Influence (eBook)

Yoritomo-Tashi, whose precepts are presented in this book, ranks as one of the three greatest statesmen that Japan has ever produced. He was her most illustrious and wise Shogun, and, as founder of the first Japanese dynasty of Shoguns, the reviser of the Empire's code of laws, and the organizer of military feudalism, he rescued his native land from the slough of demoralization into which it had sunk. In 1186 he established the seat of his government at Kamakura, where he organized an administrative body similar in its methods and operation to the metropolitan government. From what is known of his public career, it is evident that the great Shogun exercised a dominant influence over the minds of his people. To him the art of influencing others was the key to Success. The great philosopher believed that the spirit of the individual continuously exerts influence, even as the flower also exerts influence by spreading its fragrance in the air. But just as the blossom cannot tell whither its fragrance spreads, so none of us can say how far our influence may reach. To an anonymous writer we owe the thought that 'Influence never dies. 'Every act, emotion, looks, and word make it felt for good or evil, happiness or misery.
In the twelve lessons that Mr. B. DANGENNES has drawn from the writings of Yoritomo-Tashi, and presents in this book, the manner in which Influence may be exerted and the means by which it may be exerted and the means by which it may be exercised are considered. One lesson is devoted to the increase and expansion of psychic forces to awaken the dormant energies within us, another explains how influence may be exerted by persuasion and suggestion, a third shows the value of the fix idea when supported by logical arguments, a fourth treats of the magnetic influence of the human eye and provides exercises for its development, a fifth deals with the power of good example, a sixth points to value of perseverance - the achievement of great things by utilization of spare moments, a seventh emphasizes the power of concentration, and provides exercises for its acquisition, and an eighth shows that by exchanging confidence one may exert a mighty influence that can benefit even those suffering from mental and physical ailments. 'Confidence,' says Yoritomo, 'is the foundation of courage and the mainspring of action. 'How much our own EMERSON believed in this aphorism he has told us - 'Trust men and they will be true to you, treat them greatly and they will show themselves great. 'To confide in another, even though one is betrayed, is better than to conceal. The man who suspects evil is seeking in his neighbor for the very thing that he sees in himself, while he who exerts a useful influence is the man of strength and initiative who consecrates his energies to the achievement of that which is good.

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In the West, it is often assumed that influence is a quality that is synonymous with overt and aggressive powers of persuasion. In this volume, a different take on the matter is presented in the story of Yoritomo-Tashi, a famed Japanese statesman and founder of the Shogun order. According to Yoritomo-Tashi, a quiet, dignified style of influence is often more effective than its overbearing counterpart. Learn more about the ancient Japanese conception of persuasion in Influence: How to Exert It.