The Jungle of the Mind

Abstract

In The Jungle of the Mind the author has stated in scientific terms, and yet in a style both entertaining and witty, certain psychological facts of wide popular interest. Man's naive and flattering opinion of himself is that he is a thinking animal. He can think, of course, but does he? Dr. Swift's verdict is that he does not, except in rare instances. We find him a ready prey to the insidious appeal of innumerable cults, superstitions, suggestions, pseudoscientifie jargons, false logic. He yields to the lure of astrology, electric belts, weather prophets, brain waves, formulas for success. He is manacled by habits and prejudices, and, truly indeed, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing for him. The golden era of science through which we are now passing has made nothing seem impossible to the lay mind, and charlatans need only to make their promises extravagant enough, in order to win devoted converts, whether it be "cures" by blood-washing and the use of sani-tractors, or the