What do you think?
Rate this book
SELF MASTERY through conscious autosuggestion
Emile Coué wrote one of the world’s first ever self-help books, Self Mastery Through Conscious Autosuggestion, in which he argued that people could improve their mental and physical health by a form of self-hypnosis. This edition of Self-Mastery Through Conscious Autosuggestion includes the illustrations from one of the first English editions of his work.
Coué first became interested in the idea of “mind over matter” whilst working as an apothecary in the Champagne region of France. He noticed that patients seemed to get better more quickly when he made optimistic and encouraging remarks at the same time as dispensing medicine to them.
Having identified what we now know as the placebo effect, Coué went on to develop a fully-worked out theory of autosuggestion. Coué was responsible for the phrase “Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better”. He believed that simple repetition of an optimistic mantra of this sort could be used to influence the unconscious mind.
Coué first became interested in the idea of “mind over matter” whilst working as an apothecary in the Champagne region of France. He noticed that patients seemed to get better more quickly when he made optimistic and encouraging remarks at the same time as dispensing medicine to them.
Having identified what we now know as the placebo effect, Coué went on to develop a fully-worked out theory of autosuggestion. Coué was responsible for the phrase “Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better”. He believed that simple repetition of an optimistic mantra of this sort could be used to influence the unconscious mind.
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1920
502 people are currently reading
1357 people want to read
About the author
Émile Coué
169 books48 followersÉmile Coué de la Châtaigneraie was a psychologist and pharmacist known for his therapeutic use of autosuggestion—and particularly for the phrase, "Every day, in every way, I'm getting better and better" (French: Tous les jours à tous points de vue je vais de mieux en mieux)—often labelled Couéism or the Coué method (la méthode Coué).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
January 14, 2018
Interesting short read about the power of autosuggestion. The author claims that our brain consists of two parts: conscious(will) and subconscious(imagination). The subconscious brain is the more powerful one of the two and has the power to control our actions through our thoughts. If we can influence our thoughts, and thus our subconsciousness, we can influence and change our actions in a way we want to.
The subconsciousness is described as a wild horse which is constantly running in our heads. To influence the horse, we have to learn how to put a saddle on the horse and tame the horse for our benefit. And the way we tame the horse is with autosuggestion.
Even though the author provides ample evidence for this method, I remain skeptical.
Some quotes:
-Thus we who are so proud of our will, who believe that we are free to act as we like, are in reality nothing but wretched puppets of which our imagination holds all the strings. We only cease to be puppets when we have learned to guide our imagination.
-autosuggestion is nothing but hypnotism as I see it, and I would define it in these simple words: The influence of the imagination upon the moral and physical being of mankind.
-We are what we make ourselves and not what circumstances make us.
-Whoever starts off in life with the idea: "I shall succeed", always does succeed because he does what is necessary to bring about this result. If only one opportunity presents itself to him, and if this opportunity has, as it were, only one hair on its head, he seizes it by that one hair. Further, he often brings about unconsciously or not, propitious circumstances. He who on the contrary always doubts himself, never succeeds in doing anything. He might find himself in the midst of an army of opportunities with heads of hair like Absalom, and yet he would not see them and could not seize a single one, even if he had only to stretch out his hand in order to do so. And if he brings about circumstances, they are generally unfavorable ones. Do not then blame fate, you have only yourself to blame.
-To have and to inspire unalterable confidence, one must walk with the assurance of perfect sincerity, and in order to possess this assurance and sincerity, one must wish for the good of others more than one's own.
The subconsciousness is described as a wild horse which is constantly running in our heads. To influence the horse, we have to learn how to put a saddle on the horse and tame the horse for our benefit. And the way we tame the horse is with autosuggestion.
Even though the author provides ample evidence for this method, I remain skeptical.
Some quotes:
-Thus we who are so proud of our will, who believe that we are free to act as we like, are in reality nothing but wretched puppets of which our imagination holds all the strings. We only cease to be puppets when we have learned to guide our imagination.
-autosuggestion is nothing but hypnotism as I see it, and I would define it in these simple words: The influence of the imagination upon the moral and physical being of mankind.
-We are what we make ourselves and not what circumstances make us.
-Whoever starts off in life with the idea: "I shall succeed", always does succeed because he does what is necessary to bring about this result. If only one opportunity presents itself to him, and if this opportunity has, as it were, only one hair on its head, he seizes it by that one hair. Further, he often brings about unconsciously or not, propitious circumstances. He who on the contrary always doubts himself, never succeeds in doing anything. He might find himself in the midst of an army of opportunities with heads of hair like Absalom, and yet he would not see them and could not seize a single one, even if he had only to stretch out his hand in order to do so. And if he brings about circumstances, they are generally unfavorable ones. Do not then blame fate, you have only yourself to blame.
-To have and to inspire unalterable confidence, one must walk with the assurance of perfect sincerity, and in order to possess this assurance and sincerity, one must wish for the good of others more than one's own.
August 28, 2021
Thực tế cho thấy những dòng sách tâm lý trị liệu đang rất phổ biến và tràn ngập khắp nơi. Người có bệnh tâm lý tìm đọc để được chữa lành, người bình thường thì tìm đến nó như một cách tiếp cận với những kiến thức mới. Một thời đại tiện nghi về văn hoá đọc như ngày nay sẽ khiến người đọc có nhiều lựa chọn, khắt khe hơn trong đánh giá và hầu như khó được thoả mãn nếu cứ đem so sánh các cuốn sách với nhau. Nhưng cần phải hiểu một cách khách quan là : giá trị cuối cùng mà quyển sách với những trị liệu nó có thể mang lại mới đem đến tính hiệu quả cho những bước tiếp cận đầu tiên.
