Soul Force

The Energy of Enthusiasm, and what it really means. What Enthusiasm accomplishes. How to communicate Enthusiasm.

The energy of enthusiasm and what it really means. What enthusiasm accomplishes. How to share enthusiasm.

You often have heard the word “Enthusiasm” used—have used it often yourself. But have you ever thought of what the word really means—from what source it originated—what is its essential spirit? Few have. The word “Enthusiasm” is derived from the Greek term meaning “to be inspired; to be possessed by the gods, etc.,” the term having been originally used to designate the mental state of an inspired person who seems to be under the influence of a higher power. The term originally meant, “Inspired by a superhuman or divine power; ecstasy; etc.” It is now used, according to Webster, in the sense of: “Enkindled and kindling fervor of soul; ardent and imaginative zeal or interest; lively manifestation of joy or zeal; etc.” The word has acquired a secondary, and unfavorable meaning in the sense of “visionary zeal; imaginative fervor; etc.”; but its real and primary meaning is that ardent, lively zeal and interest in a thing, which seems to awaken into activity some inner forces of one’s nature. Real enthusiasm means a powerful mental state exerted in favor of, or against, some idea.

You have often heard the word “Enthusiasm” and have often used it yourself. But have you ever thought about what the word really means, where it came from, or what its essential spirit is? Few people have. “Enthusiasm” comes from a Greek term meaning “to be inspired; to be possessed by the gods, etc.” It originally described the mental state of an inspired person who seemed to be under a higher power’s influence. The term originally meant, “Inspired by a superhuman or divine power; ecstasy; etc.” According to Webster, the word is now used to mean: “Enkindled and kindling fervor of soul; ardent and imaginative zeal or interest; lively manifestation of joy or zeal; etc.” The word has also acquired a secondary, unfavorable meaning: “visionary zeal; imaginative fervor; etc.” But its real and primary meaning is a passionate, lively zeal and interest in something. This interest seems to awaken inner forces in a person’s nature. Real enthusiasm is a powerful mental state directed for or against an idea.

A person filled with Enthusiasm seems indeed to be inspired by some power or being higher than himself—he taps on to a source of power of which he is not ordinarily conscious. And the result is that he becomes as a great magnet radiating attractive force in all directions and influencing those within his field of influence. For Enthusiasm is contagious and when really experienced by the individual renders him a source of inductive power, and a center of mental influence. But the power with which he is filled does not come from an outside source—it comes from certain inner regions of his mind or soul—from his Inner Consciousness. Those who have read our little manual entitled “Inner Consciousness” will readily understand from what part of the mentality such power is derived. Enthusiasm is really “soul power,” and when genuine is so recognized and felt by those coming within its field of influence.

A person filled with Enthusiasm seems to be inspired by some power or being higher than himself. He taps into a source of power he is not usually aware of. As a result, he becomes like a great magnet, radiating attractive force in all directions. He influences everyone within his field of influence. Enthusiasm is contagious. When a person truly experiences it, he becomes a source of power that inspires others and a center of mental influence. But the power that fills him does not come from outside. It comes from inner regions of his mind or soul, from his Inner Consciousness. Those who have read our little manual called “Inner Consciousness” will readily understand where in the mind this power comes from. Enthusiasm is truly “soul power.” When genuine, it is recognized and felt as such by those within its field of influence.

Without a certain amount of Enthusiasm no one ever has attained Success, and never will do so. There is no power in personal intercourse that can be compared to Enthusiasm of the right sort. It comprises Earnestness, Concentration, and Power, and there are a very few people that cannot be influenced in some degree by its manifestation by another. Few people realize the actual value of Enthusiasm. Many have succeeded by reason of its possession, and many have failed by reason of its lack. Enthusiasm is the steam that drives our mental machinery, and which indirectly thus accomplishes the great things in life. You cannot accomplish tasks properly yourself unless you manifest a degree of interest in them, and what is Enthusiasm but Interest plus Inspiration—Inspired Interest, that’s what Enthusiasm is. By the power of Enthusiasm the great things of life are brought to expression and accomplishment.

No one has ever achieved success without some enthusiasm, and no one ever will. In dealing with others, nothing compares to the power of the right kind of enthusiasm. It combines earnestness, concentration, and power. Very few people are entirely unaffected when someone else shows enthusiasm. Few people realize how valuable enthusiasm really is. Many have succeeded because they had it, and many have failed because they lacked it. Enthusiasm is the steam that drives our mental machinery and, through it, helps accomplish the great things in life. You cannot do a task properly unless you show some interest in it. And what is enthusiasm but interest plus inspiration? Enthusiasm is inspired interest. Through its power, the great things in life are expressed and accomplished.

