Subject
Mental healing Books
Best books
George Barton Cutten
Three Thousand Years of Mental Healing
"Three Thousand Years of Mental Healing" by George Barton Cutten is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The text explores the evolution of mental healing practices throughout history, tracing their development across different cultures and belief systems, particularly the interplay between mental healing and religious practices. The author seeks to illuminate the historical significance of these practices and their impact on contemporary understanding of mental and physical health. The opening of the book introduces the concept of mental healing, discussing the historical relationship between the mind and body and emphasizing the power of mental states over physical conditions. Cutten provides anecdotes and references to beliefs from ancient civilizations, noting how emotional disturbances were often linked to physical ailments and the reciprocal relationship between mental states and bodily health. He outlines the role of suggestion and faith in healing, highlighting early practices that integrated spiritual beliefs with therapeutic processes, setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration of mental healing through the centuries.
James J. (James Joseph) Walsh
Psychotherapy Including the History of the Use of Mental Influence, Directly and Indirectly, in Healing and the Principles for the Application of Energies Derived from the Mind to the Treatment of Disease
"Psychotherapy" by James J. Walsh is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The book examines the historical and practical applications of psychotherapy in medical treatment, particularly emphasizing the psychological aspects of healing. Walsh, a fellow of several medical societies and a professor, advocates for a more intentional use of psychotherapy, arguing that the mind plays a crucial role in both physical and mental health. The opening of the book sets the stage by discussing the historical context of psychotherapy in medicine, tracing its origins back to ancient physicians who recognized the significance of mental influence on healing. Walsh provides examples from various eras and medical practices, underscoring the enduring importance of mental state and suggestion in treatment. He notes how the confidence of both the physician and the patient can enhance therapeutic outcomes, establishing a need for a deliberate integration of psychological techniques within medical practice. This foundational emphasis highlights Walsh's argument that understanding the interplay between mind and body is essential for effective healing.
W. D. (Wallace Delois) Wattles
The Science of Being Well
"The Science of Being Well" by Wallace D. Wattles is a self-help book written in the early 20th century. The work focuses on the principles of health and wellness, outlining practical guidelines for achieving perfect health through mental and physical practices. It emphasizes the power of thought in relation to health, proposing that one's mindset can significantly influence their physical state. The opening of the book establishes Wattles' goal to provide readers with a practical guide to health rather than a theoretical discussion. He introduces a universal Principle of Life that is fundamental to health and healing, asserting that true health arises from a definitive state of mind and the "natural performance of function." By sharing his insights and experiences, Wattles encourages readers to consciously engage in positive thinking and actions aligned with the goal of achieving and maintaining their health. The chapter sets the tone for a holistic approach, detailing how one's beliefs and methods directly correlate with their health outcomes.
Robert Means Lawrence
Primitive Psycho-Therapy and Quackery
"Primitive Psycho-Therapy and Quackery" by Robert Means Lawrence is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work explores the historical practices of healing and the psychological factors that contribute to their efficacy, particularly focusing on amulets, magical charms, and the role of imagination in therapeutic settings. The author argues that many primitive methods of therapy and the success of quack treatments can be attributed to the power of suggestion and mental influence rather than any intrinsic medicinal properties. The opening of the text introduces the idea that amulets and charms, often understood through the lens of superstition, played a significant role in the development of medical practices over the ages. Lawrence elucidates how these objects were believed to possess protective or healing powers, largely stemming from the faith and imagination of those who utilized them. He also hints at the transition from these archaic practices to modern psychological approaches to healing, establishing a connection between historical beliefs in the supernatural and contemporary understandings of mental health and therapy.
Paul Bousfield
The omnipotent self, a study in self-deception and self-cure
"The Omnipotent Self: A Study in Self-Deception and Self-Cure" by Paul Bousfield is a psychological exploration written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the themes of self-deception, mental health, and personality development, with a particular focus on the concept of narcissism and its impact on individuals’ lives. Bousfield aims to assist readers in understanding the complexities of their inner selves in order to attain a greater sense of balance and happiness. The opening of the book sets the stage by emphasizing the existence and significance of the unconscious mind in shaping human behavior and character. Bousfield discusses how many individuals, despite not suffering from overt mental ailments, experience various degrees of unhappiness and irritability in their lives. He suggests that deeper insights into one’s character and the nature of unconscious forces can lead to self-awareness, ultimately fostering personal growth and contentment. Through this early discussion on the unconscious, repression, and the development of narcissism, the author begins to map out a process for self-analysis and the potential for self-cure.
Hugo Münsterberg
Psychotherapy
"Psychotherapy" by Hugo Münsterberg is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work focuses on the relationship between psychology and medicine, specifically how psychological principles can be applied to therapeutic practices. Münsterberg aims to clarify misconceptions surrounding psychotherapy, emphasizing the necessity for rigorous scientific understanding in the field. The opening of the book serves as an introduction to the author's motivations and the foundational concepts of psychotherapy. Münsterberg outlines the dual nature of psychological influence: the purposive view, which relates to individual goals and intentions, and the causal view grounded in scientific principles. He argues that while a minister or community leader may offer moral support, a physician must rely on an understanding of the psychological factors that contribute to health and illness. The author expresses his intent to advocate for the systematic study of psychology in medical training, highlighting its relevance in effectively treating patients across a variety of diseases and conditions.
