User:Xenja/Suggestion
The term suggestion was introduced in the 17th/18th century and refers to the manipulative influencing of a thought or sensation, with the result that the manipulation goes unnoticed or is, at least temporarily, not accessible to consciousness.
Etymologically, it can be traced back to the Latin noun "suggestio", meaning "an addition, intimation or suggestion", or to the Latin verb "suggerĕre", meaning "bring up", "lay beneath" or "afford".[2]
In psychology, the term "suggestion" – first used by James Braid (1795–1860) – refers to a form of influence on feelings, thoughts and actions. However, distinctions or differences from related fields are rarely discussed. A distinction is made between autosuggestion and heterosuggestion, i.e. influence exerted by oneself or by others.
In the field of hypnosis, suggestions represent immediate inspirations provided by the hypnotist. Post-hypnotic suggestions, on the other hand, only take effect after the hypnosis session, usually in response to a pre-determined cue, such as a word or a gesture.
The power of suggestion can serve as a theoretical framework for explaining the placebo effect, self-fulfilling prophecies and the impact of advertising.
According to spiritual research, suggestive methods influence the unconscious feelings and will of the person being addressed, whereas a logical, liberating presentation appeals to the other person’s inner life and thus frees their feelings and will.
Differentiation between suggestibility and suggestiveness
A differentiation must be made between suggestion as an act or a result, suggestibility as the receptiveness of the person being influenced, and suggestiveness as the potential to be able to plant a suggestion. With this understanding of suggestiveness, suggestibility can then also be understood as autosuggestibility – albeit triggered by an external stimulus.
The terms "suggestion" and, in particular, "suggestibility" are often used as synonyms for influencing the will, exercising power, credulity, susceptibility to influence and weakness of will.
Suggestion therapy
Even before the development of psychoanalysis, Josef Breuer (1842–1925) used suggestion to treat hysteria. In this technique, symptoms are combated by applying a suggestion. It is also used to treat phobiae or habits of a life time. Moreover it was used in the treatment of so-called war neuroses.[3] [4] [5]
Suggestive question
The term "suggestion" is also used in the context of so-called suggestive questions. In this case, the questioner’s aim is to directly influence the content of the respondent’s answer. (Example: "You were at the scene of the crime, weren’t you?" – which is more likely to elicit a "yes" from the other person.) This influence can be exerted through facial expressions and gestures, but also through verbal expression. For instance, there is an old trick amongst waiters whereby a guest can be influenced by a slight nod or shake of the head when asked whether they would like a top-up.
Autosuggestion and Heterosuggestion
Autosuggestion is a psychological method in which one influences oneself, usually by repeating positive affirmations or phrases, in order to positively influence the subconscious mind.
An example of an autosuggestion sentence by Ellen Andersen is:
- "I am performing confidently today."
To ensure these words really find their way into the subconscious, Ellen Anderson advises repeating them regularly until they have been internalised. [6]
The effect of autosuggestion on health
Autosuggestion can help to cure illnesses. For example, a patient can repeatedly visualise their own immune system working effectively to fight off an infection. If a patient has cancer, they can also visualise the tumour becoming smaller and smaller and the immune system breaking it down. They repeat this visualisation daily and in great detail.
Various techniques of autosuggestion developed by Dr Carl Simonton (1942–2009) showed success in providing psychological support for patients with metastases and for managing the severe side effects of chemotherapy. Simonton was a specialist in radiotherapy and oncology. He ran a cancer centre in California and is regarded as one of the pioneers of psycho-oncology. He developed a relaxation technique for his cancer patients, combined with visualisation exercises. According to Simonton, it is possible to influence pain, find peace and experience positive emotions by calming the nervous system (physical relaxation) and creating (symbolic) inner images and scenes using our imagination. This allows the resources available to every person to be activated, and self-healing powers to be unleashed.[7]
Heterosuggestion
Heterosuggestion is external influence, e.g. through advertising, the news, other people, and also through hypnosis.
