The cure of self-consciousness / by James Alexander.

  • James Alexander
Date:
1915
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The cure of self-consciousness / by James Alexander. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    estate having to be realised quickly, and in consequence the price has dropped to a figure that will spell ruin to him unless there is a good rise before carrying-over day, for he cannot take up the shares. At once he is in the grip of the fear of the unexpected. (6) A man repeats to some acquaintances facts he has heard relative to the character of a certain individual. A few days aiterwards he receives a solicitor’s letter. He is appalled—the fear of the unexpected has made a deadly attack. (c) An editor puts an item of news in his paper which he regards as coming from a trustworthy source. When an action for libel is brought against him it brings with it the fear that comes through the unexpected. (4) There are many situations in life where we cannot foresee the issues, and, therefore, the fear of the unex- pected is easily aroused. Let us look at a few cases. (a) You receive a letter from a solicitor asking you to call. No particulars are given. You ask yourself: ‘‘ What does he want?” You ring him up, but can get little satisfac- tion; the matter cannot be discussed except at a personal interview. (6b) You receive a note from the Surveyor of Taxes asking you to call with reference to your return. What does he want, what has he discovered? A young clerk goes into a public-house at noon for a glass of ale. While he is drinking it the premises are raided by the police, who suspect the publican of using his house for betting. Everyone on the premises is arrested and taken to the police station. The young clerk must go too— what bearing will this have on his career if his employers get to know ? (5) Unexpected callers easily arouse the fear of the unexpected in many people. A ring comes to your door: You open it and find a policeman outside. A man calls at your office and begins to use threatening language, and gives every indication of a readiness to violence of action as well as violence of speech. A young man away from home is giving a convivial supper in his rooms, when
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