Through a careful and realistic approach, with the subject's own views as the starting point, he can be convinced of many a thing which he might reject as impossible or ridiculous if approached bluntly, without due preparation and transition. Nothing is cruder in suggestion than to command, for instance: "You must imagine you are traveling in a train. You must. You must!" I have seen persons under hypnosis, who smiled at such commands in a way indicating beyond doubt that their ability to criticize, and differ with, the practician is not totally absent in the trance. How much finer it is to convey the same idea in a casual, conversational manner, such as: "I like to travel in trains. I get the feeling of doing something adventurous, and look forward to seeing new faces, new places. When I am alone in the compartment, it seldom occurs to me to read a newspaper or magazine. Like a little boy, I eagerly look out of the window and find so many interesting things to observe, to admire." Before you complete the monologue and come to the intended suggestion, the subject already shares your imaginary experiences. The picture is in his mind, realistic and personal, before you have had a chance to express it fully.
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