All efforts directed toward the correcting of temperamental or mentalblemishes or defects and nervous conditions are of benefit to humanity. Inproducing this book the Author's purpose was to help mankind to overcomethese weaknesses, which are a serious impediment to mental development, andhinder personal advancement and general progress. The aim of the Publishersin issuing this translation is to put into the hands of those who wish toovercome their failings, become masters of themselves, and command theattention and respect of others, a work that has been thoroughly testedabroad and one that will be found of exceptional service in attaining theend in view--the securing of a perfect balance.
This book is written in two parts. The first points to the need of Poisein daily life, indicates the obstacles to be overcome, and discusses theeffects of Poise on personal efficiency. The second instructs the readerhow to secure that evenness of temperament which is the chiefcharacteristic of Poise. It includes, in addition, [pg 4]a series of practical physicalexercises to be used in acquiring Poise.
If such a work as this is to do good, if the reader really wishes tobenefit by the advice that it gives him, it must be read thoughtfully anddiligently, not fitfully and forgetfully, and the reader most steadfastlykeep before him the maxim of the Author--"Poise is a power derived from theMastery of Self."
THE PUBLISHERS.
POISE: ITS NEED, ITS ENEMIES, ITS EFFECT
HOW TO ACQUIRE POISE
I. Modesty and Effrontery Contrasted
II. Physical Exercises to Acquire Poise
III. Four Series of Physical Exercises
IV. Practical Exercises for Obtaining Poise
Lack of poise has always been an obstacle to those who are imbued withthe desire to succeed.
In every age the awkwardness born of timidity has served to keep backthose who suffered from it, but this defect has never been so great adrawback as in the life of to-day.
The celebrated phrase of the ancient R