People say: "One can't help one's thoughts." But one can. The controlof the thinking machine is perfectly possible. And since nothing whateverhappens to us outside our own brain; since nothing hurts us or gives uspleasure except within the brain, the supreme importance of being able tocontrol what goes on in that mysterious brain is patent. This idea is one ofthe oldest platitudes, but it is a platitude who's profound truth and urgencymost people live and die without realising. People complain of the lack ofpower to concentrate, not witting that they may acquire the power, if theychoose.And without the power to concentrate--that is to say, without thepower to dictate to the brain its task and to ensure obedience--true life isimpossible. Mind control is the first element of a full existence.Hence, it seems to me, the first business of the day should be to put themind through its paces. You look after your body, inside and out; you rungrave danger in hacking hairs off your skin; you employ a whole army ofindividuals, from the milkman to the pig-killer, to enable you to bribe yourstomach into decent behaviour. Why not devote a little attention to the farmore delicate machinery of the mind, especially as you will require noextraneous aid? It is for this portion of the art and craft of living that Ihave reserved the time from the moment of quitting your door to themoment of arriving at your office."What? I am to cultivate my mind in the street, on the platform, in thetrain, and in the crowded street again?" Precisely. Nothing simpler! Notools required! Not even a book. Nevertheless, the affair is not easy.When you leave your house, concentrate your mind on a subject (nomatter what, to begin with). You will not have gone ten yards before yourmind has skipped away under your very eyes and is larking round thecorner with another subject.Bring it back by the scruff of the neck. Ere you have reached thestation you will have brought it back about forty times. Do not despair.Continue. Keep it up. You will succeed. You cannot by any chance fail ifyou persevere. It is idle to pretend that your mind is incapable of