Mental Hygiene
59
designed. We have no right to neglect any one of the powers that God
has given us.
We see monomaniacs all over the country. They are frequently sane
upon every subject but one. The reason of this is that one organ [part]
of the mind was specially exercised while the others were permitted
to lie dormant. The one that was in constant use became worn and
diseased, and the man became a wreck. God was not glorified by
his pursuing this course. Had he exercised all the organs equally,
all would have had a healthy development; all the labor would not
have been thrown upon one, therefore no one would have broken
down.—
Testimonies for the Church 3:33, 34
(1872).
Aim Stimulates the Mind—You should also have an aim, a pur-
pose, in life. Where there is no purpose, there is a disposition to
indolence; but where there is a sufficiently important object in view, all
the powers of the mind will come into spontaneous activity. In order to
make life a success the thoughts must be steadily fixed upon the object
of life and not left to wander off and be occupied with unimportant
things, or to be satisfied with idle musing, which is the fruit of shun-
ning responsibility. Castle-building depraves the mind.—
Testimonies
for the Church 2:429
(1870).
[443]
Overworked Stomach Weakens Mental Powers—Children are
generally untaught in regard to the importance of when, how, and
what they should eat. They are permitted to indulge their tastes freely,
to eat at all hours, to help themselves to fruit when it tempts their
eyes, and this, with the pie, cake, bread and butter, and sweetmeats
eaten almost constantly, makes them gourmands and dyspeptics. The
digestive organs, like a mill which is continually kept running, become
enfeebled, vital force is called from the brain to aid the stomach in its
overwork, and thus the mental powers are weakened. The unnatural
stimulation and wear of the vital forces make them nervous, impatient
of restraint, self-willed, and irritable.—
The Health Reformer, May,
1877
. (
Counsels on Diet and Foods, 181
.)
Development the Result of Effort—Children should be taught
that development of both mental and the physical powers rests with
themselves; it is the result of effort.—
The Signs of the Times, February
9, 1882
. (
Child Guidance, 206
.)
Immutable Laws—Right physical habits promote mental supe-
riority. Intellectual power, physical strength, and longevity depend