MIND POWER THE SECRET OF MENTAL MAGIC/PART 7
Chapter 7.
Desire And Will In Fable
I
herewith reproduce "The Fable of the Mentative Couple,” a bit of writing
in the lighter vein perpetrated by myself about a year ago. My excuse for
writing this tale, and for reproducing it now, is that it carries with it a
decided moral, and teaches an important truth. It brings out the distinction existing
between the Motive and the Emotive phases of the mind, and beneath its
flippancy is concealed some good, sound psychological truth.
I
ask that you read it, in connection with what I have just told you regarding
the offices of the Will, desire, imagination, etc. It will show you, in
figurative style, the operation of the two poles of the Desire-Will. And it
will show you how the emotive pole or phase, if left unguarded by the
protective faculties, will be led into all sorts of trouble. It will also show
you how the protective faculty may be disarmed and overcome by a diversion of
its attention from its task. There are several important psychological facts
brought out in this little fable, and a number of important "morals” to be
deduced therefrom. I trust that you will seek for the truth and principles
underlying the trifling words of the fable. Just as important truths may be
conveyed in the fairy tales of the child, so may just as important facts be
taught by the fairy tale fable of the Mentative Couple intended for the
"grown-ups.”
Each
of us, man or woman, has a Mentative Castle, in which dwells a Mentative
Couple—Volos and Emotione. And Volos often strays away, leaving Emotione
unprotected. And the fascinating stranger often puts in an appearance. And
Emotione often is beguiled by his wiles. And Volos often is fooled by having
his attention and interest distracted by clever schemes, leaving Emotione
unprotected again.
So,
while recognizing the value of Emotione, learn to keep Volos at home at the gate
of the castle, and do not allow him to be "side-tracked.” Heed the advice
of the wise man of the fable. There is an important lesson for you in this
fable if you will take the trouble to find it.
The
Fable of the Mentative Couple.
Once
upon a time there lived in the land of Mentalvania, in a wonderful building
called The Mentative Castle, a man and a woman, called "The Mentative
Couple.” They were happy though married. They lived in harmony, because they
were useful to one another, and neither was complete without the presence of
the other—and neither did his nor her best work, unless the other was present
and assisting.
Well,
now, the man was called "Volos” (which is the same as the English name
"Will”), and the woman was called "Emotione,” which in the language
of that country meant something like a combination of emotion, desire and
imagination.
Now,
the chronicle informs us that these two people had natures entirely different
from each other, as has been said. We are told that Volos was of a stern,
inflexible, strong, positive nature; apt to stick to a thing once begun; full
of the "Will-to-live” and "vitality”; full of determination and
spirit with a strong dash of the "let-me-alone” and "get out of my
way” in his make-up; with a taste for meeting difficulties and overcoming
obstacles; with a goodly habit of reaching out and taking hold of what Emotione
wanted and needed; and a powerful lot of self-respect and self-reliance in him.
He was apt to be firm although his firmness was not the stubbornness of the
mule. His general keynote was strength. He was a good warrior and defender of
his castle. But Emotione was of an entirely different type, temperament, and
character. She was most impressionable, imaginative, emotional, credulous, fanciful,
full of desire, curious, sympathetic and easily persuaded. While Volos was all
willing and thinking, Emotione was all feeling.
Volos
was a strong character, but lacked certain qualities that make for success—but
these qualities Emotione possessed, and she supplied the deficiency in Volos.
Volos had to "figure out” everything, while Emotione had intuition, and
jumped at a conclusion in a way remarkable to Volos, who couldn't understand
the process at all. When he would ask Emotione for an explanation, she would
say, lightly, "Oh, just because!" which answer would often provoke
profane and irreverent discourse on the part of Volos. But, nevertheless, he
learned to respect these "becauses” of Emotione, and found that
they helped him in his business. Emotione would dream out things and see things
a long way ahead, and then Volos would proceed to put these plans into
operation. Volos couldn't see very far ahead of his nose, while Emotione could
see miles beyond, and years ahead. And besides this faculty of Mental imagery
that came in so useful in Volos' business, Emotione also possessed a burning
and ardent desire for things, which she managed to communicate to Volos,
thereby causing him to get out and do things that otherwise he would never have
dreamed of doing. Emotione was like fire, and Volos like water. The water would
hold the fire in check, but at the same time the Fire would heat up the Water
and the result would be the Steam of Action. And, so, you see these two—this
Mentative Couple—formed a fine co-partnership, and prospered mightily.
