IMAGINATION 385understand and make practical use of the subject of this lesson. The
Imagination is too often regarded merely as an indefinite, untraceable,
indescribable something that does nothing but create fiction. It is this
popular disregard of the powers of the Imagination that has made nec-
essary these more or less abstract references to the subject. Not only
is the subject of Imagination an important factor in this course, but it
is also one of the most interesting subjects, as you will observe when
you begin to see how it affects all that you do toward the achievement
of your Definite Chief Aim.
You will see the importance of the subject of Imagination when
you stop to realize that it is the only thing in the world over which you
have absolute control. Others may deprive you of your material wealth
and cheat you in a thousand ways, but no one can deprive you of the
control and use of your Imagination. Others may deal with you unfairly,
as they often do; they may deprive you of your liberty, but they cannot
take from you the privilege of using your Imagination as you wish.
The most inspiring poem in all literature was written by Leigh Hunt
while he was a poverty-stricken inmate in an English prison, where he
had been unjustly confined because of his advanced views on politics.
This poem is entitled "Abou Ben Adhem," and it is here reprinted as
a reminder that one of the great things each of us may do, in our own
Imaginations, is to forgive those who have dealt unjustly with us:Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase)
Awoke one night jrom a deep dream oj peace
And saw within the moonlight oj his room,
Making it rich and like a lily in bloom,
An angel writing in a book oj gold,
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the presence in the room he said:
((What writest thou?"-the vision raised its head,