
In this thoughtful treatise the author argues that the mind, like the body, can be plagued by invisible “germs”—chief among them anger and worry. He traces a wide range of common negative emotions back to these two root causes, describing them as parasites that steal time, energy, and even health. By viewing them as weeds to be uprooted rather than symptoms to be suppressed, the book offers a fresh perspective on mental discipline.
Drawing on insights from ancient philosophers and modern observations, the writer outlines a simple, step‑by‑step approach to recognize, isolate, and eliminate these mental infections. The method emphasizes conscious awareness, gentle confrontation, and the cultivation of a growth‑oriented mindset that replaces fear‑driven stagnation with intellectual and spiritual flourishing. Listeners will find practical advice that feels both timeless and accessible, inviting them to experiment with a mental “horticulture” that promises greater clarity and vitality.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (94K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Mark C. Orton and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2014-02-28
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1849–1919
Best known for popularizing “Fletcherism,” he turned careful chewing into one of the most talked-about health ideas of the early 1900s. His books mixed diet advice, self-improvement, and bold claims about how everyday habits could transform the body.
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