DYNAMIC THOUGHT/PART 11
CHAPTER XI
THE THEORY OF DYNAMIC THOUGHT
FROM
the preceding chapters we have learned that:
(1)
The forms of Force or Radiant Energy, known as Light, Heat, Magnetism and
Electricity, are "Modes of Motion," arising from the Original Motion
of the Particles of Substance (Molecules, Atoms, Corpuscles or Electrons). And
that such Original Motion of the Particles arises from the Operation of The Law
of Attraction;
(2)
That the forms of Attractive Force or Energy, known as Gravitation, Cohesion,
Adhesion, Atomic Attraction, Chemical Affinity or Chemism, and Corpuscular
Attraction, also arise from the operation of the Law of Attraction;
(3)
That, from the above, it follows that: All Manifestations of Force and Energy
in Inorganic Substance (viz., both Radiant Energy in its forms of Light,
Heat, Magnetism, Electricity, etc.; and also Attractive Energy in its forms of
Gravitation, Cohesion, Adhesion, Chemical Affinity or Atomic Attraction
and Corpuscular Attraction) arise from the operation of the Law of Attraction.
It
will be well to remember that the fact that some of the above forms of Radiant
Force or Energy, such as Heat, Light, Magnetism and Electricity, may arise from
Motion transmitted from other Substance, does not alter the matter. For if they
arise from "waves" from some other Substance, it merely follows that
the Original Motion that gave rise to the "waves" arose from the
operation of the Law of Attraction. Or, if they arise from "interrupted
Motion," it merely follows that the Motion that is interrupted may be
traced back to Original Motion that arose from the operation of the Law of
Attraction. So that all Mechanical Power, and all the forms of Energy or Force
producing the same (omitting for the moment the forms of Energy or Force of
"Living Organisms," which will be described later on) arise from the
operation of the Law of Attraction.
Now,
for the next step. We have seen that the operation of the Law of Attraction
results from Vital-Mental Action on the part of the Life and Mind Principle
inherent in the nature of the Particles of Substance. Consequently, all forms
of Energy and Force arising from the operation of The Law of
Attraction—the latter being the result of Vital-Mental Action—then it follows
that:
All
forms of Energy and Force having its origin in the Law of Attraction are
manifestations of Vital-Mental Action.
But
this is not all—for we have not considered the Energy and Force abiding in, and
manifested by, what are called "Living Organisms," such as human,
animal and plant life, which are manifested by the physical organisms or
"bodies" of man, animal and plant. In order to avoid a long
digression into the realms of biology, we will omit all but a passing reference
to the theories that seek to identify the action of the cells of organic life
with those of the particles of inorganic life—for remember, that Organic
Substance has its Molecules, Atoms and Corpuscles, as well as its higher
combinations known as "Cells"—and we will seek the ultimate source of
all forms of Force and Energy, exhibited by "Organic Life," in that
which lies back of "Physical Action." We need no argument here—for
all will readily recognize that behind the physical action of man, animal and
plant, lies Life and Mind, and that therefore all Force and Energy arising from
such action must be manifestations of Vital-Mental Action.
And
so, summing up our conclusions regarding Force and Energy and Motion in
Inorganic Substance—and then in Organic Substance—we arrive at an understanding
of the Basic Proposition of the Theory of Dynamic Thought, which is as follows:
Basic Proposition.—That
All forms and exhibition of Force, Energy, Motion and Power are manifestations
of Vital-Mental Action. And that, consequently, at the last there is no Force
but Vital-Mental Force; no Energy but Vital-Mental Energy; no Motion but
Vital-Mental Motion; no Power but Vital-Mental Power.
It
is possible that the average reader will fail to recognize the tremendous
importance of the above proposition. It is most revolutionary, and is not only
directly opposed to the Materialistic theory which makes Matter the dominant
factor—the only factor, in fact—in Life; but it is also far different from the
opinion of the average person who has been taught to think of "blind
force," "dead matter," "mechanical energy,"
"power of machinery, engines," etc. And yet, you are invited to go
back over the path that leads up to the theory, and test and examine every bit
of the road for weak spots—insecure bridges, etc.—the writer feels that the
work will bear examination. He thinks that he has succeeded not only in
proving that (1) The Universe is Alive and Thinking; and (2) That Mind is
Dominant—but he believes, also, that he has made at least partially
understandable the old occult and metaphysical aphorism that has been heard so
much in these later days—the statement that "All is Mind—Mind is
All."
