You are on page 1of 2

12

attention to the details observable in each, briefly and concisely,


that we may hasten on to the general subject of the book.
I. The Suggestion of Authority: This form of suggestion
manifests along both the lines of impression and induction,
respectively. That is to say, Suggestion by Authority manifests
both in the positive authoritative statements directed to the
point; and also by the spoken or written statements made
by those who speak or write with an air of authority. It is a
peculiarity of the human mind that it is inclined to listen
with respect and credence to the words, written or spoken,
of persons who assume the air of authority and knowledge.
The same person who will weigh carefully every proposition
of those whom he considers to be his equals, or inferiors, will
accept the statements of those whom he considers to possess
authority or knowledge exceeding his own, without more than
a casual questioning, and sometimes without questioning or
doubt whatsoever. Let some person posing as an authority, or
occupying a position of command, calmly state a fallacy with
an air of wisdom and conviction, without any ifs or buts,
and many otherwise careful people will accept the suggestion
without question; and unless they are afterward forced to
analyze it by the light of reason, they will let this seed idea find
lodgment in their minds, blossom and bear fruit thereafter.
The explanation is that in such cases the person suspends the
critical attention which is usually interposed by the attentive
will, and allows the idea to enter his mental castle unchallenged,
thereafter to dwell at home there and, to influence other ideas
in the future. It is like a man assuming a lordly air and marching
past the watchman at the gate of the mental fortress, where
the ordinary visitor is challenged and severely scrutinized; his
credentials examined; and the mark of approval placed upon
him before he may enter.
The acceptance of such suggestions is akin to a person
bolting a particle of food, instead of masticating it. As a rule
we bolt many a bit of mental provender, owing to its stamp of
Suggestion of Authority.
13
real or pretended authority. And many persons understanding
this phase of suggestion, take advantage of it, and use it in
their business accordingly. The confidence-man, as well as
the shrewd politician and the seller of neatly printed gold
mines, imposes himself upon the public by means of an air
of authority, or by what is known in the parlance of the busy
streets, as putting up a good front. Some men are all front,
and have nothing behind their authoritative air but that
authoritative air provides them with a living. As Bulwer-Lytton
makes one of his characters say: Whenever you are about
to utter something astonishingly false, always begin with, It
is an acknowledged fact, etc. Many a false statement has
been accepted when prefaced with a I assert without fear of
contradiction, etc. Or, It is generally conceded by the best
authorities, that, etc. Or, The best-sources of information
agree, etc. Often there is this variation: As you probably know,
sir, etc. But in many cases there is not even this preface the
statement is made with a Thus saith the Lord manner, and
is accepted because of the tone and manner accompanying it.
As a rule these authoritative suggestions are not accompanied
by argument or logical proof they are thrust at you as selfevident
truths. Or, if argument there be, it is generally but a
few specious comparisons of bits of sophistry, offered to quiet
the mental conscience of the person. Many authoritative
suggestions are crystallized into epigrammatic axiomic phrases,
which are accepted as true because of their patness, and
apparent smartness, without analysis on the part of those
to whom they are offered. Political catch-words, and current
explanations belong to this class. Many a phrase is accepted by
the public because it sounds good, without any regard to the
truth stated in it.
It would not be so bad if it were merely the acceptance of the
suggestion of authority in itself. But that is only the beginning
of the trouble, for the suggested idea once admitted to the
mind without question takes up its abode there and colors

You might also like