Podcast Episode Details

CHARACTER POWER: Attracting Success Through Positive Individuality - William Walker Atkinson (1922)

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(00:00:00) 1. THE SPRINGS OF CHARACTER
(00:30:40) 2. POSITIVE & NEGATIVE QUALITIES
(00:51:46) 3. EGOISTIC QUALITIES
(01:07:18) 4. INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES
(01:17:55) 5. THE MOTIVE QUALITIES
(01:27:03) 6. THE EMOTIVE QUALITIES
(01:56:51) 7. ASSOCIATED QUALITIES
(02:08:24) 8. MORAL QUALITIES
(02:29:11) 9. SPIRITUAL QUALITIES
(02:37:24) 10. SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF CHARACTER-BUILDING

CHARACTER POWER: Attracting Success Through Positive Individuality - William Walker Atkinson (1922) - HQ Full Book.

Character Power: Positive Individuality by William Walker Atkinson is a profound exploration of the inner forces that shape personality and personal effectiveness. Written in 1922, this book delves into the development of character as a conscious process, emphasizing the cultivation of positive traits, the mastery of one's impulses, and the understanding of the deep-seated qualities that define individuality. Atkinson, a prolific writer on the subjects of mental science, personal development, and self-mastery, presents a systematic framework for character-building, blending philosophical insight, practical guidance, and psychological analysis. The book is not merely theoretical; it encourages the reader to actively apply its principles to daily life to achieve personal growth, social influence, and spiritual harmony.

Atkinson begins by asserting that character is the foundation of individuality and the ultimate measure of a person’s life. Positive individuality, as he explains, is the expression of consciously cultivated character traits that harmonize with natural law and social needs. Unlike mere personality, which can be superficial and reactive, character is enduring and constructive. The cultivation of character requires understanding both one’s own nature and the interplay of different qualities that make up human individuality. The book systematically categorizes these qualities, exploring their origins, their impact on personal life, and the ways in which they can be enhanced or controlled.

1. The Springs of Character
In the opening chapter, Atkinson lays the groundwork by examining the sources or “springs” of character. He explains that character is not a fixed inheritance but a dynamic set of tendencies and qualities that arise from both innate constitution and life experiences. These springs of character include the instincts, habits, and mental attitudes that naturally shape behavior. The chapter emphasizes that awareness of these underlying forces allows individuals to guide their actions deliberately rather than being swept along by unconscious impulses. Atkinson introduces the idea that personal growth is a conscious process: by understanding the inner springs of one’s character, a person can cultivate the desirable traits and suppress the negative tendencies that hinder progress.

2. Positive and Negative Qualities
Chapter 2 distinguishes between positive and negative qualities, a central theme in Atkinson’s philosophy. Positive qualities are those that contribute to personal power, social harmony, and moral development, while negative qualities undermine one’s potential, harm relationships, and obstruct success. Atkinson emphasizes that no human being is entirely positive or negative; rather, each individual exhibits a mixture of traits that can be consciously refined. He underscores the importance of self-examination and selective cultivation: by identifying which traits are constructive and which are destructive, individuals can actively reinforce the positive while reducing the influence of the negative. This chapter establishes a practical framework for evaluating one’s own character in a methodical way.

3. The Egoistic Qualities
The third chapter examines egoistic qualities, which are concerned with self-preservation, personal ambiti

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Published on 1 month ago