THE POWER OF CONCENTRATION: The Art of Manifesting Your Desires - William Walker Atkinson (1918)
"The Power of Concentration" by William Walker Atkinson (published in 1918 under the pseudonym Theron Q. Dumont) stands as a cornerstone of early 20th-century self-help and New Thought literature. This timeless classic, structured as 20 practical lessons, teaches that unwavering mental focus is the supreme force for personal achievement, self-mastery, and success in every domain of life. Atkinson argues that scattered attention wastes human potential, while disciplined concentration channels thought-energy like a laser, enabling individuals to overcome obstacles, break bad habits, manifest desires, build willpower, and attract prosperity. Through insightful explanations, real-world examples, and targeted exercises, the book empowers readers to harness their innate mental faculties, transforming vague aspirations into concrete results.
The core philosophy revolves around concentration as the "silent force" behind all accomplishment. Atkinson posits that success stems not from superior talent or luck but from the ability to direct undivided attention toward a single aim. He contrasts the average person's distracted mind—bombarded by irrelevant thoughts, emotions, and external stimuli—with the concentrated mind of achievers who accomplish more with less effort. By mastering concentration, one gains self-direction, mental poise, emotional control, and the power to influence circumstances. The book aligns with New Thought principles: focused thought vibrates strongly, linking the individual mind to universal forces and drawing corresponding opportunities.
Each lesson builds progressively, starting with foundational concepts and advancing to advanced applications, including practical drills like visualization, mental demands, and will-training exercises. The text is direct, motivational, and insistent—Atkinson challenges readers to apply the principles immediately, warning that mere reading without practice yields nothing.
Short Descriptions of Each Chapter (Lesson):
Lesson I: Concentration Finds the Way
Introduces concentration as the path to opportunity and success. Atkinson explains how focused thought reveals hidden possibilities, changes one's career trajectory, and turns ordinary individuals into extraordinary achievers by controlling inner dual natures—one pulling backward, the other advancing.
Lesson II: The Self-Mastery: Self-Direction Power of Concentration
Explores self-mastery through concentration. It teaches controlling thoughts, wishes, and plans; developing magnetic influence; and unifying will and intellect for strength. Exercises centralize attention and build personal power.
Lesson III: How to Gain What You Want Through Concentration
Details using concentration to attract desires. Focused mental energy creates opportunities, overcomes resistance, and manifests goals by aligning thought with purposeful action.
Lesson IV: Concentration, the Silent Force That Produces Results in All Business
Applies concentration to professional success. It shows how sustained focus yields efficiency, innovation, and results in business, making one indispensable through quiet, persistent mental effort.
Lesson V: How Concentrated Thought Links All Humanity Together
Discusses the interconnectedness of minds via concentrated thought. Unified focus creates collective power, influences others subtly, and taps into universal consciousness for greater harmony and achievement.
Lesson VI: The Training of the Will to Do
Focuses on strengthening willpower through concentration. Atkinson describes the "Will to Do" as humanity's greatest force, trainable via deliberate acts that build determination and overcome inertia.
Lesson VII: The Concentrated Mental Demand
Teaches issuing a powerful, unwavering mental demand to the universe. This focused assertion draws resources, ideas, and circumstances, acting as a magnet for fulfillment.
Lesson VIII: Concentration Gives Mental Poise
Explains how concentration fosters inner balance and composure. Poised minds remain calm under pressure, make clear decisions, and radiate confidence essential for leadership and success.
Lesson IX: Concentration Can Overcome Bad Habits
Shows concentration as a tool to eradicate negative patterns. By redirecting attention and starving unwanted habits, one replaces them with empowering ones through persistent focus.
Lesson X: Business Results Gained Through Concentration
Offers case studies and advice on achieving superior business outcomes. Concentrated effort increases productivity, sharpens judgment, and turns average performance into excellence.
Lesson XI: Concentrate on Courage
Builds fearlessness through focused thought. Exercises cultivate courage by visualizing bold actions and confronting fears directly, transforming timidity into resolute strength.
Lesson XII: Concentrate on Wealth
Directs concentration toward prosperity. Atkinson teaches holding vivid mental images of abundance, affirming wealth, and acting accordingly to attract financial success.
Lesson XIII: You Can Concentrate, But Will You?
Challenges readers' commitment. It stresses that ability exists in everyone, but success depends on consistent choice and effort—urging decisive action over procrastination.
Lesson XIV: The Art of Concentrating with Practical Exercise
Provides hands-on drills for daily concentration practice, including gaze-fixing, thought-control, and single-task focus to strengthen mental muscle.
Lesson XV: Concentrate So You Will Not Forget
Improves memory through concentration. Focused attention on details and repetition enhances recall, making learning and retention effortless.
Lesson XVI: How Concentration Can Fulfill Your Desire
Reveals how intense, sustained focus materializes wishes. By concentrating on ideals with emotion and faith, desires shift from fantasy to reality.
Lesson XVII: Ideals Develop by Concentration
Shows how noble ideals grow and clarify through focused contemplation. Concentration refines aspirations, aligning them with higher purpose for profound fulfillment.
Lesson XVIII: Mental Control Through Creation
Teaches creating desired mental states via concentration. One molds thoughts creatively to control emotions, attitudes, and outcomes.
Lesson XIX: A Concentrated Will Development
Advanced will-training exercises. Builds unbreakable resolve by concentrating on persistent action, endurance, and overcoming obstacles.
Lesson XX: Concentration Reviewed
Summarizes key principles, reinforces lessons, and motivates lifelong practice. Ends with encouragement to apply concentration daily for continuous growth and mastery.
Overall, "The Power of Concentration" remains profoundly relevant, offering timeless tools for mental discipline in an age of distraction. Atkinson's blend of practical exercises, psychological insight, and motivational fervor inspires readers to unlock hidden potential, achieve goals, and live with purpose. Through unwavering focus, one not only succeeds but transforms—becoming the architect of their destiny.
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