Mind and Body

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Mind and Body

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

William Walker Atkinson explores the profound interconnection between mental states and physical health, arguing that the subconscious mind governs involuntary bodily functions. This early-20th-century text offers practical insights into using thought, suggestion, and faith to influence physical well-being, bridging the gap between psychology and physiology.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'Mind and Body,' William Walker Atkinson challenges the conventional separation of mind and matter, arguing that they are two aspects of a single reality. Drawing on the 'New Psychology,' Atkinson posits that the Subconscious Mind governs all involuntary physiological processes, from digestion to circulation, and is highly amenable to suggestion. He traces the history of psycho-therapy, highlighting figures like Phineas Parkhurst Quimby, who discovered that disease often stems from erroneous thinking. Atkinson details how faith cures, placebos, and the power of imagination can effect genuine healing by altering mental states, which in turn react upon the physical organism. He illustrates the reciprocal relationship: depressing thoughts cause physical decline, while physical ailments like poor circulation or organ dysfunction impair mental clarity and mood. The book serves as a comprehensive guide to 'suggestive therapeutics,' urging readers to cultivate a healthy mind to maintain a healthy body. By examining historical healers, religious movements, and physiological principles, Atkinson concludes that true health requires a balanced approach that respects both the psychological and physical dimensions of life. He critiques both radical materialism, which views the body as the sole reality, and extreme mentalism, which ignores the body, advocating instead for a synthesis where mind is the inner essence and body the outward manifestation. Atkinson emphasizes that the Subconscious Mind extends to every cell and organ, making the entire physical economy a result of mental action. He cites historical examples, such as the placebo effect and the work of 'Divine Healers' like John Alexander Dowie, to demonstrate that cures are often based on the underlying principle of mental suggestion rather than specific religious dogmas. Furthermore, he explains how physical conditions, such as poor nutrition or sluggish organs, directly degrade mental faculties like memory and reasoning, creating a cycle of decline. Ultimately, Atkinson presents a timeless framework for understanding the unity of the human experience, asserting that any effective therapeutic system must address both the mental and physical phases of existence to achieve true well-being.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/william-walker-atkinson_mind-and-body.epub

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Categories

• Psychology
• Philosophy
• Self-Help