By Edward Norton
The Times (London), Wednesday, May 08, 1918.
I have just delivered myself from one of those "moods" to which, as a Celt, I am somewhat subject.
Times was when I waited for my moods to pass; now I will end them at will. It means much to me, and it is one of the many reasons why I think so highly of Pelmanism as an instrument of self-mastery.
All of us suffer—consciously or unconsciously—from "moods" in great or less degree. And the man or woman who has learnt the secret of mood-mastery has acquired knowledge which not only adds to his or her working capacity, but also to the capacity for interest, pleasure and even happiness.
"Moods" are the fog-banks of the mind; impeding progress and perverting vision. They are induced by a variety of causes, into the nature of which it is not my intention to inquire here; it is their effect that I am presently considering.
A retrospective survey of my forty-odd years of existence shows me that, up to the date of my introduction to the Pelman Course, I have been greatly the victim of "moods": gloomy moods, impulsive moods, irritable moods, lavish moods, irresponsible moods, moods of inexcusable optimism, moods of the deepest self-distrust. And I daresay there are many thousands of men and women who, whether they recognize it or not, are equally handicapped by those wretched perversions of mentality which we call "moods."
"I can’t help it," we often say, "it’s my nature." Just so have I often attempted to excuse myself for a word or an action which I could not defend. "It’s my nature!"
But Pelmanism is showing us not only how to abolish certain undesirable moods, but even teaching us how to produce other moods which are desirable and profitable.
I was most conscious of my handicap when it affected my work. When I was "in the mood" for work, I worked well; but the "moods" alas! were all too infrequent. They would come unannounced and would depart abruptly; I could not depend upon myself.
That disability has been conquered, thanks to Pelmanism, and I may, without affectation, claim to be able to produce my best standard of work at will. There is no need to dilate upon the enormous advantage this has been to me.
The net result is to give me a feeling of power that I never remember possessing previously—not even in my supremely confident boyish days. I know now what I can make myself do—and I do it. I do not wait miserably upon Chance, Mood, Circumstance, Environment, or any other of the bogies which cripple and nullify human effort—I appoint my work, I command my work, and I achieve satisfaction.
The financial, business and professional advantages have been explained and liberally evidenced. Equally, enough has been said of the "pull" which Pelmanism confers upon the Army or Navy officer or man. I regard these triumphs—solid and substantial as they are—as "theatrical effects" compared with the deep and lasting change which the study of this remarkable System can and does produce in the inner life of the individual.
Financial, business, professional, and social considerations do not represent the main considerations in life. Our vocations and our social amenities constitute but a small part of our daily lives. It is of infinitely greater importance:
- to be able to command a happy, contented frame of mind,
- to be able to take a living interest in the world around us,
- to be able to develop and control ourselves,
than it is to double our incomes or achieve professional advancement.
The end.