Autogenic Training
Autogenic training is a relaxation technique which consists of mental exercises that are based on autosuggestion. Autogenic” literally means "generated from within" and it is closely related to self-hypnosis. The practitioner repeats certain phrases in their mind that relate to their own body – for example: "My heart is beating calmly and strongly". Ideally, a sequence of specific exercises and phrases leads to relaxation throughout the entire body, which can also have a beneficial effect on health. [8]
Suggestion and hypnosis
The term hypnosis is derived from the ancient Greek word ὕπνος hýpnos. The English translation is "sleep" or "slumber". When under hypnosis, a person is in a trance-like state similar to sleep. The method can be traced back over 4000 years to ancient Egypt. The Egyptians used healing sanctuaries which were called "Sleep or Dream Temples". Today, the problems treated in these Temples would be classed as psychological problems. [9]
Nowadays, hypnosis is used for therapeutic purposes. The state of hypnosis is defined as a state of focused attention, heightened suggestibility, and enhanced capacity for response to suggestion . When applying the method several positive therapeutic outcomes are observed, which refer to mental and somatic health issues. Treated symptoms are chronic pain, depression, anxiety, or other conditions. [10]
The effects of suggestion
Axel Burkart (born 1951), a German author and anthroposophist, describes the effects of suggestion in a 2018 lecture entitled Suggestion in contrast to independent thinking. He mentions people often absorb the words of authority figures unfiltered. Statements and suggestions contained therein, which are not recognised through independent examination and independent thinking, can create conflict for the listener.
Children in particular, who do not yet have the capacity to reflect on suggestive statements, find themselves in a dilemma when exposed to statements – for example, from teachers – that are neither logical nor true. Axel Burkart gives the following example:
At school, the biology teacher tells the children: “You are a higher mammal; you are descended from apes.” In religious education, however, the children are told: “You are descended from God.” These differing accounts create a conflict within the child. [11]
The placebo effect and the nocebo effect
A placebo is a substance that contains no active pharmaceutical ingredient. It is also referred to as a sham medication and may be administered as a sugar pill or a saline solution. The term "placebo effect" is used when a person experiences an improvement in their condition or illness following the administration of a placebo. Not only a medication, but also a sham operation can be described as a placebo effect.
Axel Burkart gives the example of a woman who was told by the surgeon: “The knee has been operated on.” In reality, the surgeon had merely cut open the knee and stitched it back up. No surgical procedure had been performed on the knee. However, the patient’s knee pain had disappeared. [12]
The nocebo effect is the counterpart to the placebo effect. In the case of the nocebo effect, negative suggestions can trigger illness or anxiety. A well-known example is the anxiety triggered by the idea that a dangerous virus is infecting people. However, negative health symptoms or side effects of medication can also occur without there being a direct physical cause. This can, for example, be caused by a doctor-patient consultation as part of medical treatment.
Psychological Perspective
Erich Fromm (1900–1980) was a German-American psychoanalyst, philosopher and social psychologist. He describes how humanity is to be driven to conformity through suggestion and propaganda. He mentions that the meaning of equality has been transformed. "By equality one refers to the equality of automatons; of men who have lost their individuality. Equality today means "sameness" rather than "oneness."" This enables people to function smoothly and follow the same instructions. The suggestions people unconsciously absorb from outside cause them to be convinced that they are doing what they want.[13]
A standardisation of human beings could be observed among the Germans during the Second World War. It can be described as uniformity. This uniformity in society is regarded as normal. Anyone who deviates from the personality type favoured by society is labelled by the system as mentally ill.
According to Erich Fromm, the aim of the healthcare system in the field of psychiatry and psychotherapy is "to restore man to the ways of the average personality."[14]
People’s reaction could also consist of a longing for freedom and independence, so that they can build a better society through their creative impulses.
