Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-09-29
Fixed Ideas
BY H. ARLINGTON BRUCE.

TIXED ideas, as commonly understood, dis
II tressing ideas which take possession of the
mind with such intensity that no amount Of
argument, ridicule, or persuasion will dislodge
them Fixed ideas, that is to say, generally
considered to be most undesirable.
The use of the term, derived from medical
perience, is too narrow.
In fact, it is sadly misleading. For there are
good fixed ideas as we'll as bad ones. And often it
is exceedingly desirable for person to become
dominated by good fixed idea.
So true is this that certain people actually need
to surrender themselves completely to good fixed
idea if they would have their lives amount to any
thing worth while.
have in mind particularly that numerous class
of people who for one reason another, refuse
to exert themselves usefully They pass their days
in sothful Incidence, in lazness that is harshly
condemned by their relatives and friends
Such people usually plead that they are too
tired to work" This plea is CONTEMPORARY re-
jected especially when it happens that the lazy
looks healthy and strong.
In reality the offered excuse may be quite valid.
No matter how healthy they look, it has been found
that chronic idlers rule are victims OF pecu-
liar weakness of the nervous system
They need medical attention rather than re-
Dukes They need tonics suitable food, exercise in
the open air. a general physical upbuilding
How is this to be done? Let me tell you in the
words of French specialist Dr. Maurice de-
Fleury, of wide experience in the treatment OF
idlers:
ITO induce lazy person to become possessed
of a good fixed idea is not a superhuman task for
those who know low to set about it. The means to
be employed remind one of woman who wishes
to make herself loved.
First of all, she dresses herself with care, so
as to show off her charms to the full Then she
finds opportunities for constantly being seen, in
creases the number of meetings; her presence must
become Eabitual-in fact, necessary; he must suf~
fer when she is no.longer
''She kindles the flame of jealousy, to make it
understood that she is Incompatible treasure,
and that another will grasp her If he does not
stretch forth his arm in time.
Initiate her, you who wish to learn the mar
veIous art of retaining the indolent.
Help your patient to choose work really
suited to his abilities Embellish the idea OF this
work with ali the hope that it is possible to raise
self-content, glory, and fortune to be won.
''Talk about it without ceasing. Like Wag-
merriam motive repeat it again and again, and soon
You will find that the mind seizes the idea, and can
no longer exist without this good obsession.
''Finally when the idea becomes cherished
when the mind loves it loves and desires a.
woman make it to be understood that another.
brave and more worthy, may step in and carry 1t
Off"
As with idIers so with people of other bad
habits They too need to be brought under the in
fuence of good fixed ideas if they would be saved
to lives of usefulness.
And the wise physician, the wise friend, the
wise parent need only act as de FleuTy suggests
to bring about their salvation.
Copyright, 1916, by the Associated Newspapers