Today , as always, the tendency of the so-called human mind is to seek the popular way, to imitate, to do as others do. Without pausing to ask the reason or to consider the outcome, new habits of speech, dress, recreation, and the like, are accepted and made a part of everyday experience. Instead, one should challenge the right of erroneous conditions to seem to exist. Oftentimes, neither spiritual thinking nor courage is employed, and mankind drifts aimlessly with the current of popular tendencies.

In the Preface to the textbook of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy makes this statement (p. x): "The author has not compromised conscience to suit the general drift of thought, but has bluntly and honestly given the text of Truth." In thus stating her position in her prefacing of the great volume which for thousands is leading the way from material darkness to spiritual light, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science not only has set forth a striking fact, but has indicated the only basis upon which her mission in behalf of humanity can be fulfilled. Had our Leader yielded to popular opinion, had she "compromised conscience to suit the general drift of thought," her great demonstration would have been impossible.

Mrs. Eddy's writings contain numerous references to the fallibility of following persons rather than Principle, of being guided by popular tendencies rather than by the leadings of divine Mind. On page 228 of "Miscellaneous Writings" she says: "Floating with the popular current of mortal thought without questioning the reliability of its conclusions, we do what others do, believe what others believe, and say what others say. Common consent is contagious, and it makes disease catching." Here even the tendency toward disease is pointed out as one of the results of desultory drifting "with the popular current of mortal thought." Does it not follow that Christian Scientists have both the privilege and the duty to emulate their Leader, taking their individual stand for every upward tendency of the human race? In a measure, at least, every student of Christian Science can say that he has not "compromised conscience to suit the general drift of thought." Up to the fullest extent of our understanding we can cling to the dictates of Mind, and thus check the inclination of mankind generally to be swayed by popular mortal thought.

One of the peculiar propensities of the human mind is the desire to be the center of attraction, or to occupy the center of the stage, as the saying is. This tendency of mortal thought indicates a lack of meekness and humility, and works hardship upon no one so much as upon those who allow themselves to be its victims. Paul, who is so generally loved for his straightforward expressions, may have been thinking of this phase of human weakness when he wrote to the Galatians, "If a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself."

One's attitude toward self may properly be given rank as his most urgent problem. Indeed, it is only in proportion as one begins to take stock of his thoughts about himself that he begins to see how he may have been magnifying himself in his own estimation. Manifestly, this stock taking must be undertaken with a sincere desire to honor God. A correct survey of self could not be made selfishly. To place the proper estimate upon one's self it is necessary to attain some understanding of God, from which basis alone thought can proceed to an understanding of man. As the Scriptures inform us that God is Spirit, the further Scriptural declaration that man is made in the image and likeness of God leads to the inevitable conclusion that the real man is wholly spiritual, that he is the reflection of God, just as the image in the mirror is the reflection of the original standing before the mirror.

This first glimpse into the realm of the real begins at once to submerge a false material sense of self, and brings to light the fact that God is the sole creator. It further shows that God, Spirit, alone has power, and that His power is reflected by man, but does not originate in man. It shows also that Truth is the only attraction; and those who see this do not seek to gain a prominent position for themselves through any personal means.

Christian Science has enabled thousands to see the difference between the real and unreal, thus teaching them how to put away an exaggerated sense of self or of popularity, with its attendant ambition to be the center of attraction, and to take on the spirit of the blessed Master, the greatest and also the meekest and humblest man of all time. To accept the truth that Mind, Spirit, is the only attraction is to reject the thought of personal attraction and of all means by which to attain it. It is to love one's self and one's neighbor aright.

In order to form a proper estimate of our progress in overcoming the false sense of self, it is but necessary to observe closely how our thought about the welfare of others is changing. Do we really care more for their happiness and success; and are we more willing to go out of our way to help them? Do we rejoice with them; or do we entertain, secretly or openly, a sense of jealousy? Are we broad-minded enough to see that all mankind can progress together; or do we strive to get ahead ourselves by brushing others aside? Are we learning that the only genuine happiness is derived from rendering loving service to our fellow men? If the answers to these questions are as they should be, then we may know that God is in the ascendancy in our thought, and that an ambitious sense of self is being eradicated. Through this process of thought-purification comes a sincere desire to be true to others, and in no other way can we be true to ourselves.

He who would exalt himself does himself the most harm; but he who recognizes his sonship with God, and consistently acknowledges every other individual's sonship with God, has attained a state of consciousness wherein the desire for popularity, place, and prestige cannot enter. In the words of Mrs. Eddy (Science and Health, p. 262), "These clearer, higher views inspire the Godlike man to reach the absolute centre and circumference of his being."