Page 213 - Napoleon Hill Think and Grow Rich Full Book | Success Learned

Jealousy, and other similar forms of dementia praecox grow out of man's inher-
ited fear of the loss of love of someone. This fear is the most painful of all the six
basic fears. It probably plays more havoc with the body and mind than any of the
other basic fears, as it often leads to permanent insanity.

The fear of the loss of love probably dates back to the stone age, when men stole
women by brute force. They continue to steal females, but their technique has
changed. Instead of force, they now use persuasion, the promise of pretty clothes,
motor cars, and other "bait" much more effective than physical force. Man's hab-
its are the same as they were at the dawn of civilization, but he expresses them
differently.

Careful analysis has shown that women are more susceptible to this fear than
men. This fact is easily explained. Women have learned, from experience, that
men are polygamous by nature, that they are not to be trusted in the hands of
rivals.

SYMPTOMS OF THE FEAR OF LOSS OF LOVE

The distinguishing symptoms of this fear are:-

JEALOUSY. The habit of being suspicious of friends and loved ones without
any reasonable evidence of sufficient grounds. (Jealousy is a form of dementia
praecox which sometimes becomes violent without the slightest cause). The habit
of accusing wife or husband of infidelity without grounds. General suspicion of
everyone, absolute faith in no one.

FAULT FINDING. The habit of finding fault with friends, relatives, business
associates and loved ones upon the slightest provocation, or without any cause
whatsoever.

GAMBLING. The habit of gambling, stealing, cheating, and otherwise taking
hazardous chances to provide money for loved ones, with the belief that love can
be bought. The habit of spending beyond one's means, or incurring debts, to pro-
vide gifts for loved ones, with the object of making a favorable showing. Insom-
nia, nervousness, lack of persistence, weakness of will, lack of self-control, lack of
self-reliance, bad temper.

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NAPOLEON HILL THINK AND GROW RICH

THE FEAR OF OLD AGE