But,
alas! the tempter entered Eden—and the attractive stranger meandered in the
direction of the Mentative Castle, and when he reached there trouble occurred.
And this is what happened:
One
day Volos was absent from the castle, being engaged in some arduous enterprise.
And consequently the castle was unguarded. Volos had provided against this by
instructing Emotione that she was to keep the castle gate closed tight, when he
was away from home, and never to gaze without in his absence, for there was
some mysterious danger lurking without when he was away. Emotione had
faithfully followed the directions of her liege lord, although her womanly
curiosity was piqued there at. Many the time she had heard strange knockings at
the castle gate, but she heeded them not, and even refrained from looking out
of the little peep-hole in the gate—though this last was much against her
inclination, for she could see no harm in "just looking.”
But,
to return to our tale. This particular day when Volos was absent from home, her
curiosity was too much for Emotione when she heard the strange knockings at the
gate. And, breaking her rule, she ventured to peep without. Looking down she
saw a most attractive stranger, with a fascinating smile on his lips. He looked
almost as strong as Volos, but he seemed to have a dash of the woman in him,
besides. He had the strength, but also the charm that Emotione recognized as
being a part of her own nature. "Ah” sighed Emotione, "here is a man
who can understand me.” The fascinating stranger smiled sweetly, and looking
her in the eyes, masterfully asked to be admitted. "No, no,” replied
Emotione, "I cannot let you in, for Volos told me not to.” "Ah, fair
lady,” said the Stranger softly. "Volos means all right, but he is rather
old-fogyish, and behind the times. He does not 'understand,' as do you and I.
Pray, let me in.” And, like Mother Eve, Emotione took the bait.
Well,
to make a long story short, when Volos came home he found that Emotione had
subscribed to a set of "Ville veaux Modern Art,” a beautiful work
published by the De Luxe Bros. of Fifth Avenue, to be issued in 824 weekly
parts, at the nominal price of $5 a part—739 parts of which were already out,
and would be delivered shortly. She had also given a number of side orders for
manifold wares, which had dazzled her untrained and unguarded fancy. Volos
cried aloud to the gods of his land—but it was too late, the contracts had been
signed.
But
this was but the beginning. Volos did not understand just what was the matter,
and contented himself with scolding Emotione, whereat she wept bitterly. But
the poison went on with its deadly work. And when Volos again was absent from
home, the habit reasserted itself, and when the fascinating stranger again
called at the castle, he was admitted. And when Volos returned, he found the
castle furnished from dungeon to watch-tower with costly rugs, and furniture,
and various other articles, bought from "Morganstern's Popular Installment
House,” at $1,000 down and $100 per week. He also found that the castle had
been lightning-rodded from ground to turret, on each wing, tower, and annex;
and that sundry promissory notes, containing a law-proof, judgment-confessed clause,
had been given in exchange therefor. And then Volos swore by the Beard of Mars,
the war-god, that he would have no more of this—he would remain at home
thereafter. And he did.
But
the subtle stranger was onto the game, in all of its details. And this is how
he played it on Volos, even though the latter remained at home.
A
few days after Volos had determined to remain at home, there came a band of
mountebanks, singing, dancing, and performing juggling tricks. Volos sat on the
great stone beside the open castle gate, and his attention was attracted by the
sounds and sights.
