How to make ESP work for you
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How to make ESP work for you
Sherman's 1967 guide, "How to Make ESP Work for You," distinguishes itself by eschewing mystical jargon for a direct, almost instructional tone. Its strength lies in its methodical approach, treating psychic development not as an arcane art but as a trainable faculty. The emphasis on mental discipline and focused visualization, particularly the concept of the "receptive attitude," offers tangible exercises for the reader. However, the book's reliance on a mid-century understanding of psychology and consciousness can feel dated, lacking the nuanced neurological or quantum perspectives that inform contemporary parapsychology. A passage discussing "thought waves" feels particularly rooted in its time. Despite this, the core principles of focused intention and belief remain potent. Sherman’s work is a valuable, if period-specific, primer for the earnest seeker of intuitive abilities.
📝 Description
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Harold Morrow Sherman's 1967 book provides practical steps for developing extrasensory perception.
Published in 1967, "How to Make ESP Work for You" by Harold Morrow Sherman moves beyond abstract theory to offer concrete methods for cultivating extrasensory abilities. Sherman focuses on actionable techniques and psychological insights designed to awaken dormant psychic faculties. The book examines the nature of thought, intuition, and the subconscious mind, presenting them as avenues to ESP. It is written for individuals curious about their psychic potential who want practical guidance. Those who have experienced intuitive moments and wish to understand and control them will find this work particularly useful. It serves both newcomers to psychic development and those seeking a more structured approach to familiar topics.
Sherman addresses the practical mechanics of projecting and receiving thoughts, stressing the importance of directed intention and mental control. He views the subconscious as a deep well of psychic impressions and highlights the need for a receptive state of mind. The book also covers the concept of mental telepathy and how to foster a "receptive attitude" to improve communication beyond ordinary sensory channels. The author's aim is to demystify ESP and make its development accessible.
Sherman's work appeared in the mid-20th century, a time when interest in parapsychology was significant. This period saw research into psychic phenomena gaining traction, with figures like J.B. Rhine popularizing the term "extrasensory perception." The book reflects a broader cultural interest in the mind's latent abilities, influenced by the New Thought movement and earlier spiritualist and psychical research traditions. It connects to a lineage of thought that seeks to understand and utilize consciousness beyond conventional limits.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• You will learn practical techniques for cultivating mental focus and receptivity, directly applicable to enhancing intuition, as presented in Sherman's "receptive attitude" exercises. • You will gain an understanding of the 1960s approach to parapsychology, seeing how authors like Sherman connected intuitive abilities to the subconscious mind. • You will discover methods for consciously directing mental energy for telepathic communication, as detailed in the chapters on thought projection.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core premise of Harold Morrow Sherman's "How to Make ESP Work for You"?
The book's core premise is that extrasensory perception (ESP) is not an innate, rare gift but a faculty that can be consciously developed through specific mental disciplines and a receptive attitude, as explored in its practical exercises.
When was "How to Make ESP Work for You" first published?
"How to Make ESP Work for You" was first published in 1967, placing it within a period of significant public interest in psychic phenomena and parapsychology.
Does the book offer scientific evidence for ESP?
While Sherman draws on psychological principles and the research of his time, the book focuses on practical application rather than presenting rigorous scientific evidence in the modern sense. It aims to guide the reader's personal development.
What kind of exercises does the book suggest for developing ESP?
The book suggests exercises involving focused visualization, concentration, cultivating a "receptive attitude," and practicing thought projection and reception, aiming to strengthen the connection to one's subconscious and intuitive faculties.
Is "How to Make ESP Work for You" suitable for skeptics?
Skeptics might find the book's practical, step-by-step approach more palatable than purely theoretical works. However, its underlying assumption that ESP is developable may still be a hurdle.
What is the significance of the "receptive attitude" in the book?
The "receptive attitude" is presented as a crucial mental state characterized by open-mindedness and a lack of mental interference, essential for allowing intuitive impressions and psychic information to be received clearly.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
Mental Discipline and Focus
Sherman posits that developing ESP hinges on rigorous mental discipline. He details techniques for concentrating thought, visualizing intentions, and quieting the conscious mind to allow subconscious impressions to surface. This focus is presented not as a mystical feat but as a trainable skill, akin to mastering any other cognitive function, enabling clearer reception of intuitive data.
The Receptive Attitude
A central concept is the "receptive attitude," a state of open, non-judgmental awareness. Sherman argues that anxiety, doubt, or forceful effort can block psychic channels. Cultivating this attitude involves setting aside preconceived notions and allowing impressions to flow without immediate analysis, creating a mental environment conducive to receiving telepathic or precognitive information.
Subconscious as Psychic Gateway
The book frames the subconscious mind as the primary interface for extrasensory experiences. Sherman suggests that our everyday consciousness filters out much of the subtle information that our deeper mind perceives. Techniques are offered to access this reservoir, interpreting dreams and intuitive nudges as messages from the subconscious that can be consciously understood and utilized.
