conclusions of natural logic. It was supposed that before forming an opinion or

deciding on a course of conduct he weighed at least some of the reasons for and

against the matter, and performed a more or less simple process of reasoning.

But modern research has shown that quite the opposite is true. Most of our

opinions and actions are not based upon conscious reasoning, but are the result

of suggestion. In fact, some authorities declare that an act of pure reasoning

is very rare in the average mind. Momentous decisions are made, far-reaching

actions are determined upon, primarily by the force of suggestion.

 

Notice that word "primarily," for simple thought, and even mature reasoning,

often follows a suggestion accepted in the mind, and the thinker fondly supposes

that his conclusion is from first to last based on cold logic.

 

_The Basis of Suggestion_

 

We must think of suggestion both as an effect and as a cause. Considered as an

effect, or objectively, there must be something in the hearer that predisposes

him to receive suggestion; considered as a cause, or subjectively, there must be

some methods by which the speaker can move upon that particularly susceptible

attitude of the hearer. How to do this honestly and fairly is our problem--to do

it dishonestly and trickily, to use suggestion to bring about conviction and

action without a basis of right and truth and in a bad cause, is to assume the

terrible responsibility that must fall on the champion of error. Jesus scorned

not to use suggestion so that he might move men to their benefit, but every

vicious trickster has adopted the same means to reach base ends. Therefore