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Dynamic Thought · 15 of 21

The Theory of Dynamic Thought (Part 2)

To return to the Particle which we left trying to draw the other Particle to itself, and itself toward the other. There is no material connection between them (and Electricity and Magnetism will not answer), so what is to be done? Evidently the Particle knows, for it exerts a “drawing” power or force by means of the Mental-connection, and two come together. The Particle evidently is able to exert a repelling or “moving away” power by reversing the process, the Mental-bond acting as the medium. This may cause a smile, because we have never seen an instance of bodies pulling themselves together by intangible “bonds.” Haven’t we? Then how about two pieces of magnetised steel, or two electrified substances? Oh, that’s different, you say. Why, different? Isn’t the bond intangible? And, haven’t we seen that both Electricity and Magnetism were Mental Actions also? Oh,—er—but well,—oh yes, that’s it—perhaps the Attracting Force is Magnetism or Electricity. No, that will not do, for we have seen that Electricity and Magnetism were products of this Attraction, not producers of it—the Attraction must come before Electricity and Magnetism, not after them—you are mixing Cause and Effect. And, even if you were right—and you cannot be—wouldn’t the Electrical or Magnetic Force be called into operation, and directed by the Mental Action, arising from the Desire? You cannot get away from Mental Action when you study the Law of Attraction.

“But, how about the fact that Heat causes the Particles to change their vibrations, and draw apart, and all that sort of thing—and Electricity, likewise?” you may ask. “Surely this takes the matter away from Mental Action, doesn’t it?” Well, the writer thinks that the phenomenon referred to only helps to prove his theory. And he will endeavor to so prove to you.

The consideration of the facts related in this chapter, leads us to a supplemental proposition to our Basic Proposition, which may be stated as follows:

SUPPLEMENTAL PROPOSITION I.—Not only is the Law of Attraction the manifestation of a Mental Process, or Vital-Mental Action; but also the actual Force or Energy used in bringing the Particles of Substance in closer relation, in accordance with that Law, is in its nature a Vital Mental Force or Energy, operating between bodies or particles of Substance, without a material medium.

Asked of Guide

If attraction is mental, how does it produce physical effects like magnetism or heat?

Atkinson says the Law of Attraction is a Vital-Mental Force that acts between particles without a material medium; the mental Desire or Vital-Mental Action precedes and brings particles into relation. He argues Electricity and Magnetism are effects produced after that mental attraction, not independent causes, and even phenomena like heat or vibration simply modify how the mental force expresses itself between particles.

This chapter frames attraction as the originating activity and calls Electricity, Magnetism, and changes from heat secondary manifestations of that original Vital-Mental Energy. The claim echoes ideas in New Thought and anticipates chapters that show how desire-directed mental action organizes physical effects rather than being organized by them.

Guide is the guide inside the Gnosis app, where every book on these shelves is free to read. Guide is the part you pay for — your guide has read all of them, and answers about the passage you’re actually on. Ask your guide your own question.