190 THE PRINCIPLES OF SELF-MASTERY
discovered in all past history of the human race. Within three decades
we have witnessed the mastery of the air; we have explored the ocean;
we have all but annihilated distances on the earth; we have harnessed the
lightning and made it turn the wheels of industry; we have made seven
blades of grass grow where but one grew before; we have instantaneous
communication between the nations of the world. Truly, this is an age
of illumination and unfoldment, but we have as yet barely scratched the
surface of knowledge. However, when we shall have unlocked the gate
that leads to the secret power that is stored up within us, it will bring
us knowledge that will make all past discoveries pale into oblivion by
companson.
Thought is the most highly organized form of energy known, and
this is an age of experimentation and research that is sure to bring us
into greater understanding of that mysterious force called thought. We
have already found out enough about the human mind to know that one
may throw off the accumulated effects of a thousand generations of fear,
through the aid of the principle of autosuggestion. We have already dis-
covered the fact that jear is the chief reason for poverty and failure and
misery that takes on a thousand different forms. We have already dis-
covered the fact that the person who masters jear may continue on to
successful achievement in practically any undertaking, despite all efforts
to defeat them.
The development of Self-Confidence starts with the elimination of
this demon calledjear, which sits on a persons shoulder and whispers
into their ear: "You can't do it-you are afraid to try-you are afraid of
public opinion-you are afraid that you will fail-you are afraid you
do not have the ability."
This fear demon is getting into dose quarters. Science has found a
deadly weapon with which to put it to flight, and this lesson on Self-
Confidence has brought you this weapon for use in your battle with
that enemy of progress:fear.