James J. (James Joseph) Walsh
Health Through Will Power
"Health Through Will Power" by James J. Walsh is a psychological health guide written in the early 20th century. This work emphasizes the crucial role of willpower in maintaining health and recovering from disease, challenging the prevailing focus on intellect alone. It posits that human will not only influences mental resilience but also has a significant impact on physical vitality and longevity. The opening of the book sets the stage by discussing the transformative effects of war on individuals, suggesting that extreme experiences can unveil hidden strengths of willpower. Walsh uses compelling anecdotes to illustrate that the will to live can dramatically impact recovery from illness, arguing that willpower is often the deciding factor in a patient’s ability to heal. He also critiques modern society's comforts as detrimental to willpower, advocating for a life that actively exercises the will to foster both resilience and healthier living. This initial exploration establishes the foundation for the deeper discussions on the will's role in various aspects of health that follow in the subsequent chapters.
Immanuel Kant
Von der Macht des Gemüts, durch den bloßen Vorsatz seiner krankhaften Gefühle Meister zu sein
"Von der Macht des Gemüts, durch den bloßen Vorsatz seiner krankhaften Gefühle Meister zu sein" by Immanuel Kant is a philosophical treatise written in the late 18th century. This work combines elements of philosophy and medicine, exploring the influence of the mind over bodily health and illness. It delves into the complex relationship between mental states and physical well-being, arguing for the power of intention and mental discipline in overcoming unhealthy conditions. In this text, Kant discusses how the human mind can exert a considerable influence over bodily ailments, suggesting that psychological factors often play a crucial role in both the development and healing of physical illnesses. He elaborates on various types of mental states that can manifest as physical symptoms, such as hypochondria, while advocating for a proactive approach to managing one’s health through the harnessing of mental strength and willpower. The book presents a series of observations and recommendations, blending personal anecdotes and philosophical reflections, highlighting the importance of mental attitudes in achieving overall health and well-being.
Maurice Barrès
Trois Stations de psychothérapie
"Trois Stations de psychothérapie" by Maurice Barrès is a collection of three essays written during the late 19th century. The book explores various facets of the human psyche and delves into the complexities of self-exploration and existential thought, showcasing Barrès' unique style and philosophical perspective. It reflects themes of modernity, artistic expression, and the quest for identity against the backdrop of an evolving society. The book consists of three distinct sections: a visit to Leonardo da Vinci, a day spent with Maurice Latour de Saint-Quentin, and a reflection on the life of the cosmopolitan artist Marie Bashkirtseff. In the first part, Barrès reflects on da Vinci’s artistic genius and psychological depth, pondering the nature of creativity and the struggle between intellect and emotional expression. The second essay centers on Latour de Saint-Quentin, emphasizing the artist's ability to capture the human soul through portraiture, and Barrès highlights the ephemeral nature of existence as observed in art. Finally, in the tribute to Bashkirtseff, he presents her as a symbol of modern sensibility, a figure marked by a restless quest for meaning amidst the burden of societal expectations. Through these essays, Barrès asserts the importance of understanding and articulating the inner workings of the human soul.
F. Matthias (Frederick Matthias) Alexander
Man's supreme inheritance : $b Conscious guidance and control in relation to human evolution in civilization
"Man''s supreme inheritance : Conscious guidance and control in relation to…" by F. Matthias Alexander is a treatise on psychophysical education and health written in the early 20th century. It argues that modern civilization fosters maladaptive habits of use and that genuine well‑being depends on replacing subconscious reactions with conscious guidance and control of mind and body. The work critiques quick fixes—physical culture drills, relaxation, deep breathing, hypnotism, and faith‑healing—and proposes systematic re‑education to restore coordination and resilience. It extends these ideas to education, character, and social evolution. The opening of this treatise sets its tone with a boatman’s weather metaphor to reject panaceas and promise careful, experience‑based guidance. The author frames an urgent response to modern physical deterioration and the limits of bacteriology, appealing to all readers while insisting that real progress requires eliminating specialized “cures” through personal understanding and effort. An introductory word by John Dewey praises the central thesis: our crisis stems from uncoordinated living, and the remedy is intelligent, positive, conscious control—not a return to nature or piecemeal fixes. The first chapters trace humanity’s shift from instinctive to civilised living, argue that we cannot go back, and call for conscious control to replace faulty subconscious guidance; they then critique “physical culture,” relaxation, and deep breathing (illustrated by a “John Doe” case and the harms of collapsed thoracic use), listing core problems like defective kinesthetic sense and inhibition. Subsequent sections redefine the subconscious (against “subliminal self” theories), emphasize inhibition, and reject hypnotism and faith‑healing as degrading or unreliable, advocating instead the quickening of the conscious mind; a stammer case shows how inhibition and new guiding orders can re‑educate use. The final portion provided begins to apply these principles broadly—addressing temper, addiction, and even crime—arguing for gradual, reasoned re‑education to change points of view and restore normal sensory guidance, before the excerpt breaks off mid‑argument.
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