Emile Coue: Self-Mastery

Dec 11

Emile Coue’s Self-Mastery

From Emile Coue’s Self-Mastery (direct .pdf download):

If we compare the conscious with the unconscious self we see that the conscious self is often possessed of a very reliable memory while the unconscious self on the contrary is provided
with a marvelous and impeccable memory which registers without our knowledge the smallest events, the least important acts of our existence.

Further, it is credulous and accepts with unreasoning docility what we tell it. And since it is the unconscious that is responsible for the functioning of all our organs by the intermediary of the
brain, a result is produced which may seem rather paradoxical to you: that is, if it believes that a certain organ functions well or ill or that we feel such and such an impression, the organ in question does indeed function well or ill, or we do feel that impression.

Not only does the unconscious self preside over the functions of our organism, but also over all our actions whatever they are. It is this that we call imagination, and it is this which,
contrary to accepted opinion, always makes us act even, and above all, against our will when there is antagonism between these two forces.

What conclusion is to be drawn from all this?

The conclusion is very simple and can be expressed in a few words: We possess within us a force of incalculable power, which, when we handle it unconsciously is often prejudicial to
us. If on the contrary we direct it in a conscious and wise manner, it gives us the mastery of ourselves and allows us not only to escape and to aid others to escape, from physical and
mental ills, but also to live in relative happiness, whatever the conditions in which we may find ourselves. Lastly, and above all, it should be applied to the moral regeneration of those who have wandered from the right path.