Thought Projection and Reception
Sherman provides guidance on actively projecting thoughts and intentions and, conversely, on improving the ability to receive them from others. This involves understanding the principles of mental broadcasting and tuning in, treating psychic communication as a form of subtle energy exchange that requires practice and calibration, much like learning to use a radio receiver.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“The mind can be trained to receive and transmit thought.”
— This statement captures Sherman's core belief that extrasensory perception is an inherent capability that can be honed through dedicated practice and specific mental exercises, moving it from the area of mystery to that of trainable skill.
“Doubt is a mental barrier to psychic reception.”
— This highlights the psychological aspect of ESP development, suggesting that a skeptical or doubting mindset actively impedes the ability to perceive subtle psychic information, emphasizing the importance of belief and openness.
“Focus your intention clearly before attempting telepathic contact.”
— This practical directive underscores the importance of directed will and mental clarity in achieving successful psychic communication, suggesting that vagueness or scattered thought will lead to ineffective transmission or reception.
“The subconscious mind holds impressions beyond ordinary awareness.”
— This interpretation positions the subconscious as a repository of intuitive knowledge and psychic data, implying that the key to unlocking ESP lies in learning to access and interpret these deeper mental layers.
💡 Key Ideas
Editorial paraphrase of the work's core concepts — not direct quotes.
Develop a receptive attitude to enhance your intuitive faculties.
This quote points to a specific psychological state—openness and non-resistance—as fundamental for receiving psychic impressions, framing intuition not as a forceful act but as a passive reception of subtle information.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
Sherman's work aligns with the broader Western Esoteric tradition, particularly its modern manifestation in New Thought and practical psychology. While not explicitly Hermetic or Kabbalistic, it shares the underlying principle of mind over matter and the belief in cultivating inner faculties for external effect. It departs from more ritualistic or ceremonial magic by focusing on mental discipline and psychological states as the primary tools for psychic development.
Symbolism
While "How to Make ESP Work for You" is less symbolic than some esoteric texts, the concept of the "receptive attitude" can be seen as a symbolic state of openness, akin to a clear mirror reflecting subtle energies. The idea of "thought waves" functions metaphorically, representing the unseen forces of consciousness that can be directed and perceived, much like radio waves.
Modern Relevance
Contemporary practices in mindfulness, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), and even certain aspects of positive psychology echo Sherman's emphasis on focused intention and mental conditioning. Thinkers exploring consciousness, intuition coaches, and those interested in practical psychic development continue to draw upon the fundamental principles of mental discipline and belief that Sherman articulated for a post-war audience.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Aspiring psychics and intuitive development practitioners seeking structured exercises for enhancing their abilities, particularly those interested in the mental discipline approach. • Readers of 20th-century parapsychology and New Thought literature looking for a practical guide that complements theoretical works from the same era. • Individuals curious about the psychological underpinnings of intuition and telepathy, who prefer actionable techniques over abstract metaphysical discussions.
📜 Historical Context
Published in 1967, Harold Morrow Sherman's "How to Make ESP Work for You" emerged during a vibrant period for parapsychology. The mid-20th century saw significant research into psychic phenomena, notably at Duke University under J.B. Rhine, who coined the term "extrasensory perception." This era was also influenced by the enduring appeal of New Thought philosophies and earlier spiritualist movements. Sherman's work offered practical, accessible guidance, contrasting with more academic or strictly philosophical explorations of the mind. While not directly engaging with figures like Aleister Crowley's occult revival or the burgeoning psychedelic research, Sherman's book tapped into a widespread cultural curiosity about the untapped potential of human consciousness, a theme explored by many popular writers and thinkers of the time.
📔 Journal Prompts
The concept of the "receptive attitude" in developing ESP.
Methods for conscious thought projection and reception.
Interpreting subconscious impressions versus conscious analysis.
The role of belief and doubt in psychic phenomena.
Practical application of mental discipline for intuitive enhancement.
🗂️ Glossary
Extrasensory Perception (ESP)
The purported ability to acquire information by means other than the known senses, typically including telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition.
Receptive Attitude
A mental state characterized by open-mindedness, lack of conscious interference, and willingness to receive impressions without immediate judgment or analysis.
Thought Projection
The act of consciously directing one's thoughts or intentions towards another person or objective, with the aim of influencing or communicating.
Subconscious Mind
The part of the mind of which one is not aware but which influences one's behavior and feelings; considered by Sherman to be a primary channel for psychic impressions.
Mental Discipline
The practice of training the mind to focus, concentrate, and control thoughts and emotions, considered essential for developing psychic abilities.
Intuition
The ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning; often described as a 'gut feeling' or inner knowing.
Thought Waves
A concept, prevalent in early 20th-century parapsychology, suggesting that thoughts can be transmitted as energetic waves, similar to radio waves.
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