In finishing up this chapter on Perseverance, the Shogun now talks about the power of thought.
“Influence over others is acquired especially by the perseverance of the will and concentration of thought, the undulations of which, projected around us, come to reach the minds which we wish to impress.”
“…the fascinating mystery of the contagion of thought…is the primary cause of influence and cannot fail by persevering determination to produce it.”
Of all the actions we have talked about that influence others – the source is thought.
“Irradiation of thought” – Wow! Love those three words!
“…penetrate the minds…we spread a thought to others, and they reflect it back to us.”
Like laughter – very few can resist an infectious burst of laughter. Or fear – when you have it, it spreads.
He talks about applying perseverance only for good and not evil.
Finally, he reminds us that influence may take time. He speaks of an iron tool breaking rock – and that the tool will break – but water can wear the rock away over time with perseverance.
So – “do not seek to force slow-moving minds, but surround them, penetrate them by your perseverance and its influence…the continuation of which creates power.”