The Mystic Will by: Charles Godfrey Leland (1899)

"The Mystic Will" by Charles Godfrey Leland is a work focused on the concept of self-suggestion and the power of the mind. First published in 1899, the book explores how individuals can harness their willpower to achieve personal goals, overcome obstacles, and improve various aspects of their lives. The core idea revolves around the practice of auto-suggestion, a technique that involves deliberately influencing the subconscious mind through repeated affirmations or mental exercises.

Key Concepts and Themes:
1. Power of the Subconscious Mind:
Leland's main argument is that the subconscious mind holds immense power over our daily actions, habits, and beliefs. By controlling what we consciously suggest to ourselves, we can change our subconscious programming and, by extension, alter our behavior and destiny.

2. Self-Suggestion:
Leland teaches the method of self-suggestion, where individuals mentally repeat positive affirmations or ideas to reprogram their subconscious minds. This technique is presented as a tool for self-improvement, personal growth, and achieving one's goals.

3. Willpower and Discipline:
A key element of the book is the emphasis on strengthening the will. Leland argues that the will is like a muscle that can be trained through conscious effort and practice. By developing strong willpower, individuals can exercise greater control over their thoughts, emotions, and actions.

4. Connection to Esotericism:
Leland was deeply influenced by occult and esoteric traditions. "The Mystic Will" integrates ideas from mesmerism, magnetism, and Hermetic philosophy, which were popular among spiritualists and occultists in the 19th century.

5. Practical Applications:
The book is not merely theoretical but offers practical advice and exercises on how to apply self-suggestion in everyday life, including areas like health, relationships, business success, and personal development. Leland believed that anyone could improve their life by systematically applying these techniques.

Impact and Legacy:
"The Mystic Will" is considered one of the early works on self-help and mind power, predating and influencing later works on the subject, such as those by Émile Coué and Napoleon Hill. Leland’s ideas about the subconscious mind and self-suggestion laid the foundation for the development of modern techniques in self-improvement and positive thinking.

Leland was also a renowned folklorist and author of works like "Aradia, or the Gospel of the Witches", but "The Mystic Will" represents his exploration of the power of the mind and the practical uses of occult concepts in everyday life.

This book remains an important part of the history of personal development literature, with its combination of occult theory and practical self-help methods.