Sir Galton's Wonderful Walk

[Teacher]

Once Sir Francis Galton (1822-1911), a remarkable scientist, psychologist, (cousin of Charles Darwin), decided on a kind of experiment. Before setting off on his daily stroll through the streets of London, he told himself: "I am a disgusting man, whom everyone in England hates!" After concentrating on this conviction for a few minutes, which was tantamount to self-hypnosis, he went for a walk as usual.

However, it only seemed that everything was going as usual. In fact, the following happened. At every step, Francis caught the contemptuous and disgusting glances of passers-by. Many turned away from him, and several times rude curses sounded in his address. At the port, one of the movers, when Galton passed him, kicked the scientist with his elbow so that he fell into the mud. Even the animals seemed to have passed on hostility. When he passed the harnessed stallion, he kicked the scientist in the thigh so that he fell to the ground again. Galton tried to evoke sympathy from eyewitnesses, but, to his amazement, heard that people began to protect the animal.

Galton hurried home, not waiting for his thought experiment to lead to more serious consequences.

This true story is described in many psychology textbooks. Two important conclusions can be drawn from it:

1) a person is what he thinks about himself.

2) there is no need to inform others about your self-esteem and state of mind. They will feel it anyway

In practice, this means the following. If something does not suit you in your outlook and behavior, in relation to you of other people, you should try to change it. But any change in behavior must be preceded by a change in thinking. A good mood and high self-esteem contribute to success in business and harmony in human relationships.