Emile Coué argues that human beings possess an immense, unconscious power within them that governs all bodily functions and actions. This force operates through the imagination rather than the conscious will. Whenever the will and the imagination are in direct conflict, the imagination invariably wins, often producing results that are the exact opposite of what a person consciously desires. For instance, trying desperately to force oneself to sleep or to remember a forgotten name usually leads to failure because the underlying mental image is one of inability.
The core of Coué's method involves shifting from unconscious, negative autosuggestions to deliberate, positive ones. Instead of struggling against ailments with brute willpower, individuals can train their minds to accept healing and improvement. Coué demonstrates this through simple preparatory exercises that show how physical responses can be altered simply by changing what a person imagines. When a subject firmly thinks that an action is impossible or inevitable, the body obeys that thought without exception.
To practice conscious autosuggestion, a person must approach the process in a relaxed state without straining or forcing the mind. Coué introduces a formula to be repeated every morning and evening: every day, in every respect, I am getting better and better. This general phrase addresses both physical and mental ailments without requiring detailed focus on specific illnesses. By repeating these words mechanically and passively, the unconscious mind absorbs the idea and begins to execute the necessary repairs within the organism.
The text includes numerous observations and letters from patients who recovered from long-standing physical and psychological afflictions, ranging from asthma and paralysis to chronic pain and depression. Coué emphasizes that he does not perform cures himself; rather, he teaches individuals how to access the natural healing instrument they carry within. The method extends to education, suggesting that parents and teachers can shape children's health and character by offering gentle, positive suggestions while the children sleep or rest quietly.
Ultimately, the book challenges readers to abandon defeatist mindsets and take responsibility for their own mental and physical states. By replacing thoughts of difficulty and illness with the persistent belief in ease and recovery, individuals can overcome deep-seated habits and achieve lasting self-mastery. The approach requires patience, perseverance, and complete freedom from mental effort, turning everyday challenges into opportunities for personal renewal.
