Von der Macht des Gemüts, durch den bloßen Vorsatz seiner krankhaften Gefühle Meister zu sein

A bold, 18th‑century essay opens with a striking claim: true life belongs to the spirit, while the body must be kept in its place. The author argues that mastery over our “animal” impulses is the foundation of morality, virtue and even physical health, suggesting that the mind can both summon disease and restore vitality. Throughout the first section, vivid analogies compare the human mind to a horse‑rider, urging readers to discipline the restless beast within.

The editor’s introduction frames this thesis as a timeless antidote to modern materialism, warning that abandoning the hierarchy of spirit over flesh erodes freedom and self‑control. By weaving philosophical discourse with observations on imagination, fever, and the power of belief, the work invites listeners to reflect on how mental habits shape bodily well‑being. It reads as a thoughtful meditation on the enduring link between inner resolve and outward health, offered in a style that is both rigorous and surprisingly accessible.