Another aspect from a psychological perspective is evident in the manipulation of basic needs. Through suggestion, it becomes possible within society to promote or suppress certain basic human needs. Psychological defects can also be brought about by suggestion. Since the majority of people now suffer from certain defects, these are perceived as normal. The individual is satisfied with these defects in order to avoid being an outsider:
"What he may have lost in richness and in a genuine feeling of happiness, is made up by the security of fitting in with the rest of mankind—as he knows them." [15]. Second impression 1959
When a person conforms, which happens through suggestive influences, they are regarded by society as normal and, at first, not as sick. Those who do not conform may develop physical or psychological symptoms, as they are internally resisting the influence of society. They appear sick on the outside, even though they are actually the healthier ones on the inside. Erich Fromm explains this connection in the following short video:
{{#ev:youtube|8Jm-YgSmHCQ|530x310|center|Erich Fromm on Happy Normal People (1977)}}
Suggestion from a spiritual perspective
Rudolf Steiner (1861–1925), an Austrian philosopher, spiritual scientist and founder of Anthroposophy, also studied the power of suggestion, because it influenced people over 100 years ago just as it does today:
"Suggestions have such an enormous effect in our public life that one can simply see how, in large gatherings of thousands of people, the audience is not influenced by what one calls free conviction, but simply by what the speaker brings to them through suggestion. And those who have listened pass on the suggestion, so that much of what is done today has come about under the power of suggestion."[16]
The influence exerted on people can lead to illusions in individuals. A person who creates a sensory illusion or allows themselves to be deceived is described as being susceptible to illusion. These illusions can even lead to a rejection of the spiritual world. In a materialistic age, many people reject the existence of the spiritual world. The majority of people recognise only physical things and circumstances as real. According to Rudolf Steiner, rejecting these insights and thoughts about the spiritual worlds may be a suggestion:
"..., so that even when we find some of that capacity for illusion in one person, it certainly may come from a hatred for, a turning away from, the Spiritual world; yet this dislike may not be in the soul of the person subject to the illusions;—it may have been suggested to him. For in Spiritual domains the danger of infection is infinitely greater than in any physical domain.[17]
According to the spiritual research of Heinz Grill (born 1960), author and founder of the New Yoga Will, suggestions an particularly arise when "information is given to the public that is undifferentiated, unreflected, one-sided, without comparisons and if this is done on a purely external basis, without giving sufficient context and background. Collective emotional anxiety can also provide a favourable basis for suggestions to have an effect."[18]
In 2018, Heinz Grill wrote a poem about suggestion, in which he gives a voice to the suggestion figure itself: [19]
The suggestion figure
Beware you lowly human spirit
and remain faithfully blind in my escort.
I am the exalted figure of suggestion,
that lives through your unconscious hold.
I rule and control you,
although you are spiritually greater than me.
My weapon is manipulation
to compensate for my inferior position.
Ultimately, you will bear my guilt,
it is bitter, this modern cult.
Alas, how fascinatingly ingenious.
Suggestion is not trivial.
Overcoming Suggestions
Through clear thought formation
Suggestive methods, when used on others, appeal to the subconscious and influence the will. The writer of an article may use suggestive techniques with the aim of persuading others of something. However, they can also leave the reader free and present the content in a truly vivid and perceptible form. They can structure the content logically, work with real-life comparisons and connections, and phrase it in such a way that the reader is left free. The reader can then form their own independent judgement about the description provided. From Grill’s spiritual perspective, this form leaves the reader free: "The will-life and feeling-life of the reader are not unconsciously influenced by the concrete, coherent, and logical presentation, but rather are engaged and built up by the consciousness only as a result of the thought concrete reality." The habitual influences on the will brought about by suggestion give way to the logically structured presentations, and a healthy and free will can develop.[20]
Using suggestions to build up a greater structure
According to spiritual research, engagement with negative things in the world can lead to a strengthening of health and can be uplifting. Also, the immune system "needs confrontation with the negative and must learn to gather itself to such an extent that it has something to counteract these psychological forces of the time." If an individual now practises observing for a longer period of time, for example by asking: "What is really all the fear-mongering in the world?" then they begin to examine this observation from various angles. They acquire the ability to exteriorise the whole suggestive potential that seeks to inundate and alienate them. They can move it from inside to the outside. A good engagement with negative forces can lead to the saying: "Forewarned, is forearmed" According to Heinz Grill, that which unconsciously absorbed and occupies people will be moved from inside to the outside through forming good mental pictures, by the development of observation and by training correct recognition with a most detailed perceptive capacity.
