Abstract

The underlying cause of all weakness and unhappiness in Man, heredity and environment to the contrary notwithstanding, has always been, and is still, weak habit-of-thought. This is proven by the observed instances in which strong habit-of-thought has invariably made its masters superior to heredity, and to environment, and to illness, and to weakness of all kinds, and has redeemed them from non-success and misery, to the enjoyment of success, honor and happiness. It has also been proven that none are so ill-favored as to be exempt from regeneration by the influence of optimistic thinking, and none so plain, nor even so ugly, as judged by the world's standards of beauty, but that the radiance of pure thought will make them more beautiful than their brothers of nobler mien and more symmetrical physique, but whose thoughts are poisoned by fear and by selfishness. Happiness is not dependent upon wealth, and wealth does not necessarily bring happiness, but both are dependent upon good-habit-of-thought; for good-habit-of-thought develops appreciation, which is the measure of all wealth, and appreciation leads to the habit-of-feeling and the habit-of-action which produce happiness. The contention of this book is that, with means already secured, there is a way to individual happiness, even under existing conditions; and also, that the present acceleration of progress, and certain already accomplished tests of possible industrial and economic reform, coupled with an optimism that has for its motto, "All can be, and, therefore, shall be well," not only promise, but assure, to mankind, in a not remote future, equal opportunities for securing happiness by means altogether honest and altruistic. To all who will follow me through this volume, I promise to show ways and signs that will assist the weak to become strong, the poor to become rich in appreciation of their opportunities, and the rich to better enjoy their good fortune without impoverishing others to do so. "Happiness is the evidence and 'fruit of conscious usefulness.' Fletcher urges that Fearthought, like anger and worry, is a bad habit of the mind and can be eliminated." -The Contemporary Review "In this volume Mr. Fletcher considers certain psychological problems which are now receiving the attention of many experts in pedagogical science." -The American Monthly Review of Reviews "The author of 'Menticulture' insists that the underlying cause of all weakness and unhappiness in man has always been and is still weak habit of thought. A strong optimistic habit of thought is to do away with fear - fear of death, of disaster, of non-attainment, and all things that never happen as feared, and upon which so much mental strength is wasted. There should be forethought and high ideals, but fearthought, the unprofitable, weakening, selfish element of looking into the future should be eliminated." -Publishers Weekly "Moral observations...occasionally lightened up by excellent illustrations -notably Kenyon West's description of how George Kennan overcame a tendency to physical cowardice." -The Outlook "The volume can do much good." -The Literary World "No person is better fitted to write upon happiness and optimism than Mr. Fletcher is, for he possessed the Vital-Mental Temperament, and no temperament is so favorable to spread inspiration as this." -The Phrenological Journal and Science of Health "Well characterized." -Christian Science and the Catholic Faith "Is certain in many directions to work positive good." -Public Opinion.