Mentalism, overview and history

It is based on a proven scientific fact: only a part of the brain is actually used by most people. To exploit fully, we should turn away from materialism and give a greater share of the mind.

History

Discourse on Method by Descartes in 1637 establishes rules of effective thinking both in situations of certainty or uncertainty. Mentalism, however, while using rigorous methods, goes beyond focusing on knowledge of all aspects of the human mind.

Henry Sidgwick uses the word mentalism to oppose materialism. In 1874 he established the rules of thought based on clarity, coherence, consensus, which transpose to the systematic mind that tends to operate against material objects.

Irish George Berkeley in 1710 advocates immaterialism, that we do not perceive the matter, the qualities of objects (color, texture, etc..) Exist only through what is perceived. Let's remember that this philosophy places special emphasis on the mind perceives things, to know the qualities of them.

Several scientists are devoted to the study of intellectual abilities. Alfred Binet was attached to measure intelligence. Kulp Oswald wants to develop knowledge of the mind by introspection, which is however criticized in that it requires a reconstruction and a verbal description of inner phenomena that distort the knowledge we may have. However it also allows to associate operating procedures.
Karl Bühler studies the psychology of thought and opposes to the reductive behaviorism.

In 1902, A. Victor Segno publishes The Law of Mentalism which obtains a global success. It addresses the power on and of the mental faculties in all its forms including hypnotism, telepathy, etc..

Modern mentalism

It has become a method of personal development.

• Cognitive development is based on memory, attention, concentration, speed of thinking.
• NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) is a set of techniques, guidelines to follow for personal development and improving relationships.
• Hypersensoriel development relies on the ability of deduction, which must be exercised.
• The extrasensory relates abilities, more or less true, such as telepathy, premonitions, and others.

The mentalist television series that one can dream of referring to the third, and recalling that it was medium before being investigator, but he really does use only the second ability.

Conclusion

According to many authors who focused on this, anyone can, as we learn to draw, we learn to become a mentalist, with time and perseverance. But everybody can not become a great master ...

More information

• Summary of The Law of Mentalism.
• Spec that see right through you. Developed by MIT, these eyeglasses can detect the emotions of the person you are watching. This works with a miniature camera coupled with facial expression recognition software.
  This provides a tool for the mentalistic. A version for Japan allows to distinguish 10 different types of smiles, associated with states of minds.