Originally published in 1922, Self Mastery Through Conscious Autosuggestion caused a stir throughout the scientific and religious communities. Émile Coue’s assertions that the repetition of particular phrases, or mantras, can have a positive effect on the health and happiness of a person challenged the prevailing reliance on chemicals and clergy.

However, his ideas, which are organized in straightforward detail in his work, were solidly predicated on his firsthand experiences with patients, including such stalwart strategies as conditioning therapy as well as the placebo effect. Frequently asked to lecture about them, he finally was motivated to commit it to composing by his desire to greatly help people help themselves.