Cuốn sách về tự kỉ ám thị này vô cùng mỏng và ngắn gọn nhưng đủ để ta nắm bắt được thế nào là ám thị và vai trò của phép tự kỉ ám thị. Những trình bày tưởng chừng chỉ mang tính sơ lược nhưng dường như đó là tất cả của tự kỉ ám thị. Bởi lẽ, tập hiểu một vấn đề một cách đơn giản thì dễ đi sâu vào nội dung của nó hơn thay vì những diễn giải dài dòng triết lý dễ khiến ta mệt mỏi và bỏ cuộc. Khi ta nhận ra sự "vô cùng" trong trí tưởng tượng của chúng ta thì các kiểu ám thị cũng phát sinh từ đó. Nó thuộc về "thể vô thức" là nơi mà trí tưởng tượng dẫn dắt hành vi và cả khả năng ghi nhớ. Thể này luôn trong cuộc chiến chống lại "thể ý thức" mà trong đó cảm giác, cảm xúc và kí ức được ghi nhận. Nếu "thể vô thức" làm giảm sức mạnh của "thể ý thức" thì con người luôn sống với ám thị từ những điều nhỏ nhất, ám thị đó thường mang tính tiêu cực nhiều hơn và thể hiện qua các nỗi lo lắng, sợ hãi và mất sự tin tưởng vào một thứ cụ thể.
Việc thực hiện các nghiên cứu về tự kỉ ám thị trong suốt 20 năm giúp nhà tâm lý học và dược sĩ người Pháp Émile Coue tìm ra phép tự kỉ ám thị riêng của mình để ứng dụng nó vào việc chữa lành những tổn thương cho bệnh nhân về mặt tâm lý bên cạnh những phương thức vật lý trị liệu khác. Việc ám thị như thế nào sẽ dẫn đến hành vi như thế và hệ quả của suy nhược thần kinh sẽ dẫn đến những bệnh lý khác hoặc cản trở việc chữa lành thể chất. Tự kỉ ám thị chẳng qua là một phép thôi miên và tự dung dưỡng tinh thần, là ảnh hưởng của trí tưởng tượng lên tinh thần và thân thể con người. Đó là những mệnh lệnh từ tâm thức giúp các ám thị nhận lệnh và chuyển hoá. Khi ta có thể cải thiện từng bước những vô thức thì ý thức sẽ trở lại giúp phản kháng những ám thị không tốt và xoay sang ám thị tốt. Émile đã chữa trị thành công cho rất nhiều bệnh nhân với các kiểu bệnh khác nhau, thậm chí là bệnh hiểm nghèo. Phương pháp vô cùng đơn giản, đó là luôn nói lời động viên khích lệ với họ, khuyến khích họ phát huy sức mạnh vô biên trong mỗi người bằng những suy nghĩ tốt đẹp với sự duy trì, nên tránh các hành vi hung hăng cay nghiệt dẫn đến những tự kỉ ám thị về nỗi sợ hoặc lòng thù hận. Câu nói trong phòng bệnh của ông luôn là "Ở đây không có người chữa bệnh, chỉ có một người chỉ cho anh cách chữa lành thôi."
Dĩ nhiên, chẳng có phương pháp nào hiệu quả tuyệt đối với tất cả mọi người nhưng chắc chắn sẽ hiệu nghiệm với những ai bền chí. Cả nhà trị liệu cho đến bệnh nhân luôn cần đến sự minh mẫn, kiên nhẫn và sẵn lòng thấu hiểu bản thân mới có thể đạt được kết quả tốt. Phép tự kỉ ám thị của Émile được rút gọn lại là : luôn tỉnh táo và nói lời tốt lành, luôn suy nghĩ tích cực với nỗ lực của ý chí. Điều này khá gần gũi với những tư tưởng của Phật giáo: đó là sống "tỉnh thức" và nói lời ái ngữ.
Có lẽ, với những ai có nhu cầu cao trong việc nghiên cứu tâm lý học hoặc khát khao sở hữu nhiều lượng thông tin cao siêu hơn nữa thì cuốn sách này khó mà đáp ứng được. Nhưng nên nhớ rằng, quyển sách đã ra đời cách đây 100 năm - thời kỳ mà xã hội chưa đến nỗi phải đối diện với quá nhiều vấn đề tâm lý phức tạp như hiện tại. Émile được coi là cha đẻ của phương pháp trị liệu và tự cải biến bản thân dựa trên tự kỉ ám thị tích cực, những nghiên cứu của ông đã trở thành tiền đề để những nhà tâm lý sau này dùng nó như một cơ sơ nghiên cứu, qua đó phát triển những phương pháp phù hợp với thời đại hơn. Trên hết, bất kì sự hiệu quả nào của sự chữa lành không chỉ nằm trên giấy hay lượng thông tin thu nhập vào não, chúng ta phải bắt tay vào việc thực hành một cách nghiêm túc.
Cuối cùng, xin trích dẫn một dòng suy nghĩ của Émile Coue ngày 27.02.1917 như sau : "Vâng, hôm qua tôi đã đi hết quãng đường của tuổi 60 và bước sang tuổi 70, nhưng trừ khi một quả bom hay khẩu súng 45 li chắn đường tôi, tôi sẽ sống đời nhẹ nhàng. Đó là suy nghĩ của tôi và nó sẽ tự nhiên như thế."
Cuốn sách về tự kỉ ám thị này vô cùng mỏng và ngắn gọn nhưng đủ để ta nắm bắt được thế nào là ám thị và vai trò của phép tự kỉ ám thị. Những trình bày tưởng chừng chỉ mang tính sơ lược nhưng dường như đó là tất cả của tự kỉ ám thị. Bởi lẽ, tập hiểu một vấn đề một cách đơn giản thì dễ đi sâu vào nội dung của nó hơn thay vì những diễn giải dài dòng triết lý dễ khiến ta mệt mỏi và bỏ cuộc. Khi ta nhận ra sự "vô cùng" trong trí tưởng tượng của chúng ta thì các kiểu ám thị cũng phát sinh từ đó. Nó thuộc về "thể vô thức" là nơi mà trí tưởng tượng dẫn dắt hành vi và cả khả năng ghi nhớ. Thể này luôn trong cuộc chiến chống lại "thể ý thức" mà trong đó cảm giác, cảm xúc và kí ức được ghi nhận. Nếu "thể vô thức" làm giảm sức mạnh của "thể ý thức" thì con người luôn sống với ám thị từ những điều nhỏ nhất, ám thị đó thường mang tính tiêu cực nhiều hơn và thể hiện qua các nỗi lo lắng, sợ hãi và mất sự tin tưởng vào một thứ cụ thể.
