Personal magnetism is personal trust, - it is an intangible something that creates confidence, - it is the power of personality. Some call it personal atmosphere; some do not call it anything, for they are not discerning enough to mark its presence. They pay a tribute to its existence, nevertheless, by following those who possess it, - by permitting themselves to be swayed and influenced by the men and women of magnetic personalities.

Personal magnetism does not depend, primarily, upon personal appearance. A fine physique, a commanding presence may contribute to it, but they are only incidental. There is no human form too frail, no human form too grotesque, no human face too homely, to harbor personal magnetism. It is something beyond and better than personal appearance, to which it bears the relation that thought bears to words. Elegant language that does not express thought is in no sense to be compared with even dialect that is pregnant with meaning and expression. Beautiful thoughts expressed in beautiful language are the highest ideal, but thought rises superior to the medium of expression, which, after all, is only secondary.

So with personal magnetism. The man or woman of commanding presence and superior beauty or comeliness, possesses, by nature some of the attributes of marked personality. But without personal magnetism, such a person is like a lithographic reproduction of a beautiful face - it lacks life. Health, physique, beauty, comeliness, though a person has all these and lacks personal magnetism he is as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. Personal magnetism is the real expression of unselfish self, - it is the ego, - it is what remains when all personal charms have been subtracted, all tangible accomplishments have been eliminated.

History abounds with striking examples of men and women otherwise insignificant who, through force of character, willpower, magnetism, ability to control others, have stood foremost in the eyes of the world. Napoleon, slight in stature, lacking a commanding presence, born poor and without opportunity, forced himself upon the world and made it subservient to him by the exercise of qualities that could not be defined. Madam De Stael, the least attractive of women, by her charming personality made the world do her homage and caused Napoleon to exile her. His beautiful and wealthy courtiers he tolerated and pitied, - they lacked that personality that made them dangerous, - but the magnetic, though otherwise insignificant, Madame De Stael he hated and feared as he never feared another.

Personal magnetism in its perfection is not a heritage. It does not descend from father to son or from mother to daughter. True, it bears a more abundant fruitage in some natures than in others, like unto wheat sowed upon different grades of soil. But where there is intelligence in any human being there is latent personal magnetism. It may be fanned into a bright glow or it may be permitted to lie dormant, unused, inactive, wasted.

The objects of this article are twofold; first, to arouse the reader to the fact that he has personal magnetism if he will but cultivate it; second, to give some specific instructions in regard to its development.

Personal magnetism is more valuable than pecuniary wealth, for it is not taxable and it is not subject to sheriff's sales. It is more abiding than fame, for it cannot be swept away in an instant. It is more enduring than honor, for it carries within itself the very germ of all these. That it is worthy of any one's serious attention need not be iterated; that true success without it cannot be attained in any profession or calling, vocation or avocation, cannot be gainsaid. With it, all things are possible; without it, nothing is perfect. It is at once the steppingstone and the fruition of happiness; the exponent and the expression of power; a component part and the ultimate of success.

Those who would cultivate personal magnetism must bear in mind four things: First, it will not grow spontaneously. It is the result of careful, painstaking, plodding, faithful effort. Second, as a condition precedent, he who would cultivate it must beget a confidence in himself. Third, it is never an active force in the lives of vacillating, inactive, lackadaisical people. Fourth, it is not dependent upon station in life, comeliness of personality or education, in the general acceptance of this term.

To cultivate personal magnetism cultivate self-confidence. There is a difference between self-confidence and egotism, - a difference so vast that there is no analogy between them. To be self-confident is to believe in your own ability; to be egotistical is to vaunt an imaginary ability. The one is a virtue, the other is a vice; the one helps to success, the other hinders. The one attracts people and begets confidence; the other repels people and fosters their detestation. If you would cultivate your personal magnetism, cultivate self-confidence. You can do this by auto-suggestion. Begin by resolving to accomplish whatever you concentrate your mind upon. Do not contemplate failure; think only of succeeding, even in the most trivial things. There is no deed so trifling that it does not hold the germ of success. Succeed in its accomplishment, and you grow stronger; fail and your energies diminish. So it is with thoughts. Every thought subtracts itself from your potential ability, or adds itself to your possibilities of achievement. "As a man thinketh, so is he," - the contemplation of failure invites it; thoughts of success, lend wings to its accomplishment.

Then, let us reiterate, "Think only of success; do not contemplate failure." Have courage to dare; foster confidence that you shall be able to do.

It is in your power to give yourself stronger suggestions than can be implanted in your mind by any extraneous force. Your own suggestions, your innate courage, your cultivated determination, can overcome every obstacle and conquer every foe, but to attain this object you must think about yourself. You must turn your eyes inward, - you must discover your weak places and fortify them. No man ever won an athletic contest who trusted to luck and made no effort to train. Preparation for such a contest requires painstaking effort. How much more must he who would win in a mental contest train his mind for the ordeal? 'Athletes appreciate the value of physical training; brain workers appreciate the value of mental training, of thinking before acting. If you would become either, you must follow the methods of both.