The
only fact needed now is the proof of the old occult theory that Matter or
Substance blends gradually into Mind, and that in the end it is found to have
its origin there. So far, Science has not given us this proof, but it begins to
look that way, although Science does not dream of what lies at the end of the
road she is travelling. She tells us that she sees Matter melting into Force or
Energy, and that perhaps the Universe may be found to be Energy or Force, at
the last. But she ignores the fact that her investigations have already proven
(to those who know how to combine them) that Mind is back of Force—that all
Force is Mental Force, at the last. And, so, you see it is not so far a cry
from Matter to Mind in these days of the Twentieth Century. The bridge is being
erected by the Materialists, but the Mentalist will be the first to cross over
it.
But
there are many important questions ahead of us for consideration in relation to
the Theory of Dynamic Thought. And we must hasten on to them.
One
of the first questions that must be considered is that of the transmission of
Force, Energy or Motion. Science has told us that Light travels and is
"contagious," that Heat travels and is "contagious," that
Electricity travels and is "contagious," that Magnetism travels and
is "contagious." But is has failed to find evidences of Cohesive
Force, or Adhesive Force, or the Force of Gravitation, or the Force of Chemical
Affinity, or the Force of Corpuscular Affinity, being "contagious,"
and although it recognizes that they must "travel" beyond the limits
of the bodies manifesting them, yet it has hazarded no theory or hypothesis,
worthy of the name, to account for the phenomenon. It informs us that Light,
Heat, Magnetism and Electricity "travel" (via waves of the
"Ether") at the rate of 184,000 miles per second—and that when they
reach their destination the "Ether waves" set up similar vibrations
in the Substance with which they come in contact. The only explanation of the
method or medium of "travel" is the "Aristotle's Ether"
Theory, which, while generally accepted as a working hypothesis, nevertheless,
brings a broad smile to the face of any thoughtful scientist who considers it
in detail. As for the medium of the transmission of Gravitation, Cohesion,
Chemical Affinity and Molecular Affinity, Science is mute. All that she says is
that Gravitation is believed to travel instantaneously over
distances that it takes Light, travelling at the rate of 184,000 miles per
second, over two thousand years to travel. Verily, Gravitation
defies Scientific theories and estimates, and laughs at the "Ether."
Let us see if the Dynamic Thought Theory throws any light on the subject!
The
first step in the solution of the problem of the transferring and communication
of Energy is the remembrance of the fact that the Energy is purely
Mental. Be it Gravitation, Affinity or Attraction, on the one hand—or
Light, Heat, Magnetism or Electricity on the other—it is all Mental Force.
Attraction in all of its forms has been recognized as Mental Action. And the
vibrations that cause Light, Heat, Magnetism and Electricity have been seen to
result from the Law of Attraction, and, therefore, are Mental. This being the
case, would it not be wise for us to look for a solution of the transmission of
Force and Energy in the region from which it originated—the Mental Region?
Does not this seem reasonable? Should not the explanation for Mental Effects be
sought in a Mental Cause? And should not the medium between Mind and Mind
be looked for in the Mental Region?
Taking
the liberty of peeping into some of the succeeding chapters of this
book—getting a little ahead of the story, as it were—let us consider the
operation of Mind in the higher forms of Life. Without argument, or proof at
this point, let us remember the well-founded statements of fact—and the old
occult teachings as well—that the Mind is not confined to the limits of the
body, but extends as an "Aura" for some distance beyond the physical
form. Let us also remember the phenomena grouped together under the general
subject of "Thought-transference," "Thought-transmission,"
"Telepathy," or (the best term of all) "Telesthesia"
(meaning, literally "far-off sensation"). The writer imagines that he
hears the yell of derision go up at this point from the materialistic
personage, or "man on the street," who has been induced to read this
book by some well meaning friend. "Thought-transference,
Fiddlesticks," we may hear him cry, in imagination. But let this reader
remember—Fiddlesticks, or no Fiddlesticks—that Thought-transmission is a proven
fact—and that thousands of people know it to be so,
absolutely, from their own experience. It is too late in the day for sneers at
the mention of the term.
Well,
then, since Force is Mental, and we are looking for a Mental explanation for
the phenomenon of Transmission of Force, does it not seem natural to consider
Thought-transmission in that connection? Answering a possible objection of some
critical reader, to the effect that before a "sensation" may be
received, the receiver must have "sense-organs"—a very good
objection, but one that is answered by Science itself—let us read on.
