VII

CONTROLLING THE MIND

People say: "One can't help one's thoughts." But one can. The
control of the thinking machine is perfectly possible. And since
nothing whatever happens to us outside our own brain; since nothing
hurts us or gives us pleasure except within the brain, the supreme
importance of being able to control what goes on in that mysterious
brain is patent. This idea is one of the oldest platitudes, but it
is a platitude whose profound truth and urgency most people live and
die without realising. People complain of the lack of power to
concentrate, not witting that they may acquire the power, if they
choose.

And without the power to concentrate--that is to say, without the
power to dictate to the brain its task and to ensure obedience--true
life is impossible. Mind control is the first element of a full
existence.

Hence, it seems to me, the first business of the day should be to
put the mind through its paces. You look after your body, inside
and out; you run grave danger in hacking hairs off your skin; you
employ a whole army of individuals, from the milkman to the pig-
killer, to enable you to bribe your stomach into decent behaviour.
Why not devote a little attention to the far more delicate machinery
of the mind, especially as you will require no extraneous aid? It
is for this portion of the art and craft of living that I have