These next chapter in the Edinburgh Lectures is the most psychologically transformative, by far, when compared to all the others. The sole purpose of the next few pages of this text is to describe the relationship between the subjective and objective minds. Troward says, “The subjective mind is only able to reason deductively and not inductively, while the objective mind can do both.”

Let’s start by defining these two terms, deductive and inductively, in terms of each other. Deduction is the process of arriving at a given conclusion through evidence which has already been presented, or is widely accepted. In contrast, inductive reasoning is more akin to an inference based more on perception than undeniable fact.

First come the sirens, then come the lights. You infer, or induce that there could something major going on. As you see the firetruck coming up behind you, you deduce that you should pull over, as is common practice. The initial inference is far different than the act of pulling over. Just because you hear sirens doesn’t mean something is heading your direction. And just because you see lights doesn’t pulling over is entirely necessary. It is the combination of the inference and the deducible facts that causes this series of events to occur.

The way that these two modes of thinking interact is the definition of utilizing both our subjective and objective mind. Since the subjective mind is only able to deduce, it is incapable of inferring that sirens mean action needs to be taken. However, the objective mind is capable of both modes of thinking. Therefore, every thought that occurs in our subjective mind is under the control and impression of the objective mind.

I’ve heard it said more than once that negative self talk is harmful. Why is this the case? If our objective mind is impressing upon the subjective mind nothing but pure negativity, then we will ultimately fall for that lie, as our subjective self is unable to check against objective facts. This is why many people stress the importance of having a positive self-image and holding a high self-esteem. I believe there is some truth to these ideas.

“We may therefore lay it down as a principle that the universal all-permeating intelligence, which has been considered in the second and third sections, is purely subjective mind, and therefore follows the law of subjective mind, namely that it is amenable to any suggestion, and will carry out any suggestion that is impressed upon it to most rigorously logical consequence.”

If we believe that we are worthless, then our objective reality will inevitably take the shape of being entirely worthless. If we believe we are antisocial, then we will have few friends. If we believe we possess a divine purpose, then our work will become more meaningful. However, it should not be forgotten that who we are at our core, the subjective self, is entirely impressionable. This is why it’s important to have supportive, accountable, worthwhile friendships. The people with whom we associate all eventually work through our objective reality and affect our subjective identity of who we are.

“By thus making intelligent use of our subjective mind, we, so to speak, create a nucleus, which is no sooner created than it begins to exercise an attractive force, drawing to itself material of a like character with its own, and if this process is allowed to go on undisturbed, it will continue until an external form corresponding to the nature of the nucleus comes into manifestation on the plane of the objective and relative.”

Ever heard the phrase, “Birds of the same feather flock together,”? The statement above is exactly what it means. We attract likeminded people to ourselves by nature. For years I’ve said that if everyone in the room is pointing their finger at you, it means you’re the problem. Your in the wrong room. Leave that room and go somewhere else where there are others who see the world the way you do. Do not, under any circumstance, allow yourself to be compressed into a mold which does not align with who you truly are.

It should be no surprise that making intelligent use of our subjective mind is liable to get us into some sort of trouble. It is only when we exercise this important muscle that we will realize when we are with the wrong crowd, or in the wrong room.

I think most people live life entirely unconcerned about whether they are using their subjective or objective mind. For most, they do not see the importance of such a distinction. But for those who understand, it becomes clear that we are an average of our five closest friends. It is obvious, then, that the people who we spend time with will shape our understanding of ourselves. Furthermore, it becomes obvious that the way we treat ourselves will influence the way others see us as well. Making these observations is truly a monumental discovery.

Troward closes these two chapters by saying, “Now the only action of the mind is thought; and it is for this reason that by our thoughts we create corresponding external conditions, because we thereby create the nucleus which attracts to itself its own correspondences in due order until the finished work is manifested on the external plane.”

If you take away one lesson, let it be this: Our objective reality will influence our conception of ourself. This idea is far more profound than I think we understand. It means that everything we’ve ever said and done was a result of some other fact, likely outside our control. Many will object, but dialog about these ideas are essential for understanding who we are, and what our purpose is in life.

Is it our job to change the world, or to change our understanding of who we are in the world? Should we change who we are to please others, or walk away and find people who we more closely relate with? These are huge questions, but perhaps we should take the time to consider the answers, even if we struggle to just scratch the surface. I believe it is worthwhile, and maybe you should too.