Haeckel,
the distinguished scientist, in his endeavor to prove that Man's senses are but
a development of something in inorganic life, has called our attention to the
fact that Molecules, and Atoms, are capable of "receiving" sensations
and "responding" thereto. He makes quite a point of this in his
latest works, and remarks, among many other things showing his positive views
on the subject of "sensation in the inorganic world": "I
cannot imagine the simplest chemical and physical process without attributing
the movements of the material particles to unconscious sensation"; and
again: "The idea of chemical affinity consists in the fact that the
various chemical elements perceive the qualitative differences in other
elements—experience 'pleasure' or 'revulsion' at contact with them, and execute
specific movements on this ground." He also quotes, approvingly,
the remarks of Nageli, who said: "If the molecules possess
something that is related, however distantly, to sensation, it must be
comfortable to be able to follow their attractions and repulsions;
uncomfortable when they are forced to do otherwise." Haeckel also says
that in his opinion the sensations in animal and plant life are
"connected by a long series of evolutionary stages with the simpler forms
of sensation that we find in the inorganic elements, and that reveal themselves
in chemical affinity." Is not this strong enough? Perhaps we may now
be permitted at least to "assume" that even the Atoms, Molecules and
Corpuscles have "something like sensation."
Some
one may now object that Haeckel speaks of "contact" between the
particles, and that sensation by contact (even in an atom) is far different
from sensation without contact, at a short distance. Quite right, but if the
objector will take the trouble to review the teachings of Science regarding the
relation of the Particles, he will see that the Particles are never
"exactly" in contact, except in moments of collision, which, by
the way, they carefully avoid. The Corpuscles, as we have shown, have "plenty
of room" in which to move about, and they move in orbits around each
other. The Atoms combine, but there is always room between them,
as may be seen by reference to the teachings regarding the "Ether,"
which "fills up the cracks" according to the theory. And the
Molecules also have "plenty of room," as may be seen
by reference to that part of the subject, particularly to the comparison of the
drop of water magnified to the size of the Earth, in which the Molecules would
appear about the size of the original drop with more room between each
than their own size.
In
fact, as we have been shown in a previous chapter, the particles are attracted
only to a certain distance, at which they resist the impulse or attraction and
"stand off" a bit. They will not be forced too near without creating
disturbances, and manifestations of force, and if they are separate beyond a
certain distance the attractive power ceases to operate. But there is
always some room between them, and they bridge over that room and exert and
receive the attractive power in some way. This is true not only of
the particles but of the great bodies, like the Earth and planets, that are
attracted, and attract over great distances. Now for the question: "How do
they exert sense and attractive power over the great comparative
distance—great, comparatively, as well in atom, as in planet and sun?"
Some
one may answer the question closing the last paragraph with the word
"Electricity." Very good—Electricity, like the
"Ether," comes in quite handy when one is forced to explain something
not known. "Electricity," like the "Glacial Period,"
"Aristotle's Ether," "Natural Laws," and
"Suggestion," is a most handy weapon of argument, and often acts as a
preventative to further inquiry and investigation until some sufficiently
irreverent of precedent arises to ask, "But Why and How?" and starts
the ball rolling again.
But
"Electricity" will not answer in this case, for the rate of the
"travel" of Electricity is well known—184,000 miles per second,
which, fast as it is, assumes the crawl of a "slow-freight" when
compared with the "instantaneous" rate of travel of Gravitation. And
then Electricity requires a "medium" and Gravitation does not, and in
many other ways the two are seen to be totally different. And in the case of
the Space between the Atom and Molecule and Corpuscle, it is no more reasonable
to say "Electricity" than it would be to say "Heat" or
"Light"; and "Magnetism" is not available for obvious
reasons. Remember that Electricity, Light and Heat are caused by
Motion resulting from Attraction, and the child cannot procreate the
parent. Heat, Light and Electricity may beget each other (and they
do). And Gravitation may procreate Heat, Light and Electricity. But Heat,
Light and Electricity cannot procreate Gravitation—Never! And
Light, Heat and Electricity require replenishing from the common source of
Energy, but Gravitation is self-sufficient and asks no replenishing or
storage-battery or power-house. Electricity, Heat and Light come and go,
appearing, manifesting and disappearing, swallowed up by each other, or by
Substance. But Gravitation is always
there—unchangeable—unwavering—immutable—invariable—Something above Matter and
Force—something majestic, awe-inspiring, sublime! Does it take a wild flight of
the imagination to see that this Something, that is not Matter, and nor
Force, must be a manifestation of Mind?