Enthusiasm is not a thing, which some possess and others lack. All persons have it potentially, but only a few are able to express it. The majority is afraid to let themselves “feel” a thing, and then to let the “feeling” express itself in powerful action like the steam in an engine. The majority of persons do not know how to get up the steam of Enthusiasm. They fail to keep the fires of Interest and Desire kindled under their mental boiler, and the consequence is they fail to get up the steam of Enthusiasm. Enthusiasm may be developed, by cultivating interest and love of your task. Interest, confidence, and desire arouse Enthusiasm, and it remains for you to either concentrate it so that its effect will be directed strait toward the object, person or thing that you wish to move, or else allow it to dissipate itself in the air without result. Like steam, Enthusiasm may be dissipated or used—by concentrated direction it produces results; and by foolish waste and dissipation it fails to do so. The more interest you take in a thing, the greater does your confidence and desire grow—and from these arise the steam of Enthusiasm. So remember always that Interest is the mother of Enthusiasm.

Enthusiasm is not something that some people have and others lack. Everyone has the potential for it, but only a few can express it. Most people are afraid to let themselves “feel” something. They are also afraid to let that “feeling” express itself in powerful action, like steam in an engine. Most people do not know how to build up the steam of Enthusiasm. They fail to keep the fires of Interest and Desire burning under their mental boiler. As a result, they fail to build up the steam of Enthusiasm. You can develop Enthusiasm by cultivating interest in and love for your task. Interest, confidence, and desire arouse Enthusiasm. You can then concentrate it and direct its power straight toward the object, person, or thing you want to move. Or you can let it dissipate into the air without results. Like steam, Enthusiasm can be dissipated or used. When concentrated and directed, it produces results. When foolishly wasted and dissipated, it does not. The more interest you take in something, the more your confidence and desire grow. From these comes the steam of Enthusiasm. So always remember that Interest is the mother of Enthusiasm.

The enthusiastic man naturally tends toward the optimistic frame of mind, and by doing so he diffuses an atmosphere of confident, cheerful expectation around him which tends to inspire confidence in others, and which aids him in his endeavors. He surrounds himself with a mental aura of Success—he vibrates Success—and those into whose presence he comes, unconsciously take on his vibrations. Enthusiasm is very contagious, and one filled with the right quality, kind and degree of it unconsciously communicates his interest, earnestness and expectations to others. Enthusiasm plays an important part in that which is called Personal Magnetism. It is a live, warm, vital mental quality, and it quickens the pulse of the one using it, and those who are affected by it. It is different from the cold-blooded indifference that one meets with so often in business, and which causes many a sale to be lost, and many a good thing to be “turned down.”

An enthusiastic person naturally tends to be optimistic. As a result, he creates an atmosphere of confident, cheerful expectation around him. This helps inspire confidence in others and helps him in his efforts. He surrounds himself with a mental aura of Success. He vibrates Success, and those he meets unconsciously take on his vibrations. Enthusiasm is very contagious. A person with the right quality, kind, and degree of enthusiasm unconsciously communicates his interest, sincerity, and expectations to others. Enthusiasm plays an important part in what is called Personal Magnetism. It is a lively, warm, vital mental quality. It quickens the pulse of the person using it and of those affected by it. It is different from the cold indifference so often found in business. That indifference causes many a sale to be lost and many a good thing to be “turned down.”

The man who lacks Enthusiasm is robbed of more than half his force of Personal Influence. No matter how good his arguments may be—no matter how meritorious his proposition may be—unless he possess the warm vital quality of Enthusiasm, his efforts are largely wasted, and his result impaired. Think over the salesmen who have approached you and remember how some of them produced the chilling effect of a damp cellar upon you, while others caused you to sit up and take notice in spite of yourself by reason of their earnest interest and enthusiasm. Analyze the impression produced upon you by the different people with whom you have come in contact, and then see how great an influence Enthusiasm exerts. And then remember the effect it produces upon yourself, when you feel it. Enthusiasm is Mental Steam—remember that.

A man who lacks enthusiasm loses more than half the power of his personal influence. His arguments may be excellent, and his proposal may have great merit. But without the warm, vital quality of enthusiasm, his efforts are largely wasted and his results suffer. Think about the salespeople who have approached you. Remember how some of them made you feel as chilled as a damp cellar. Others made you sit up and take notice in spite of yourself, because of their genuine interest and enthusiasm. Think about the impressions made on you by the different people you have met. Then consider how much influence enthusiasm has. Also remember the effect enthusiasm has on you when you feel it. Enthusiasm is Mental Steam. Remember that.

