Question.--Are the preliminary experiments indispensable if they are unacceptable to the pride of the subject?
Answer.--No, they are not indispensable, but they are of great utility; for although they may seem childish to certain people, they are on the contrary extremely serious; they do indeed prove three things:
1. That every idea that we have in our minds becomes true for us, and has a tendency to transform itself into action.
2. That when there is a conflict between the imagination and the will, it is always the imagination which wins; and in this case we do exactly the contrary of what we wish to do.
3. That it is easy for us to put into our minds, without any effort, the idea that we wish to have, since we have been able without effort to think in succession: "I cannot," and then "I can."
The preliminary experiments should not be repeated at home; alone, one is often unable to put oneself in the right physical and mental conditions, there is a risk of failure, and in this case one's self-confidence is shaken.
Question.--When one is in pain, one cannot help thinking of one's trouble.
Answer.--Do not be afraid to think of it; on the contrary, do think of it, but to say to it, "I am not afraid of you."
If you go anywhere and a dog rushes at you barking, look it firmly in the eyes and it will not bite you; but if you fear it, if you turn back, he will soon have his teeth in your legs.
Question.--And if one does a retreat?