Việc thực hiện các nghiên cứu về tự kỉ ám thị trong suốt 20 năm giúp nhà tâm lý học và dược sĩ người Pháp Émile Coue tìm ra phép tự kỉ ám thị riêng của mình để ứng dụng nó vào việc chữa lành những tổn thương cho bệnh nhân về mặt tâm lý bên cạnh những phương thức vật lý trị liệu khác. Việc ám thị như thế nào sẽ dẫn đến hành vi như thế và hệ quả của suy nhược thần kinh sẽ dẫn đến những bệnh lý khác hoặc cản trở việc chữa lành thể chất. Tự kỉ ám thị chẳng qua là một phép thôi miên và tự dung dưỡng tinh thần, là ảnh hưởng của trí tưởng tượng lên tinh thần và thân thể con người. Đó là những mệnh lệnh từ tâm thức giúp các ám thị nhận lệnh và chuyển hoá. Khi ta có thể cải thiện từng bước những vô thức thì ý thức sẽ trở lại giúp phản kháng những ám thị không tốt và xoay sang ám thị tốt. Émile đã chữa trị thành công cho rất nhiều bệnh nhân với các kiểu bệnh khác nhau, thậm chí là bệnh hiểm nghèo. Phương pháp vô cùng đơn giản, đó là luôn nói lời động viên khích lệ với họ, khuyến khích họ phát huy sức mạnh vô biên trong mỗi người bằng những suy nghĩ tốt đẹp với sự duy trì, nên tránh các hành vi hung hăng cay nghiệt dẫn đến những tự kỉ ám thị về nỗi sợ hoặc lòng thù hận. Câu nói trong phòng bệnh của ông luôn là "Ở đây không có người chữa bệnh, chỉ có một người chỉ cho anh cách chữa lành thôi."
Dĩ nhiên, chẳng có phương pháp nào hiệu quả tuyệt đối với tất cả mọi người nhưng chắc chắn sẽ hiệu nghiệm với những ai bền chí. Cả nhà trị liệu cho đến bệnh nhân luôn cần đến sự minh mẫn, kiên nhẫn và sẵn lòng thấu hiểu bản thân mới có thể đạt được kết quả tốt. Phép tự kỉ ám thị của Émile được rút gọn lại là : luôn tỉnh táo và nói lời tốt lành, luôn suy nghĩ tích cực với nỗ lực của ý chí. Điều này khá gần gũi với những tư tưởng của Phật giáo: đó là sống "tỉnh thức" và nói lời ái ngữ.
Có lẽ, với những ai có nhu cầu cao trong việc nghiên cứu tâm lý học hoặc khát khao sở hữu nhiều lượng thông tin cao siêu hơn nữa thì cuốn sách này khó mà đáp ứng được. Nhưng nên nhớ rằng, quyển sách đã ra đời cách đây 100 năm - thời kỳ mà xã hội chưa đến nỗi phải đối diện với quá nhiều vấn đề tâm lý phức tạp như hiện tại. Émile được coi là cha đẻ của phương pháp trị liệu và tự cải biến bản thân dựa trên tự kỉ ám thị tích cực, những nghiên cứu của ông đã trở thành tiền đề để những nhà tâm lý sau này dùng nó như một cơ sơ nghiên cứu, qua đó phát triển những phương pháp phù hợp với thời đại hơn. Trên hết, bất kì sự hiệu quả nào của sự chữa lành không chỉ nằm trên giấy hay lượng thông tin thu nhập vào não, chúng ta phải bắt tay vào việc thực hành một cách nghiêm túc.
Cuối cùng, xin trích dẫn một dòng suy nghĩ của Émile Coue ngày 27.02.1917 như sau : "Vâng, hôm qua tôi đã đi hết quãng đường của tuổi 60 và bước sang tuổi 70, nhưng trừ khi một quả bom hay khẩu súng 45 li chắn đường tôi, tôi sẽ sống đời nhẹ nhàng. Đó là suy nghĩ của tôi và nó sẽ tự nhiên như thế."
November 1, 2020
As I’ve recounted in a previous review, my mother told me about Emile Coué when I was ill in bed with the measles at the age of 10 and not feeling so good. She told me that when she was young (she was born in 1908) there was a man called Emile Coué who told people that they could recover from their illnesses merely by repeating “Every day in every way I am getting better and better”. They did this, and recovered and he became very famous.
This little book provides us with the basic information about Coué’s method, and also includes a chapter listing many cases of patients who were cured from various ailments and diseases, e.g. stammering, kidney disease, enteritis, nervous dyspepsia, heart disease and so on. Many of these patients were cured instantly after seeing Coué; however, it is not explained what exactly he did to effect these immediate cures, presumably some sort of hypnosis.
His system is based on the patient curing him- or herself by what he terms “conscious autosuggestion”.
Coué informs us that we have an unlimited power in our imagination. When will and imagination are in conflict, imagination always wins. He declares that this is an absolute rule.
No effort should be made. Our state of mind should be: I desire to do (or have) such and such a thing and I am about to do (or have) it.
He tells us how to practise autosuggestion:
Every morning on awakening and every night as soon as we get into bed we should close our eyes and pronounce twenty times, just loud enough to hear our own words : “Every day in every way I am getting better and better”.
We should use a string with twenty knots in it for counting. Since I can’t make such a string, I use my fingers instead.
Moreover, if during the day we get a pain or depression, we should say “it passes, it passes”. Since saying this does not seem natural to me, I prefer to use the French “Ca passe, ca passe” which is presumably the original phrase used by Coué.
We should repeat the “Ca passe” phrase and the every day, every way phrase with absolute faith and confidence, but calmly, without effort.
The book also includes thoughts and precepts of Emile Coué, extracts from letters to him and also letters to one of his female disciples who also taught the method; these letters recount how the writers have been cured of this and that by its use.
This is an inspiring little book, though penned in old-fashioned language, just as the described cures all took place before 1920, so these patients are long since dead. This does not of course detract from the success of the method.
I have not myself as yet had any success with the method, but things take time; try it yourself, if you feel inspired – it is such a simple method and has helped thousands of people.
This little book provides us with the basic information about Coué’s method, and also includes a chapter listing many cases of patients who were cured from various ailments and diseases, e.g. stammering, kidney disease, enteritis, nervous dyspepsia, heart disease and so on. Many of these patients were cured instantly after seeing Coué; however, it is not explained what exactly he did to effect these immediate cures, presumably some sort of hypnosis.
