Have you ever noticed how something that seems really stupid to you, like big baggy bell-bottoms or a bizarre hair-style, maybe seemed odd when you think back to the first time you saw it? But over time, and after enough exposure to the idea, or maybe exposure from someone you liked, respected or even idolized, the idea became not only ok... it became very desirable? You've got a mind virus...

In fact, you have millions of them.

This is a fascinating concept that manifests everywhere... it's totally ubiquitous. And it's fascinating to think about the repercussions. When you become aware of Mind Viruses, you start to see them everywhere... But what are they, and how do they control our lives?

The idea of a mind virus is truly exactly what it sounds... it is the realization that thoughts are CONTAGIOUS. Richard Dawkins is the first I can find who spoke of this and the idea of Memes (for another discussion). But the basic idea is that thoughts are contagious. For better... or worse.

Napoleon Hill was hired by Andrew Carnegie, during a time when Carnegie was literally at the top of the world power pyramid, to write a book that he would later call "Think and Grow Rich". If you haven't read it, get it... it will change your life.

After 10 years of researching, interviewing and studying all of Carnegie's amazingly successful contacts, Hill came to a few conclusions that were universally true. The first is that all truly successful, self-made people are optimists. The second is expressed in this quote: "Show me your friends, and I'll show you your future." All successful people learned to surround themselves with other, like-minded motivated and optimistic people.

By being around success, they caught the 'virus' of thinking patterns and behaviors that lead to success...

It's a fascinating concept... and should wake you up to the fact that this can be used for both good and bad. Ever find yourself humming an advertising jingle that you loathe? Getting into relationships like your parents had that you swore you'd never have in your life?

Become aware of Mind Viruses... use them to your benefit. Program yourself with good viruses that you get from surrounding yourself with excellent people... Books are an incredible opportunity to 'catch' incredibly powerful viruses from the greatest thinkers in history.

This affects every aspect of your life... from the clothes you wear, the food you eat, the relationships you have to the THOUGHTS which govern your life and health.

"Stand porter at the door of thought. Admitting only such conclusions as you wish realized in bodily results, you will control yourself harmoniously." (Eddy, 1906)

If you're going to catch a virus, make it a good one, one that infects you in a positive way, and then spread it to all your friends. This is my virus to you.