Inability to Reason Rationally—A student may devote all his powers to acquire knowledge; but unless he has a knowledge of God, unless he obeys the laws that govern his own being, he will destroy himself. By wrong habits he loses the power of self-appreciation; he loses self-control. He cannot reason correctly about matters that concern him most deeply. He is reckless and irrational in his treatment of mind and body. Through his neglect to cultivate right principles, he is ruined both for this world and for the world to come.—The Ministry of Healing, 450 (1905). (2MCP 401.1) MC VC

Self-centeredness a Hindrance to Recovery [See chapter 30, “Selfishness and self-centeredness.”]—One of the surest hindrances to the recovery of the sick is the centering of attention upon themselves. Many invalids feel that everyone should give them sympathy and help, when what they need is to have their attention turned away from themselves, to think of and care for others.—The Ministry of Healing, 256 (1905). (2MCP 401.2) MC VC

Divert Mind From Self—Exercise will aid the work of digestion. To walk out after a meal, hold the head erect, put back the shoulders, and exercise moderately, will be a great benefit. The mind will be diverted from self to the beauties of nature. The less the attention is called to the stomach after a meal, the better. If you are in constant fear that your food will hurt you, it most assuredly will. Forget self, and think of something cheerful.—Testimonies for the Church 2:530 (1870). (2MCP 401.3) MC VC