liberty to accept or reject any
theory, as the result in no way depends upon any special form of
belief. Many of those who have obtained the best results, have
discarded one theory after another, and now say that they do not
attempt to explain the real cause underlying the results, being
content to work on, without a dogmatic theory, so long as they know
how to obtain the results. With this explanation, I will leave the
land of theory and enter into the realm of practice, and will
endeavor to so instruct you along the lines of the development and
use of this mighty force, that you may reproduce the results already
obtained by others, and perhaps may become investigators and leaders
in the work of blazing the way through the woods of superstition and
mystery with which the subject has been surrounded so long. I will
ask you to accept nothing that you cannot prove.
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