His system is based on the patient curing him- or herself by what he terms “conscious autosuggestion”.
Coué informs us that we have an unlimited power in our imagination. When will and imagination are in conflict, imagination always wins. He declares that this is an absolute rule.
No effort should be made. Our state of mind should be: I desire to do (or have) such and such a thing and I am about to do (or have) it.
He tells us how to practise autosuggestion:
Every morning on awakening and every night as soon as we get into bed we should close our eyes and pronounce twenty times, just loud enough to hear our own words : “Every day in every way I am getting better and better”.
We should use a string with twenty knots in it for counting. Since I can’t make such a string, I use my fingers instead.
Moreover, if during the day we get a pain or depression, we should say “it passes, it passes”. Since saying this does not seem natural to me, I prefer to use the French “Ca passe, ca passe” which is presumably the original phrase used by Coué.
We should repeat the “Ca passe” phrase and the every day, every way phrase with absolute faith and confidence, but calmly, without effort.
The book also includes thoughts and precepts of Emile Coué, extracts from letters to him and also letters to one of his female disciples who also taught the method; these letters recount how the writers have been cured of this and that by its use.
This is an inspiring little book, though penned in old-fashioned language, just as the described cures all took place before 1920, so these patients are long since dead. This does not of course detract from the success of the method.
I have not myself as yet had any success with the method, but things take time; try it yourself, if you feel inspired – it is such a simple method and has helped thousands of people.
September 7, 2019
This is one of the greatest books I have ever read. So short and to the point, Coue's method is amazingly easy to implement in your life. There is no reason not to read this, you will not regret it. It's worth reading again and again.
November 5, 2019
It is a great book if you want to know how hypnosis works. You can take charge of your fate by canceling your unconscious negative beliefs and implementing conscious autosuggestion!
August 19, 2020
The original book on hypnosis?
Regardless of what got you here, the book will not disappoint. This short & sweet piece of literature has been written by the founding father of hypnosis, or as he prefers to call it, conscious autosugestion, which is a more accurate term in every way.
He presents it in a very reasonable way, so that even someone like myself who is very fond of science can understand, appreciate and even practice.
I found it because by chance in a YouTube video I was watching, the author was referred to as the rather or self-hypnosis & that intrigued me, especially since hypnosis is still used today by reputable folks as a means to help with healing & a better mental and emotional well-being.
Although it has its limitations & is highly subjectively dependent on each individual, I can confirm myself that it works as long as the stated rules are respected and the goals remain within reason.
I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more of his works & others like him.
Definitely a recommended read if this subject interests you. The Kindle version was cheap.
Regardless of what got you here, the book will not disappoint. This short & sweet piece of literature has been written by the founding father of hypnosis, or as he prefers to call it, conscious autosugestion, which is a more accurate term in every way.
He presents it in a very reasonable way, so that even someone like myself who is very fond of science can understand, appreciate and even practice.
I found it because by chance in a YouTube video I was watching, the author was referred to as the rather or self-hypnosis & that intrigued me, especially since hypnosis is still used today by reputable folks as a means to help with healing & a better mental and emotional well-being.
Although it has its limitations & is highly subjectively dependent on each individual, I can confirm myself that it works as long as the stated rules are respected and the goals remain within reason.
I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more of his works & others like him.
Definitely a recommended read if this subject interests you. The Kindle version was cheap.
February 20, 2018
Excellent read on the subject of the Power of the Mind and Body
I picked Coué's book because I had been studying J. Murphy's The Power of Your Subconscious Mind which I found very interesting. But after reading this, I categorize it as an application to Murphy's book, a more practical guide to everything that Murphy says, even though, from the two, it is Coué who is the pioneer in the field, having enounced and proven all these facts since the beginning of the 20th century. At the end of the book he also speaks about how to integrate this type of thinking and methods into children's education, which has regrettably not taken place since then.
Even more in depth practical examples can be found in Marisa Peer's work whom is world renowned nowadays for her RTT method. It is definitely a fascinating field!
This book has definitely sparked an interest to discover his other works as well.
I picked Coué's book because I had been studying J. Murphy's The Power of Your Subconscious Mind which I found very interesting. But after reading this, I categorize it as an application to Murphy's book, a more practical guide to everything that Murphy says, even though, from the two, it is Coué who is the pioneer in the field, having enounced and proven all these facts since the beginning of the 20th century. At the end of the book he also speaks about how to integrate this type of thinking and methods into children's education, which has regrettably not taken place since then.
Even more in depth practical examples can be found in Marisa Peer's work whom is world renowned nowadays for her RTT method. It is definitely a fascinating field!
This book has definitely sparked an interest to discover his other works as well.
August 4, 2024
An interesting read. Didn’t resonate with everything said, however, with a little tweak here and there, I could make it work for me. It appears to work with the hypnotic theory and there’s definitely a power there under utilised.
June 2, 2015
It's a short book, so not a lot of time has to be wasted reading it. The phrasing is a bit archaic, but then what can one expect from something that was written more than one hundred years ago?
But there is one thing that is undeniable: it is the most positive work I've ever encountered.
But there is one thing that is undeniable: it is the most positive work I've ever encountered.
August 2, 2016
A very shortish book but still provides a clear understanding of how powerful Autosuggestion can be in unleashing limitless potential of our unconscious mind.
April 4, 2021
It’s a good one. This will be one of the books that I will definitely come back when it comes to teaching my kids.
February 17, 2025
This is a Manifestation Book from 1922.
It mostly justifies ‘the truth of’ its own theory.
I found it as recommended by boxer Mike Tyson.