A few days ago there was erected a tablet, in one of the great colleges of the land, as a memorial to a former student in its halls. This young man saved the lives of seventeen people during a great storm on the lake. He swam out after them, one by one, and brought them all in alive. He fainted away from exhaustion, and when he recovered consciousness, his first words were, “Boys, did I do my Best?”

A few days ago, one of the country's great colleges put up a memorial plaque for a former student. The young man saved seventeen people's lives during a great storm on the lake. He swam out to them one by one and brought them all back alive. He fainted from exhaustion. When he regained consciousness, his first words were, “Boys, did I do my Best?”

The words of this young man express the great question that should urge every true seeker after Success to so live and act that he may be able to answer it in the affirmative. It is not so much a question of “did I do so much,” or “did I do as much as some one else?” as it is a matter of “did i do my best?”

This young man's words express the great question every true seeker of Success should strive to answer with a yes. They should live and act with that goal in mind. The question is not so much “did I do so much,” or “did I do as much as someone else?” It is “did I do my best?”

The man who does his best is never a failure. He is always a success, and if the best should be but a poor pretty thing, still the world will place the laurel wreath of victory upon his brow when he accomplishes it. The one who does his best is never a “quitter,” or a “shirker”—he stays right on his job until he has bestowed upon it the very best that there is in him to give at that particular time. Such a man can never be a failure.

A man who does his best is never a failure. He is always a success. Even if his best is a rather poor thing, the world will place the laurel wreath of victory on his head when he achieves it. A person who does his best is never a “quitter” or a “shirker.” He sticks with his job until he has given it the very best he has to give at that time. Such a man can never be a failure.

The man who does his best is never heard asking the pessimistic question, “What’s the Use?” He doesn’t care a whole lot about that part of it—his mind is fixed upon the idea that he is “on his job,” and is not going to be satisfied with anything less than his Best. And when one really is able to answer the great question with an honest, “Yes, I did my Best,” then verily, he will be able to answer the “What’s the Use” question properly—it is “of use” to have brought out the Best work in oneself, if for no other reason than because it is a Man Making process—a developer of the Self.

A man who does his best is never heard asking the pessimistic question, “What’s the Use?” He doesn’t care much about that. His mind is fixed on the idea that he is “on his job.” He won’t be satisfied with anything less than his best. And when a man can honestly answer the great question with “Yes, I did my Best,” he can also answer the “What’s the Use” question properly. Bringing out the best work in himself is “of use,” if only because it builds character and develops the self.

This infernal “What’s the Use” question seems to have been invented by some pessimistic imp of darkness to use in discouraging people making desperate struggles or leading forlorn hopes. It has brought down many a man into the Mire of Despondency and Failure. Chase it out of you mind whenever it appears, and replace it with the question, “Am I doing my Best,” knowing that an affirmative answer settles the other question also. Anything is “Of Use” if it is in the right spirit, in a worthy cause, and because one’s own manhood demands it. Yes, even if one goes down to death in the doing of it—still it is a Success. Listen to this story, told in a recent magazine article:

This infernal question, “What’s the Use,” seems to have been invented by some pessimistic imp of darkness. It was meant to discourage people making desperate struggles or pursuing hopeless causes. It has brought many a man down into the Mire of Despondency and Failure. Whenever the question appears, chase it out of your mind. Replace it with the question, “Am I doing my Best.” Know that a yes also answers the other question. Anything is “Of Use” if it is done in the right spirit, in a worthy cause, and because one’s own manhood demands it. Yes, even if one dies doing it, it is still a Success. Listen to this story, told in a recent magazine article:

It is a story of a sailor on the wreck of a German kerosene steamer, which dashed against the rocks of the Newfoundland coast in the early part of 1901. She had taken fire, and had been run ashore on a submerged reef about an eighth of a mile from the coast. The coastline itself was a wall, some four hundred feet high. When morning dawned, the fishermen on shore saw that her boats were all gone, and all the crew and officers had apparently been lost—all except three men. Two of these three men were standing on the bridge—the third was aloft, lashed to the rigging. Later, the watchers saw a tremendous wave strike the vessel, sweeping away the bridge and the two men who had been standing on it. Several hours later they saw the man in the rigging unlash him and beat his arms against his body vigorously, evidently to restore the circulation, which had been almost stopped by the lashing and the extreme cold. The man then took off his coat, waved it to the fishermen on top of the cliff and then plunged into the sea. The first thought was that he had given up the fight and committed suicide—but he was not that kind of a man. He struck out for shore, and reaching it made three separate attempts to secure a foothold on the rocks at the bottom of the cliff. But, he failed—three times was he swept away by the surf, and finally, seeing the futility of his efforts, he swam away again, toward the ship. As the narrator well says: “At that crisis in the struggle ninety-nine men out of a hundred would have given up and allowed themselves to drown; but this man was not a quitter.”