The immune response follows this same path. The lies of the times and the indigestible suggestions no longer occupy people; instead, they are only breathed in momentarily and, with the forming of a judgement and the capacity for insight they are freely breathed out. [21]
The search for knowledge
According to Axel Burkart, suggestion can be overcome by overcoming mental laziness and blind faith in authority. This is achieved by applying one’s own logic. Logic is given to us so that we may use it to test opinions for their truth. For in logic, we reflect the laws of nature within ourselves, which humans can think through logically and thus simulate within themselves. Burkart describes logic as a 100% reliable tool. It is made possible by people’s own independent thinking. Burkart describes people as naturally lazy in their thinking and says that believing an authority is easy. Thinking for oneself is exhausting and uncomfortable for people. According to Axel Burkart, the education system, politics, the media and science only have the capacity to manipulate when people do not think for themselves. [22]
According to Axel Burkart, independent thinking and the search of knowledge, in the sense of recognizing the truth, are also described in the Gospel of John 8:31–32:
- "Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."[23]
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1882) recognised the importance of understanding oneself in order to be able to understand others as well:
"The highest achievement possible to a man is the full consciousness of his own feelings and thoughts, for this gives him the means of knowing intimately the hearts of others." [24]
According to Rudolf Steiner, the work to form insightful knowledge must be completely independent of external influences: "Only he who sees through the connections of the world in such a way that his judgment becomes completely independent of any external influence, raises the content of his imagination above a sum of suggestions."[25]
According to Erich Fromm, too, in the process of gaining insight, one’s consciousness must step away from one’s own feelings in order to fully connect with the other person. The practitioner must set aside their projections and perceive the other person or a situation as if they were an independent witness:
- "...the knowledge which is an aspect of love is one which does not stay at the periphery, but penetrates to the core. It is possible only when I can transcend the concern for myself and see the other person in his own terms." [26]
According to Heinz Grill’s research, there is no reason to condemn another person’s actions with "insult, ridicule or arrogance". Moreover "classifications, devaluations and condemning judgements about certain people or groups of people are actually always an expression of an own weakness and may reveal a lack of an own inner position." It is advisable not to rush into hasty assessments. The first judgements that are made about another person never consist of evaluations of good or bad. However, they "tend to be based on how the other person relates to the outside world and to their fellow human beings."
"The ability to inwardly see and intensively view others is a great personal strength that gives a person dignity."[27]
To this end, Heinz Grill developed the soul exercise "The Right Judgement" and outlines the following methodological steps for learning to recognise a person objectively:[27]
- Perception of the person through the senses
- What is their external appearance, posture, demeanour, gesture and body language like?
- Deciding what to discover
- Are we seeking to discover a medical, educational, legal, artistic, anthropological or social truth?
- Specific questions - here are some examples:
- How does the person being observed relate to the outside world and to their fellow human beings? Do they shape this relationship consciously or intuitively?
- Is the person under consideration more subject to their emotions, or do they already lead the interactions with thoughts?
- Does the person speak authentically, or do they express something other than what they actually think?
- What is the person’s motive?
- Reflective recollection
- After observing the person for about 10 minutes whilst focusing on a question, reconstruct their figure once more with your eyes closed.
By repeatedly giving attention in this way, one can form an objective insight of the person and thus reach a right judgement.
Forward-looking hypothesis
Passively and unconsciously believing and accepting suggestions can lead to mental and physical illness. Engaging independently with a subject or a person leads to the development of self-awareness, clarity and truth. Forming a "right judgement" about a matter takes time. It requires repeated observation. As the observation approaches accuracy, a sense of calm settles within the psyche. An improvement in health can occur both in the physical body and in the psyche.
References
- ↑ Rudolf Steiner: [https://rsarchive.org/Lectures/GA096/English/CMP2001/19061001p01.html Original Impulses for the Science of the Spirit.]. Retrieved 14 May 2026.
- ↑ suggestion In:etymonline.com. Retrieved 1 May 2026.
- ↑ Ray Dyer (25 February 2021): Josef Breuer and Sigmund Freud's Studies on Hysteria [1882 1893, 1895]. In:victorianweb.org. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
- ↑ Suggestion Therapy Explained. In:setantahypnotherapy.com. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
- ↑ Krzysztof Rutkowski, Edyta Dembińska: [https://www.psychiatriapolska.pl/pdf-58176-81132?filename=Research%20and%20treatment%20of.pdf Research and treatment of war neuroses at the Clinic for Nervous and Mental Diseases at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow before World War II in the context of psychiatry in Europe]. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
- ↑ Ellen Andresen: [https://greator.com/en/autosuggestion/ With autosuggestion motivated, self-confident and happy through life .] In: greator.com. Retrieved 27 April 2026.
