the phenomena of Mental Influence bears a striking analogy to that of the electrical or magnetic energy. Not only is this so in the phase of wave motion and transmission, but also in the phase of induction, as we shall see presently.
In physical science the term Induction is used to indicate that quality in a manifestation of energy which tends to reproduce in a second object the atmosphere manifesting in the first object, without direct contact between the two bodies. A magnet will induce magnetism in a further object removed from its space. An electrified object will tend to produce similar atmosphere in a further object by induction, over fantastic spaces.
Heat waves travel along the ether, and tend to produce heat atmosphere in objects far removed, notably in the case of the sun and the earth. Even sound waves will affect other objects in this way, as in the well-known instance of the glass or vase “singing” in response to the musical note sounded afar off. In fact, we see and hear by processes similar to those described.
And in this same manner that Thought-Waves carry the atmosphere of the mind sending them forth to fantastic distances, or lesser ones, tending to set up similar atmosphere in the middle of other persons within their field force.
Thus a person feeling a passionate degree of rage will pour forth waves of that degree of mental vibration, which, coming in contact with the brains of other persons, tend to set up a similar feelings or emotions and thus cause the person to “feel cross” or “peevish” or even to manifest a similar mad state of mind. We all know how easily a struggle is started by a very mad person in a room sending forth violent atmosphere.
One has but to remember the instances of mob violence to see how easily the “contagion of despise and rage” spread among people who allow themselves to be influenced. And not only is this right of undesirable emotions and feelings, but also of desirable ones. The influence of a excellent man who happens to be passionate mentally spreads among those around him, influencing in them for excellent.
Orators, actors, preachers and teachers send forth passionate within toll currents, which tend to produce mental conditions on the part of their hearers corresponding to the feeling held by the mind of the speaker. When you remember how this speaker influenced your feelings, or how that actor made you weep with pity, shiver with dread, or laugh with joy, you will see how Mental induction acts.
But not only is this right when we are in the actual incidence of the person sending out the Thought-Waves, but it is equally right that we are influenced by persons far removed from us in space, often without their information or intent, although now and again (in the case of one who understands the principal most) with full information and intent.
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