This is the story of a sailor aboard a wrecked German kerosene steamer. In early 1901, the ship struck rocks off the coast of Newfoundland. It had caught fire and had been run aground on a submerged reef about an eighth of a mile offshore. The coastline itself was a wall about four hundred feet high. At dawn, fishermen on shore saw that all the ship’s boats were gone. The entire crew and all the officers appeared to have been lost, except for three men. Two stood on the bridge. The third was high above them, lashed to the rigging. Later, the watchers saw a tremendous wave strike the ship. It swept away the bridge and the two men on it. Several hours later, they saw the man in the rigging untie himself and vigorously beat his arms against his body. He was evidently trying to restore his circulation, which had nearly stopped because of the ropes and extreme cold. He then took off his coat, waved it to the fishermen on top of the cliff, and plunged into the sea. At first, the fishermen thought he had given up the fight and committed suicide. But he was not that kind of man. He swam toward shore and, on reaching it, tried three times to gain a foothold on the rocks below the cliff. Each time, the surf swept him away. Finally, seeing that his efforts were useless, he swam back toward the ship. As the narrator puts it well: “At that point in the struggle, ninety-nine men out of a hundred would have given up and let themselves drown. But this man was not a quitter.”

After a fierce battle with the waves the man gained the ship, and after a desperate struggle managed to board her. He climbed again into the rigging and waved his hand to the fishermen high up on the cliff, who were unable to help him. He lashed himself fast, and until dark could be seen signaling the fishermen above, to show them that he was still alive and game. When the following morning broke the fishermen saw that his head had fallen to his breast—he was motionless—frozen during the night. He was dead—his brave soul had gone forth to meet its maker, and who can doubt that when that man confronted his Maker his eyes were looking firmly and bravely toward the Presence, and not bowed down in shame or fear. Such a man was indeed worthy to face his Maker, unabashed and unashamed. As the writer, George Kennan, has said in words that make one thrill: “That man died as a man in adverse circumstances ought to die, fighting to the last. You may call it foolish, and say that he might better have ended his sufferings by allowing himself to drown when he found that he could not make a landing at the base of the cliff; but deep down in your hearts you pay secret homage to his courage, his endurance, and his indomitable will. He was defeated at last, but so long as he had consciousness neither fire nor cold not tempest could break down his manhood.”

After a fierce battle with the waves, the man reached the ship. After a desperate struggle, he managed to climb aboard. He climbed back into the rigging and waved to the fishermen high on the cliff, who could not help him. He tied himself securely to the rigging. Until dark, he could be seen signaling to the fishermen above to show them he was still alive and determined. When morning came, the fishermen saw that his head had fallen onto his chest. He was motionless, frozen during the night. He was dead. His brave soul had gone to meet his maker. Who can doubt that, when he faced his maker, he looked firmly and bravely toward him, rather than bowing his head in shame or fear? Such a man was truly worthy to face his maker without embarrassment or shame. As the writer George Kennan said in words that stir the heart: “That man died as a man in terrible circumstances ought to die, fighting to the last. You may call it foolish. You may say he would have been better off ending his suffering by letting himself drown. He could have done so when he found he could not land at the base of the cliff. But deep down in your hearts, you secretly honor his courage, his endurance, and his unbreakable will. He was defeated in the end. But as long as he remained conscious, neither fire, cold, nor storm could break down his manhood.”

The Caucasians have a favorite proverb that says: “Heroism is endurance for one moment more.” And that one moment more tells the difference between the “quitter” and the man who has “done his Best.” No one is dead until his heart has ceased beating—and no one has failed so long as there is one more bit of fight in him. And that “one moment more” often is the moment in which the tide turns—the moment when the enemy relaxes his hold and drops back beaten.

The Caucasians have a favorite proverb: “Heroism is endurance for one moment more.” That one extra moment makes the difference between a “quitter” and a man who has “done his Best.” No one is dead until his heart stops beating. And no one has failed as long as he has any fight left in him. That “one moment more” is often when the tide turns, when the enemy loosens his grip and falls back, beaten.