So, our study of the body as the instrument of the mind has brought us to the same conclusion as did our study of the mind in its relations to the body.
Looked at from the practical science standpoint, the evidences that mental activity can and does produce bodily effects are so clear and numerous as to admit of no dispute.
The world has been slow to acknowledge the mastery of mind over body.
This is because the world long persisted in looking at the question from the point of view of the philosopher and religionist. It is because the thought of the world has been hampered by its own definitions of terms.
The spiritualist has been so busy in the pursuit of originating "first"
causes, and the materialist has so emphasized the dependence of mind upon physical conditions, that the world has received with skepticism the a.s.sertion of the influence of mind over body, and in fact doubted the intuitive evidence of its own consciousness.
[Sidenote: The Awakening of Enlightenment]
The distinction between the two points of view has gradually come to be recognized. Today the fact that the mind may act as a "cause" in relationship with the body is a recognized principle of applied science.
The world"s deepest thinkers accept its truth. And the interest of enlightened men and women everywhere is directed toward the mind as an agency of undreamed resource for the cure of functional derangements of the body and for the attainment of the highest degree of bodily efficiency.
In some respects it is unfortunate that you should have been compelled to begin these studies in mental efficiency and self-expression with lessons on the relationship between the mind and the body. There is the danger that you may jump at the conclusion that this course has some reference to "mental healing." Please disabuse your mind of any such mistaken idea.
[Sidenote: The Vital Purpose]
Health is a boon. It is not the greatest boon. Health is not life.
Health is but a means to life. Life is service. Life is achievement.
Health is of value in so far as it contributes to achievement.
Our study of the relation between mind and body at this time has had a deeper, broader and more vital purpose. It is the foundation stone of an educational structure in which we shall show you how the mind may be brought by scientific measures to a certainty and effectiveness of operation far greater than is now common or ordinarily thought possible.
[Sidenote: Your Reservoir of Latent Power]
Remember the two fundamental propositions set forth in this book.
I. _All human achievement comes about through some form of bodily activity._
II. _All bodily activity is caused, controlled and directed by the mind._
The truth of these propositions must now be obvious to you. You must realize that the mind is the one instrument by which it is possible to achieve anything in life. Your next step must be to learn how to use it.
_In succeeding volumes, we shall sound the depths of the reservoir of latent mental power. We shall find the means of tapping its resources.
And so we shall come to give you the master key to achievement and teach you how to use it with confidence and with the positive a.s.surance of success._