Emile Coué calls it “Self Hypnotism”
Find my takeaway’s below as direct quotes:
•
•
•
Concept:
“We possess within us a force of incalculable power, which, when we handle it unconsciously is often prejudicial to us. If on the contrary we direct it in a conscious and wise manner, it gives us the mastery of ourselves and allows us not only to escape and to aid others to escape, from physical and mental ills, but also to live in relative happiness, whatever the conditions in which we may find ourselves.” -p56
Programme:
“By what means it can be done. Well, the means is very simple; it is that which we have used every day since we came into the world, without wishing or knowing it and absolutely unconsciously, but which unfortunately for us, we often use wrongly and to our own detriment. This means is autosuggestion. Whereas we constantly give ourselves unconscious autosuggestions, all we have to do is to give ourselves conscious ones, and the process consists in this: first, to weigh carefully in one's mind the things which are to be the object of the autosuggestion, and according as they require the answer "yes" or "no" to repeat several times without thinking of anything else: "This thing is coming", or "this thing is going away"; "this thing will, or will not happen, etc., etc. ..." ' If the unconscious accepts this suggestion and transforms it into an autosuggestion, the thing or things are realized in every particular. […] If you persuade yourself that you can do a certain thing, provided this thing be possible, you will do it however difficult it may be. If on the contrary you imagine that you cannot do the simplest thing in the world, it is impossible for you to do it, and molehills become for you unscalable mountains.” -p14,15
Practical Exercise:
“Shut yourself up alone in a room, seat yourself in an armchair, close your eyes to avoid any distraction, and concentrate your mind for a few moments on thinking: "Such and such a thing is going to disap-pear", or "Such and such a thing is coming to pass." If you have really made the autosuggestion, that is to say, if your unconscious has assimilated the idea that you have presented to it, you are astonished to see the thing you have thought come to pass.” -p17
Affirmation:
“repeat twenty times consecutively in a monotonous voice, counting by means of a string with twenty knots in it, this little phrase: "EVERY DAY, IN EVERY RESPECT, I AM GETTING BETTER AND BETTER." In his mind he should emphasize the words "in every respect" which applies to every need, mental or physical. This general suggestion is more efficacious than special ones. -p33
The Imagination > The Will:
“But above all, and this is an essential point, the will must not be brought into play in practising autosuggestion; for, if it is not in agreement with the imagination, if one thinks: "I will make such and such a thing happen", and the imagination says: "You are willing it, but it is not going to be", not only does one not obtain what one wants, but even exactly the reverse is brought about. This remark is of capital importance, and explains why results are so unsatisfactory when, in treating moral ailments, one strives to re-educate the will. It is the training of the imagination which is necessary, and it is thanks to this shade of difference that my method has often succeeded where others--and those not the least considered--have failed. From the numerous experiments that I have made daily for twenty years, and which I have examined with minute care, I have been able to deduct the following conclusions which I have summed up as laws:
1. When the will and the imagination are antago-nistic, it is always the imagination which wins, without any exception.
2. In the conflict between the will and the imagi-nation, the force of the imagination is in direct ratio to the square of the will.
3. When the will and the imagination are in agree-ment, one does not add to the other, but one is multiplied by the other.
4. The imagination can be directed.
(The expressions "In direct ratio to the square of the will" and "Is multiplied by" are not rigorously exact. They are simply illustrations destined to make my meaning clearer.)
-p17-19
If we open a dictionary and look up the word
"will", we find this definition: "The faculty of freely determining certain acts". We accept this definition as true and unattackable, although nothing could be more false. This will that we claim so proudly, always yields to the imagination. It is an absolute rule that admits of no exception. -p6
It mostly justifies ‘the truth of’ its own theory.
I found it as recommended by boxer Mike Tyson.
Emile Coué calls it “Self Hypnotism”
Find my takeaway’s below as direct quotes:
•
•
•
Concept:
“We possess within us a force of incalculable power, which, when we handle it unconsciously is often prejudicial to us. If on the contrary we direct it in a conscious and wise manner, it gives us the mastery of ourselves and allows us not only to escape and to aid others to escape, from physical and mental ills, but also to live in relative happiness, whatever the conditions in which we may find ourselves.” -p56
Programme:
“By what means it can be done. Well, the means is very simple; it is that which we have used every day since we came into the world, without wishing or knowing it and absolutely unconsciously, but which unfortunately for us, we often use wrongly and to our own detriment. This means is autosuggestion. Whereas we constantly give ourselves unconscious autosuggestions, all we have to do is to give ourselves conscious ones, and the process consists in this: first, to weigh carefully in one's mind the things which are to be the object of the autosuggestion, and according as they require the answer "yes" or "no" to repeat several times without thinking of anything else: "This thing is coming", or "this thing is going away"; "this thing will, or will not happen, etc., etc. ..." ' If the unconscious accepts this suggestion and transforms it into an autosuggestion, the thing or things are realized in every particular. […] If you persuade yourself that you can do a certain thing, provided this thing be possible, you will do it however difficult it may be. If on the contrary you imagine that you cannot do the simplest thing in the world, it is impossible for you to do it, and molehills become for you unscalable mountains.” -p14,15
Practical Exercise:
“Shut yourself up alone in a room, seat yourself in an armchair, close your eyes to avoid any distraction, and concentrate your mind for a few moments on thinking: "Such and such a thing is going to disap-pear", or "Such and such a thing is coming to pass." If you have really made the autosuggestion, that is to say, if your unconscious has assimilated the idea that you have presented to it, you are astonished to see the thing you have thought come to pass.” -p17
Affirmation:
“repeat twenty times consecutively in a monotonous voice, counting by means of a string with twenty knots in it, this little phrase: "EVERY DAY, IN EVERY RESPECT, I AM GETTING BETTER AND BETTER." In his mind he should emphasize the words "in every respect" which applies to every need, mental or physical. This general suggestion is more efficacious than special ones. -p33
The Imagination > The Will:
“But above all, and this is an essential point, the will must not be brought into play in practising autosuggestion; for, if it is not in agreement with the imagination, if one thinks: "I will make such and such a thing happen", and the imagination says: "You are willing it, but it is not going to be", not only does one not obtain what one wants, but even exactly the reverse is brought about. This remark is of capital importance, and explains why results are so unsatisfactory when, in treating moral ailments, one strives to re-educate the will. It is the training of the imagination which is necessary, and it is thanks to this shade of difference that my method has often succeeded where others--and those not the least considered--have failed. From the numerous experiments that I have made daily for twenty years, and which I have examined with minute care, I have been able to deduct the following conclusions which I have summed up as laws:
1. When the will and the imagination are antago-nistic, it is always the imagination which wins, without any exception.
2. In the conflict between the will and the imagi-nation, the force of the imagination is in direct ratio to the square of the will.