Faster
the dancers whirled—louder beat the drums—sweeter grew the singing—more
bewildering grew the feats of jugglery—until poor Volos forgot all about the
open castle gate, so rapt was he at the strange sights, sounds, dances, and
feats of jugglery. Then one of the mountebank gang (who was really the
attractive stranger disguised in motley array) slipped, unseen, past Volos, and
in a moment was engaged in eager conversation with the impressionable Emotione.
Volos
watched the crowd until it moved away, and then entering the castle, and
closing the gate behind him, was confronted by Emotione, in tears, for she
dreaded the coming storm. "Alack a-day, woe is me,” she cried, "I am
again in trouble, O, Volos, my liege lord! I have just ordered from the
fascinating stranger, who slipped past you at the gate, a baby-grand,
self-playing, automatic, liquid-air-valved, radium carburetter, piano-playing,
Organette, upon which I may play for you all classes of music, ranging from
Vogner's Gotterdammerung to the popular "Merry Widow Waltz” with feeling,
depth of expression, and soulful understanding, according to the words of the
fascinating stranger who took my order.”
"Gadzooks!”
ejaculated Volos, "Fain would I cry aloud the name of that production of
Vogner's just mentioned by thee. And by my halidom, e'en shalt thou soon be
performing the waltz just mentioned by thy false red lips! Zounds! Of a truth I
have been stung again by that fascinating stranger. I must gaze no more upon
these fleeting scenes of merriment and amazement, lest I be again decorated
with the asses' ears. Aha! Volos is himself again, and the next time the
fascinating stranger appears upon the scene, he shall be smitten hip and thigh
with my trusty battle-axe, and my snickersee shall pierce his foul carcass!”
But,
alas! even once more was poor Volos deceived and trifled with—once more poor
Emotione fascinated by the stranger. And it came about in this way.
On
the day of his last undoing, Volos sat on the open step, in front of the
narrowly opened castle door. "No man shall pass me now,” cried he. But
fate willed otherwise. For as he sat there, there approached many people who
took seat upon the steps before the gate, and engaged Volos in long heated, and
wearisome discourses regarding the outlook for the crops; the presidential
campaign; the Japanese question; race-suicide; the new theology; how old was
Ann; the problem of the final outcome of the collision between the irresistible
force and the immovable body; the canals on Mars; what Roosevelt will do with
his big stick when his term expires; and many other weighty, interesting, and
fascinating topics of general interest. Most agreeable were these visitors, and
most considerate of Volos' feelings were they. And although they seemed to
differ from him at the beginning of each argument, still they courteously
allowed him to convince them inch by inch, until they finally acknowledged that
he was invincible in argument, and invulnerable in logic. "'Tis passing
strange,” quoth Volos, "but nevertheless 'tis true—that I always find
myself on the right side of every question. And the wonder grows when they all
admit it in the end. Verily, am I developing into a wise guy!”
And,
pondering thus, he fell sweetly asleep from the rigor of the disputes; the
flattering attentions shown him; the joy of the victory; and the exceeding
amount of attention and interest he had expended, for human nature has its
limitations even in the case of one so strong as Volos. And while he slumbered,
the fascinating stranger (who was really the leader of the argumentative
visiting committee), crept into the house and unloaded upon Emotione a choice
collection of gilt-edged mining stock (pure gilt, all the way through in fact);
a bunch of flying-machine bonds, and a 5,000 monkey-power, vestibuled
drawing-room, observation-car Automobile called the "Yellow Peril.” And
when Volos discovered what had happened he wept aloud, crying bitterly,
"Odds-bones; s'death—of a cert am I the Baron E. Z. Mark.” And thereupon
he sent for the wise man who dwelt in the next barony.
The
wise man came, and after hearing the story said: "My children, yours is a
sad case, but matters may be adjusted without a visit to Sioux Falls, and
without the raising of the question of alimony. The trouble is as follows:
"Volos, without Emotione, has no desire or incentive to do things. He has
no wants to satisfy, and therefore does nothing. He needs Emotione to supply
the desire. And without her he has no feeling—he is nothing but a hard-shell
clam. Therefore he needs her to supply the feeling, for verily, and of a truth,
feeling is the spice of life. And without her he has no imagination, and cannot
see beyond the end of his nose—and what is life without imagination? Gadzooks,
one might as well be a mummy!
