Case II explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Healthy-Mindedness and the Sick Soul

  The case illustrates a shift from nervousness and irritability to serenity and confidence, embodying the healthy-minded perspective.

• Conversion and Transformation

  The gradual inner change and elimination of selfishness reflect a transformative process akin to religious conversion.

• The Role of Feeling and Emotion

  The emotional shift from fear and dread to calm and confidence is central to the healing experience.

Characters to notice

• William James

  Narrator of the case, presenting the account as part of his empirical study.

Key passages

• “At the urgent request of friends, and with no faith and hardly any hope (possibly owing to a previous unsuccessful experience with a Christian Scientist), our little daughter was placed under the care of a healer, and cured of a trouble about which the physician had been very discouraging in his diagnosis.”

  Despite skepticism and a prior failed attempt, the daughter was healed by a Christian Science practitioner after doctors had given little hope.

  This sets the stage for the narrator's interest in the healing method.

• “Gradually an inner peace and tranquillity came to me in so positive a way that my manner changed greatly.”

  A deep sense of calm gradually enveloped the narrator, noticeably altering their demeanor.

  The transformation begins with an inner emotional shift.

• “I had been bigoted, aggressive, and intolerant in discussion, both in public and private. I grew broadly tolerant and receptive toward the views of others.”

  Previously dogmatic and combative in debates, the narrator became open-minded and accepting of differing opinions.

  The change extends to social and intellectual attitudes.

• “I had been nervous and irritable, coming home two or three times a week with a sick headache induced, as I then supposed, by dyspepsia and catarrh. I grew serene and gentle, and the physical troubles entirely disappeared.”

  Frequent headaches and irritability vanished, replaced by a gentle serenity, with physical symptoms completely gone.

  Physical health improves alongside emotional well-being.

• “I had been in the habit of approaching every business interview with an almost morbid dread. I now meet everyone with confidence and inner calm.”

  Business meetings that once caused intense anxiety are now faced with confidence and composure.

  The healing impacts professional life.

• “I may say that the growth has all been toward the elimination of selfishness. I do not mean simply the grosser, more sensual forms, but those subtler and generally unrecognized kinds, such as express themselves in sorrow, grief, regret, envy, etc.”

  The personal growth has been about shedding selfishness in all its forms, including subtle ones like grief and envy.

  The transformation is moral and spiritual, not just emotional.