3. When the will and the imagination are in agree-ment, one does not add to the other, but one is multiplied by the other.
4. The imagination can be directed.
(The expressions "In direct ratio to the square of the will" and "Is multiplied by" are not rigorously exact. They are simply illustrations destined to make my meaning clearer.)
-p17-19
If we open a dictionary and look up the word
"will", we find this definition: "The faculty of freely determining certain acts". We accept this definition as true and unattackable, although nothing could be more false. This will that we claim so proudly, always yields to the imagination. It is an absolute rule that admits of no exception. -p6
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2020
Two absolutely distinct selves exist within us: conscious and unconscious
We only cease to be puppets when we have learned to guide our imagination
Imaginatoin cn be as easily controlled as a torrent or an unbroken horse
First, to weigh carefully in one's mind the things which are to be the object of the autosuggestion, and according as they require the answer ""yes"" or ""no"" to repeat several times without thinking of anything else: "This thing is coming", or "this thing is going away"
If you persuade yourself that you can do a certain thing, provided this thing be possible, you will do it however difficult it may be
It is possible for two people in exactly the same circumstances to be, the one perfectly happy, the other absolutely wretched
It is always the imagination which wins, without any exception
The imagination can be directed
It is impossible to think of two things at once: Every thought entirely filling our mind becomes true for us
If you can make a sick person think that her trouble is getting better, it will disappear
All these suggestions must be made in a monotonous and soothing voice
It is necessary to renew the suggestions more or less frequently according
Repeat twenty times consecutively in a monotonous voice: "EVERY DAY, IN EVERY RESPECT, I AM GETTING BETTER AND BETTER"
By following out my advice, it is impossible to fail
If there are sceptics among you, come to my house and see what is being done, and you will be convinced by fact
When you make conscious autosuggestions, do it above all without any effort
It is then the imagination and not the will which is the most important faculty of man
Things are not for us what they are, but what they seem
Spartan women only brought forth robust children, who grew to be redoubtable warriors, because their strongest desire was to give such heroes to their country
ALL THAT WE THINK BECOMES TRUE FOR US. WE MUST NOT THEN ALLOW OURSELVES TO THINK WRONGLY."
We only cease to be puppets when we have learned to guide our imagination
Imaginatoin cn be as easily controlled as a torrent or an unbroken horse
First, to weigh carefully in one's mind the things which are to be the object of the autosuggestion, and according as they require the answer ""yes"" or ""no"" to repeat several times without thinking of anything else: "This thing is coming", or "this thing is going away"
If you persuade yourself that you can do a certain thing, provided this thing be possible, you will do it however difficult it may be
It is possible for two people in exactly the same circumstances to be, the one perfectly happy, the other absolutely wretched
It is always the imagination which wins, without any exception
The imagination can be directed
It is impossible to think of two things at once: Every thought entirely filling our mind becomes true for us
If you can make a sick person think that her trouble is getting better, it will disappear
All these suggestions must be made in a monotonous and soothing voice
It is necessary to renew the suggestions more or less frequently according
Repeat twenty times consecutively in a monotonous voice: "EVERY DAY, IN EVERY RESPECT, I AM GETTING BETTER AND BETTER"
By following out my advice, it is impossible to fail
If there are sceptics among you, come to my house and see what is being done, and you will be convinced by fact
When you make conscious autosuggestions, do it above all without any effort
It is then the imagination and not the will which is the most important faculty of man
Things are not for us what they are, but what they seem
Spartan women only brought forth robust children, who grew to be redoubtable warriors, because their strongest desire was to give such heroes to their country
ALL THAT WE THINK BECOMES TRUE FOR US. WE MUST NOT THEN ALLOW OURSELVES TO THINK WRONGLY."
Read
September 28, 2025Znate da će knjiga bit’ dobra kad počne sa “Kue nije bio šarlatan.”
I stvarno nije, u tradicionalnom smislu te riječi. Ovaj čovjek je bio ludak i travar. I Francuz. Lik je preteča gaslightovanja i manifestacije (otkrio placebo efekat inače).
“Svesnim stvaranjem dobrih autosugestija vraćamo fizičko i psihičko zdravlje bolesnima, neurotičnima i svima drugima koji su kao nesvesne žrtve pethodnih autosugestija izgubili pravi put u životu.”
Sudeći po aneksima iz knjige, vjerovatno je bio i čarobnjak. Nevjerovatno je što je ovaj brat koristio svoje moći za dobro, a ne da se obogati ili postane predvodnik nekakve sekte. Ovo mi je lično omiljeni isječak:
“Ubedite li sebe da možete da uradite neku, bilo koju stvar, naravno pod pretpostavkom da je to stvarno i moguće, vi ćete je uraditi, bez obzira koliko je to izgledalo teško.”
Bro was onto nothing. Poštujem ga jer je simpatičan i dobroćudan, ali njegova cijela filozofija, tj. metoda se zasniva na tome da sebi ponavljate rečenicu:
“Svakoga dana, u svakom pogledu, meni je sve bolje i bolje!”
Uštedio sam vam 2 sata. Molim vas čitajte knjige pravih filozofa i psihologa. Ja sam ovo pročitao jer mi je dala sestra. Émile Coué moj sledeći D&D lik.
I stvarno nije, u tradicionalnom smislu te riječi. Ovaj čovjek je bio ludak i travar. I Francuz. Lik je preteča gaslightovanja i manifestacije (otkrio placebo efekat inače).
“Svesnim stvaranjem dobrih autosugestija vraćamo fizičko i psihičko zdravlje bolesnima, neurotičnima i svima drugima koji su kao nesvesne žrtve pethodnih autosugestija izgubili pravi put u životu.”
Sudeći po aneksima iz knjige, vjerovatno je bio i čarobnjak. Nevjerovatno je što je ovaj brat koristio svoje moći za dobro, a ne da se obogati ili postane predvodnik nekakve sekte. Ovo mi je lično omiljeni isječak:
“Ubedite li sebe da možete da uradite neku, bilo koju stvar, naravno pod pretpostavkom da je to stvarno i moguće, vi ćete je uraditi, bez obzira koliko je to izgledalo teško.”