"And
on the other hand, Emotione without Volos, is a consuming fire of desire; an
unrestrained imagination; an intuitive faculty degenerated into the basest
superstition, most deplorable credulity, and the idlest fancy. Volos has no
desire, emotion, or imagination of his own—and Emotione has no Will of her own.
"Verily, cannot it be seen by all that this couple needs one another the
worst way? Each, alone, is but an incomplete half. United they stand—divided
they fall. In union alone is there strength for them.
"And
more than this, each, without the other, falls a prey to the wiles of some
fascinating stranger. We have seen how Emotione was fascinated and controlled
by the stranger who gained access to the castle. But I have also seen (by my
magic art) that when Volos was away from home on important business, and not
having Emotione along to keep him straight, he fell a victim to the wiles of
the Desire and Imagination of a fair stranger across the river, and did her
bidding, and used his Will to perform her tasks, instead of those desired by
his own Emotione. True it is that harmony will be theirs only when they are
together.
"And
this is the secret of the undoing of Emotione. Without the Will of Volos to
protect her, direct her, and advise her, Emotione allowed her desire
imagination and emotion to run wild and unrestrained. And so she became so
impressionable as to allow herself to be mastered by the Will of the stranger,
who took advantage of the same and gathered to himself many choice orders for
things. And even when Volos sat by the door watching the players, dancers, and
jugglers, his attention was so centered on what he saw, that the fascinating
stranger slipped through the gate—it was even as if Volos had been absent from
home. And, again, when Volos allowed himself to become engaged in weighty
discourse with the visiting committee, and used up his energy and force in
argument and dispute with them—and when he permitted himself to be 'jollied'
into a false security by these United Brethren of the Blarney-Stone— he relaxed
his vigilance, and allowed himself to become tired, drowsy and sleepy, and so
fell into a doze at his post, and the stranger again entered and took
Emotione's orders for goods.
"And
this then is the Remedy (as my successor, Lawson of Boston, will say in the
centuries to follow)—this is the Remedy. Each person of this Mentative Couple
must stick close to the other. Volos must have no 'important business' across
the river, which will allow Emotione to be without a protector and adviser. And
Emotione must stick close to Volos, and satisfy her curiosity, imagination,
emotion and desire, by setting him to work out things for her—to do things
dreamed of by her—to get her things she desires—to express the things felt by
her. This is the secret of success, dear Mentative Couple—mutual work by desire
and Will, working in unison and harmony—each faithful to the other—each
guarding the other from the fascinating strangers that beset each when
separated. Now, then children, stick close to each other!”
And
saying this, the Wise Man vanished from sight.
And
the moral of this fable of the Mentative Couple is this: That the mind of every
man and woman is a Mentative Castle, wherein dwells a Volos and an Emotione.
And what happened to the couple in the fable, may happen, and does happen, to
many in everyday life. The Will, straying from home, and paying attention to
other attractions leaves the castle unguarded, and the fascinating stranger
enters. And, again, the Will has its attention distracted by passing objects of
interest, and forgets the castle door. And again, the Will allows itself to be
fatigued, tired, and jollied by useless argument, and talk, and cogitation, at
the instigation of the designing fascinating stranger, and the latter slips past
the gate. And in each case, inside the gate is Emotione unprotected and
innocent, true to her own nature, credulous, imaginative, fanciful, desireful,
and emotional—is it any wonder that she "orders goods” that are not wanted
by the family? And the remedy of the wise man as given to the Mentative Couple
may be, and should be, applied by every man and woman in his or her Mental
Castle. And this then is the moral of the fable.
And
thus endeth the fable of the Mentative Couple, who dwell in the Mentative Castle,
in Mentalvania, in the days of old when brave knights held their sway and fair
ladies had their way.
The
End of the Fable of the Mentative Couple.
NEXT CHAPTER
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