Intrepid - Commanding Presence

Book review by Kat Kennedy The US Review of Books.

"The unconscious is incredibly powerful and eager to assist you."

In this self-help offering, the author delves into how the unconscious can be tapped to improve one's life, leading to a more balanced and satisfying existence. The book is divided into five major parts with an appendix, notes, and bibliography. The text delves into aspects of the unconscious and its relationship to the individual. The author tackles subjects such as masculine and feminine energy, charisma and magnetism, unconscious and conscious suggestion, conditional and conscious autosuggestion, and creative visualization. Also included is a user's guide to help readers process and use the information presented.

After an experience with cancer and subsequent chemotherapy, the author states that his unconscious mind sought the movie Gladiator as "the most suitable model to autosuggest me to survive." In fact, without even thinking about it, he watched the movie twice a day during his treatment. It was two years later that his conscious mind learned how the film affected him unconsciously. Of this experience he says, "It's all been for my highest good. I find myself younger, stronger, more creative, richer, more energetic, more open, and a better person today." This experience leads the author to explore further the unconscious and how it can be used to improve one's life. He states, "For most people today, thought works in our mind completely autonomously, without direction, and on top of that, it pretends to direct our life without being accountable for it." So, what is one to do?

The author's answer to this question is that one should "use thought to orientate the unconscious in an effective and convenient way for you."

Proposing various methods-many of which have been forgotten in the modern world-in which one can tap into the strength of the unconscious, De Adrian discusses the value of doing so. In fact, one of his purposes in writing the book is to have readers "Recognize the unconscious - this magnificent power that keeps us connected to the universe and that can achieve anything effortlessly - and increase communication and coordination with the conscious mind." 

Effectively using examples from his own life and case studies of others, he explains and illustrates how one may access the power of the unconscious mind to live life to the fullest. Many of these illustrations are enlightening. For example, De Adrian spends much time discussing the idea of autosuggestion, which he defines as "the implantation of an idea or an impression in our unconscious by oneself." The ideas purported about autosuggestion are fascinating in their simplicity. Drawing heavily on the work of Emile Coue, known as the father of autosuggestion, the author discusses many methods for using the unconscious in order to better one's life.

This fascinating look at how humans can access the power of their unconscious to live life to the fullest has much to offer. Many of the concepts within this work have a familiar ring to them as they are utilized in many of today's so-called New-Age philosophies. However, it is interesting to note that many things we consider "new" in modern self-help writings are really expansions on older works, as is the case of autosuggestion.

It is evident the author has a deep desire to help readers achieve the degree of personal fulfillment and success that he has through these techniques. The author's suggestions on how to live one's best life by tapping into the unconscious are clear and easy to follow. Readers will find valuable information on how to access the power of the mind within this book.