Bro was onto nothing. Poštujem ga jer je simpatičan i dobroćudan, ali njegova cijela filozofija, tj. metoda se zasniva na tome da sebi ponavljate rečenicu:
“Svakoga dana, u svakom pogledu, meni je sve bolje i bolje!”
Uštedio sam vam 2 sata. Molim vas čitajte knjige pravih filozofa i psihologa. Ja sam ovo pročitao jer mi je dala sestra. Émile Coué moj sledeći D&D lik.
May 17, 2019
This book seems weirdly edited. Not sure if it's supposed to be a collection of writings from Coue or a book in of itself. In any case, the explanations of how autosuggestion works and why is enlightening. The part where he describes how he conducts suggestion (which seems more like hypnotism) on his patients is weird. The list of cases that were successfully cured is skipable as the reader does gain much knowledge.
The way the instructions are written feels dated. I was hoping there would be more detail into how to practice autosuggestion yourself, but I did not find much. Also, it seems a 2-page section specifically dealing with this is missing. I found it in the Romanian version, so I have no idea what's up with that.
Also, I left with a feeling that all this sounds marvellous, but if it is indeed as written, why isn't everyone practising it?
Anyway... like I said, the explanations are well written and it makes sense, so what I come with after reading this short book, is that it is very important what you tell your mind and that you can condition it to do the best it can towards what you want it to do, by regularly using your imagination to suggest it.
The way the instructions are written feels dated. I was hoping there would be more detail into how to practice autosuggestion yourself, but I did not find much. Also, it seems a 2-page section specifically dealing with this is missing. I found it in the Romanian version, so I have no idea what's up with that.
Also, I left with a feeling that all this sounds marvellous, but if it is indeed as written, why isn't everyone practising it?
Anyway... like I said, the explanations are well written and it makes sense, so what I come with after reading this short book, is that it is very important what you tell your mind and that you can condition it to do the best it can towards what you want it to do, by regularly using your imagination to suggest it.
February 17, 2021
This book has helped so many people that it rates 5 stars.....
He is right about the more you try to stop negative emotions by will-power, the worse they become.
I read in another book is what you need is contextual reframing,
"If you want to become more religious, you could say I want to pray more, but going to St. Peters Basilica in Italy will make you come alive more Religious.
"You could say I want more excitement in my life, but going to the Grand Canyon, will make you have a huge sense of wonder and vibrancy: "This is called contextual reframing"
I believe this is what Dr. Coue was trying to get across to people.
Enhance your Imagination and vibrancy without becoming "Obsessive Compulsive"
Great Book by a great man and healer
He is right about the more you try to stop negative emotions by will-power, the worse they become.
I read in another book is what you need is contextual reframing,
"If you want to become more religious, you could say I want to pray more, but going to St. Peters Basilica in Italy will make you come alive more Religious.
"You could say I want more excitement in my life, but going to the Grand Canyon, will make you have a huge sense of wonder and vibrancy: "This is called contextual reframing"
I believe this is what Dr. Coue was trying to get across to people.
Enhance your Imagination and vibrancy without becoming "Obsessive Compulsive"
Great Book by a great man and healer
January 25, 2017
What can I say about this book? A bit boring while listing diseases and patients, but interesting because of the concept.
Do I believe in autosuggestion? I don't know.
For sure I have ever thought that mind power or a certain kind of interior strenght can do much more of what we normally believe.
Especially the Western world is scientifically oriented and often fails to deal with what is difficult to explain rationally.
Sometimes it is interesting to also leave a bit of space to mysticism and to man and nature's hidden abilities.
I am wondering myself writing all of this ;-)
Do I believe in autosuggestion? I don't know.
For sure I have ever thought that mind power or a certain kind of interior strenght can do much more of what we normally believe.
Especially the Western world is scientifically oriented and often fails to deal with what is difficult to explain rationally.
Sometimes it is interesting to also leave a bit of space to mysticism and to man and nature's hidden abilities.
I am wondering myself writing all of this ;-)
May 9, 2015
Autosuggestion: the implanting of an idea in oneself by oneself.
We humans have a certain resemblance to sheep, and involuntarily, we are irresistibly impelled to follow other people's examples, imagining we cannot do otherwise.
When the will and the imagination are in agreement, one does not add to the other, but one is multiplied by the other.
Start from imagination first, then will. Not other way.
We humans have a certain resemblance to sheep, and involuntarily, we are irresistibly impelled to follow other people's examples, imagining we cannot do otherwise.
When the will and the imagination are in agreement, one does not add to the other, but one is multiplied by the other.
Start from imagination first, then will. Not other way.
January 18, 2015
An interesting short read. I don't trust the effect of autosuggestion on physical ailments. Still one can't deny its effect on the mind. What rests to be ascertained is that, knowing autosuggestion is possible, one can apply it to their own self, especially if the imagination and will are antagonistic, like was said in part of the book.
August 8, 2016
What a pleasure it has been! I've adhered to the common phrase that one idea can ,and will ,change you in both thought forms and mannerisms and the Coue Method is definitely one of them. A 52 paged psychological thrill.. life-changing ,heart warming and thought-provoking brilliance.
May 1, 2010
Interesting stuff....if you're into hypnotism. :)
August 11, 2013
One of the classics of clinical hypnosis.
But, it's boring, and I don't think you can cure diabetes with hypnosis. Sorry.
But, it's boring, and I don't think you can cure diabetes with hypnosis. Sorry.
September 27, 2013
V interesting lecture - good insight and easy to see where The Secret have pinched a few ideas from...
October 24, 2013
Cartea prezinta o metoda simpla prin care sa reusim sa ne imbunatatim atat viata fizica, cat si cea psihica.
April 8, 2016
Historical contribution to understanding the positive thinking self-help discourse
March 4, 2018
Great! In Emile's words.
December 18, 2018
Worth a read
If you are familiar to the topic, you’ll probably find this book useful. Word limit word limit word limit word
If you are familiar to the topic, you’ll probably find this book useful. Word limit word limit word limit word
March 24, 2021
"Everyday in every aspect I am getting better" , I was like really?? Until everyday in every aspect I am getting better...
March 29, 2018
Tra il dire e il fare c´è di mezzo il mare - 'between saying and doing there is half a sea'
- Old Italian proverb.