- ↑ Valerie J. Nelson (29 September 2014): [O. Carl Simonton dies at 66; oncologist pioneered mind-body connection to fight cancer] In:latimes.com. Retrieved 16 May 2026.
- ↑ Autogenic Training In:sciencedirect.com. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
- ↑ David Reeves: Hypnosis in History: How Ancient Civilizations Used Hypnosis. In: Cuyamungueinstitute.com. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
- ↑ Luis Miguel Gallardo:Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy: A Comprehensive Review of Therapeutic Impact, Neurobiological Mechanisms, and Evidence-Based Outcomes (2018-2026). 11 February 2026. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
- ↑ Lecture by Axel Burkart – Part 2, Conference “Suggestion im Gegensatz zum eigenen Denken - Suggestion as opposed to independent thinking”, Michaelmas 2018. (German) (15:36–17:36). In: systemfreie Spiritualität (YouTube channel). Retrieved 1 May 2026.
- ↑ Lecture by Axel Burkart – Part 2, Conference “Suggestion im Gegensatz zum eigenen Denken - Suggestion as opposed to independent thinking”, Michaelmas 2018. (German) (9:34–10:35). In: systemfreie Spiritualität (YouTube channel). Retrieved 1 May 2026.
- ↑ Erich Fromm: The Art of Loving. Chapter: The Theory of Love. Love, the Answer to the Problem of Human Existence. Harper & Row, New York. PP. 13ff.
- ↑ Erich Fromm: The Pathology of Normalcy. Chapter: Modern Man’s Pathology of Normalcy. Chapter 1.a): what is mental health? American Mental Health Foundation Books. Riverdale, New York. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
- ↑ Erich Fromm: The Sane Society. Chapter 2: Can a Society Be Sick?. Retrieved 27 April 2026.
- ↑ Rudolf Steiner: The Origin and Goal of Humanity-Law and Theosophy. Retrieved 27 April 2026.
- ↑ Rudolf Steiner: [https://rsarchive.org/Lectures/GA175/English/GC1989/19170213p01.html Building Stones for an Understanding of the Mystery of Golgotha-The Metamorphoses of the Soul-Forces]. Retrieved 27 April 2026.
- ↑ Heinz Grill (20 April 2020). The Spiritual Root of Suggestion. Contributions to a new Yoga Will. Retrieved 27 April 2026
- ↑ Heinz Grill (31 October 2018). The suggestion figure. Contributions to a new Yoga Will. Retrieved 27 April 2026
- ↑ Heinz Grill (02 February 2018). Suggestionen - Suggestions. Contributions to a new Yoga Will (German). Retrieved 27 April 2026.
- ↑ Heinz Grill (15 March 2020). [https://heinz-grill.de/en/coronavirus-consciousness/ Coronavirus: Confronting fear and suggestion strengthens immunity]. Contributions to a new Yoga Will. Retrieved 28 April 2026.
- ↑ Lecture by Axel Burkart – Part 2, Conference “Suggestion im Gegensatz zum eigenen Denken - Suggestion as opposed to independent thinking”, Michaelmas 2018. (German) (0:30–23:27). In: systemfreie Spiritualität (YouTube channel). Retrieved 1 May 2026.
- ↑ John 8. In:biblegateway.com. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
- ↑ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: Goethes Literary Essays. New York, Harcourt, Brace and Company, 1921. Shakespeare ad Infinitum. p.174. Retrieved 1 May 2026.
- ↑ Rudolf Steiner: Collected Essays on Philosophy, Science, Aesthetics and Psychology 1884–1901 - On the Question of Hypnotism. Retrieved 28 April 2026.
- ↑ https://ia801309.us.archive.org/12/items/TheArtOfLoving/43799393-The-Art-of-Loving-Erich-Fromm_text.pdf. p.30 Harper & Row, New York
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 Heinz Grill Buch: Übungen für die Seele. Kapitel: Das Rechte Urteil. 3., erweiterte Auflage. Synergia Verlag, 2022, ISBN 978-3-906873-33-6, S. 111–119.
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