Let
us first apply this idea of Thought-transference to the operation of the Law of
Attraction between the Corpuscles, Atoms and Molecules of Substance—the
Particles of Substance. The particles are believed to move to or away from each
other in accordance with the workings of Attraction and Affinity, in its
various degrees. First they must desire to move—not Desire in
the developed sense that we feel it, but still elementary "feeling,"
or "inclination," or "tendency"—call it what you will, but
it remains rudimentary Mental Emotion—an E-motion leading to Motion. (This is
not a pun—look up the meaning of the word Emotion and you will see its application.)
Then,
following the Desire, comes the action in the direction of gratifying it. The
Particles act to gratify Desire in two ways—acting at a "distance,"
remember—they exert the Attractive Force, which the writer believes to be
Mental Force, transmitted by Mind, projection, a mental or psychic
bond or connection being thus established. By means of this bond of Mind, the
Particle endeavors to (1) draw itself to the object; and (2) to draw the object
toward itself. In the case of the Molecule, this Desire and Movement seems to
be mutual, and evidenced by and to all Molecules alike, providing they
be within Molecular Distance, as Science calls it. But in the case of the
Atoms, it seems to be different—for there is found a greater degree of
"choice," or "elective affinity." This "election"
or "choice" is not altogether free, but depends upon the relative
likes and dislikes of certain "kinds" of elements, as we have seen in
previous chapters, although, to be sure, these Elements are all made out of the
same "stuff" in different combinations.
The
details of Corpuscular Attraction are not known, so it cannot be told whether
"preferences" exist, or whether (in the words of the street) all
Corpuscles "look alike" to each other. It would appear, however, that
there must be some reasons for preference, among the Corpuscles, else they
would always form in the same combinations—always act alike to each other, as
they are alike in other actions—and thus there would be but one Element
or kind of Atom, formed, instead of the seventy-five, already
known. To be sure, in this case, it might be that the one kind
of Atom formed would be the Atom of Hydrogen, and that all other Elements, or
Atoms, were modifications of that one—just proving the dream of the Scientists
of the Nineteenth Century. But, as Kipling would say, "that is another
story."
To
return to the Particle which we left trying to draw the other Particle to
itself, and itself toward the other. There is no material connection
between them (and Electricity and Magnetism will not answer), so what is to be
done? Evidently the Particle knows, for it exerts a "drawing"
power or force by means of the Mental-connection, and two come together.
The Particle evidently is able to exert a repelling or "moving away"
power by reversing the process, the Mental-bond acting as the medium. This may
cause a smile, because we have never seen an instance of bodies pulling
themselves together by intangible "bonds." Haven't we? Then
how about two pieces of magnetised steel, or two electrified substances? Oh,
that's different, you say. Why, different? Isn't the
bond intangible? And, haven't we seen that both Electricity and Magnetism
were Mental Actions also? Oh,—er—but well,—oh yes, that's it—perhaps
the Attracting Force is Magnetism or Electricity. No, that will not do, for we
have seen that Electricity and Magnetism were products of this
Attraction, not producers of it—the Attraction must come before Electricity
and Magnetism, not after them—you are mixing Cause and Effect.
And, even if you were right—and you cannot be—wouldn't the Electrical or
Magnetic Force be called into operation, and directed by the Mental
Action, arising from the Desire? You cannot get away from Mental Action
when you study the Law of Attraction.
"But,
how about the fact that Heat causes the Particles to change their vibrations,
and draw apart, and all that sort of thing—and Electricity, likewise?" you
may ask. "Surely this takes the matter away from Mental Action, doesn't
it?" Well, the writer thinks that the phenomenon referred to only helps to
prove his theory. And he will endeavor to so prove to you.
The
consideration of the facts related in this chapter, leads us to a supplemental
proposition to our Basic Proposition, which may be stated as follows:
Supplemental Proposition I.—Not
only is the Law of Attraction the manifestation of a Mental Process, or
Vital-Mental Action; but also the actual Force or Energy used in bringing the
Particles of Substance in closer relation, in accordance with that Law, is in its
nature a Vital Mental Force or Energy, operating between bodies or particles of
Substance, without a material medium.
Comments
Post a Comment