If you have ever wondered about the impact of self-fulfilling prophecies, the power of telling yourself something over and over has then this could be the book for you to read.
Émile Coué's autosuggestive techniques seem to work in practice. Coming from the early tradition of psychotherapeutic practices Coué tried to create a system that might cure people of their psychological ailments, such as sleep deprivation, depression and stammering.
Is there evidence for these techniques working?
While Émile Coué takes the energy of willpower to the extreme, sometimes too far, in my opinion, he certainly does have a point to argue that the mind is powerful, as when vivid thoughts manifest themselves subconsciously, one can indeed accomplish seemingly impossible tasks so long as one believes, deeply, maybe also naively, that the task is possible. He brings in examples from medicine and although I do not refute the fact that in some cases illnesses have appeared to be defeated by strong willpower when the afflicted has a strong intent to do something, some of Coué's references seem quite far-fetched and outdated by more recent evidence in medical science.
There is a very compelling argument in Coué's suggestion that reminded me of Darren Brown's magic tricks that depend, wholly, on this suggestive parameter of the human mind.
I put the URL of the video of Darren Brown suggesting to Racetrack staff that they had won the race. His suggestive sentence was "We have the horse you're looking for".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkHeP...
If you don't have the time to read this book then, in a nutshell, just imagine what you wish for (carefully) and be thoughtful of what you suggest... If Émile Coué has anything to say... it will certainly make a difference.
- Old Italian proverb.
If you have ever wondered about the impact of self-fulfilling prophecies, the power of telling yourself something over and over has then this could be the book for you to read.
Émile Coué's autosuggestive techniques seem to work in practice. Coming from the early tradition of psychotherapeutic practices Coué tried to create a system that might cure people of their psychological ailments, such as sleep deprivation, depression and stammering.
Is there evidence for these techniques working?
While Émile Coué takes the energy of willpower to the extreme, sometimes too far, in my opinion, he certainly does have a point to argue that the mind is powerful, as when vivid thoughts manifest themselves subconsciously, one can indeed accomplish seemingly impossible tasks so long as one believes, deeply, maybe also naively, that the task is possible. He brings in examples from medicine and although I do not refute the fact that in some cases illnesses have appeared to be defeated by strong willpower when the afflicted has a strong intent to do something, some of Coué's references seem quite far-fetched and outdated by more recent evidence in medical science.
There is a very compelling argument in Coué's suggestion that reminded me of Darren Brown's magic tricks that depend, wholly, on this suggestive parameter of the human mind.
I put the URL of the video of Darren Brown suggesting to Racetrack staff that they had won the race. His suggestive sentence was "We have the horse you're looking for".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkHeP...
If you don't have the time to read this book then, in a nutshell, just imagine what you wish for (carefully) and be thoughtful of what you suggest... If Émile Coué has anything to say... it will certainly make a difference.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2024
Cuốn sách chủ yếu mang thông tin về tự kỉ ám thị, không phải một dạng tri thức sâu sắc. Nó là lời giới thiệu và cũng là những tóm tắt ghi chép của tác giả khi trị liệu bằng phương pháp ám thị.
Thông tin mà mình thấy hữu ích không phải là phần về chữa lành hay phần về các trường hợp cụ thể được tác giả kể lại mà nó lại là những thông tin nằm ở hai chương đầu của cuốn sách gồm Ám thị ý thức, làm chủ bản thân (Chương 1) và Ám thị và tự kỉ ám thị (Chương 2).
Trong chương 1 về ám thị ý thức, làm chủ bản thân, tác giả có đưa ra thông tin về thể ý thức và thể vô thức; tác giả nói về ý chí và trí tưởng tượng. Và từ đây tác giả cũng đặt vấn đề về việc “cần học cách điều hướng trí tưởng tượng của mình thông qua phép tự kỉ ám thị”.
Trong chương 2 về ám thị và tự kỉ ám thị tác giả phân biệt hai khái niệm và đưa ra rất nhiều thông tin. Cũng trong chương 2, tác giả nói đến tự kỉ ám thị trong cải sửa và giáo dục trẻ em. Tác giả lên án việc người lớn gieo vào đầu trẻ em những câu chê bai (chê chính đứa trẻ hoặc chê những người khác để đứa trẻ nghe được), điều đó như ám thị vào đầu đứa trẻ và chúng sẽ hình thành tự kỉ ám thị về vấn đề đó và có xu hướng trở thành như vậy. Cần phải ám thị những điều tốt cho trẻ, ngay từ khi chúng còn bé, để hình thành những tự kỉ ám thị tích cực.
Chương 3 về sau không có nhiều điều đáng nói. Tự đọc, tự nghiệm, tự thực hành (nếu có).
Thông tin mà mình thấy hữu ích không phải là phần về chữa lành hay phần về các trường hợp cụ thể được tác giả kể lại mà nó lại là những thông tin nằm ở hai chương đầu của cuốn sách gồm Ám thị ý thức, làm chủ bản thân (Chương 1) và Ám thị và tự kỉ ám thị (Chương 2).
Trong chương 1 về ám thị ý thức, làm chủ bản thân, tác giả có đưa ra thông tin về thể ý thức và thể vô thức; tác giả nói về ý chí và trí tưởng tượng. Và từ đây tác giả cũng đặt vấn đề về việc “cần học cách điều hướng trí tưởng tượng của mình thông qua phép tự kỉ ám thị”.
Trong chương 2 về ám thị và tự kỉ ám thị tác giả phân biệt hai khái niệm và đưa ra rất nhiều thông tin. Cũng trong chương 2, tác giả nói đến tự kỉ ám thị trong cải sửa và giáo dục trẻ em. Tác giả lên án việc người lớn gieo vào đầu trẻ em những câu chê bai (chê chính đứa trẻ hoặc chê những người khác để đứa trẻ nghe được), điều đó như ám thị vào đầu đứa trẻ và chúng sẽ hình thành tự kỉ ám thị về vấn đề đó và có xu hướng trở thành như vậy. Cần phải ám thị những điều tốt cho trẻ, ngay từ khi chúng còn bé, để hình thành những tự kỉ ám thị tích cực.
Chương 3 về sau không có nhiều điều đáng nói. Tự đọc, tự nghiệm, tự thực hành (nếu có).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews