Suggestion and Autosuggestion
A Psychological and Pedagogical Study Based Upon the Investigations Made by the New Nancy School
📘 About This Book
This title, originally published in 1920, second edition in 1924, has been largely forgotten in the history of hypnosis. Charles Baudouin’s first book, it is an important account of the early theories of the New Nancy School, widely recognised as the founding school of modern day hypnosis. The author provides a detailed discussion of autosuggestion, as well as providing some practical suggestions.
📖 Summary
Charles Baudouin's Suggestion and Autosuggestion, originally published in the early 1920s and reissued in 2015, stands as a foundational text in the history of psychology and modern hypnosis. Although it has been largely forgotten by contemporary mainstream psychology, this work offers a critical and detailed account of the early theories put forth by the New Nancy School, which is widely recognized as the birthplacse of modern-day hypnotherapy. Across its 237 pages, the author constructs a comprehensive framework for understanding how the human mind accepts and acts upon ideas, both from external sources and from within oneself. The book centers heavily on the distinction and relationship between suggestion, which comes from an outside influence, and autosuggestion, which originates from the individual's own mind. Baudouin explores the mechanics of how these psychological phenomena operate beneath the threshold of ordinary conscious awareness. Drawing upon the clinical observations and theoretical advancements of the Nancy School, the text delves into the deep layers of the subconscious mind, illustrating how passive receptivity to ideas can profoundly alter physical sensations, emotional states, and behavioral patterns. Rather than viewing hypnosis merely as a theatrical trick or an abnormal psychological state, the author frames suggestion as a natural, everyday faculty of the human mind that everyone utilizes to varying degrees, often without realizing it. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to practical application. Baudouin does not limit his discussion to abstract theoretical concepts; instead, he provides readers with actionable methods for harnessing autosuggestion to improve mental and physical well-being. He details how conscious direction of the imagination can influence bodily functions, overcome psychological blocks, and foster personal transformation. By understanding the laws that govern the subconscious, individuals can learn to formulate positive mental images and suggestions that override harmful or limiting beliefs. The text emphasizes that the imagination, rather than pure willpower alone, is the true engine of suggestive phenomena, a revolutionary insight for its time that shifted how early psychotherapists approached patient care and self-regulation. Ultimately, Suggestion and Autosuggestion serves as a historical bridge connecting early twentieth-century psychological pioneering with modern concepts of mind-body healing, cognitive reframing, and self-hypnosis. It captures a pivotal moment when the medical and psychological communities began to systematically study the profound influence of thought upon the physical self. For readers interested in the genealogy of psychological thought, the evolution of hypnotic practices, and the theoretical underpinnings of self-directed mental improvement, Baudouin's work remains an illuminating and historically rich artifact of early psychological inquiry.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Provides a rare and important historical account of early modern hypnotherapy.
Offers clear distinctions between external suggestion and internal autosuggestion.
Includes practical suggestions and actionable methods for personal application.
Shed light on the foundational ideas of the influential New Nancy School.
⚠️ Cons
The early twentieth-century writing style and terminology can feel dated to modern readers.
May lack the empirical backing and neurological context found in contemporary psychological literature.
❓ FAQ
What is the main topic of Suggestion and Autosuggestion? +
The book explores the early theories of the New Nancy School regarding suggestion, autosuggestion, and the foundations of modern hypnosis.
Who is the author of this book? +
The book was written by Charles Baudouin.
When was the book originally published? +
It was originally published in 1920, with a second edition following in 1924, and was reissued in 2015.
What school of thought does the book represent? +
It represents the New Nancy School, which is widely recognized as the founding school of modern-day hypnosis.
Does the book offer practical advice? +
Yes, the author provides a detailed discussion of autosuggestion alongside practical suggestions for application.
