“What does the word mentalist mean?” This is the question people asked after watching the first episode of the series of the same name, in which Patrick Jane helps the police in solving the most complicated crimes (usually murders). For the ear of the Russian audience, the term “psychic” (a person with supersensible abilities) is more familiar than some obscure “mentalist”. The word was invented by George Kreskin, who means by this term a simple person who has developed superpowers of his consciousness. Of course, this does not correspond to the Hollywood stereotype of gaining superpowers as a result of an accident, abduction by aliens or a lightning strike (electric shock). The rational mind of Americans denies such miracles and considers their carriers charlatans (which is 99% true). But at the same time, any sane person understands that if desired, anyone can develop in themselves the appropriate abilities. Since most of us are materialists, we want to believe in it. Besides, doesn’t hypnosis, manipulation of mass consciousness, etc. d.?
What does the word “mentalist” mean?
Let's talk in detail about this concept. In his interviews, George Kreskin very often gives a definition of the term “mentalist”. The meaning of the word is as follows: “This is a person who possesses the skills of suggestion and hypnosis, sharpness of mind, and behavior management. The mentalist not only reads other people's thoughts, but also easily implements his own, knows the answer to an unasked question, learns the interlocutor’s past and can predict his future. In fact, in his actions there is nothing supernatural, although at first glance it seems that way. He simply maximally developed in himself the possibilities of consciousness that are given from birth to any person, and uses them "to the fullest." Any good mentalist understands people very accurately and knows how to recognize their psychological characteristics. As tools, he uses facial expressions of a person, his gestures and any specific features of behavior. To become a mentalist, Kreskin spent almost 60 years. Not everyone is ready to go for it! But to understand what skills are needed for this lesson, it does not take a lot of time.
Main skill
So, now we know what the word mentalist means, and we can consider in detail the skills necessary for this matter. And the most important of them is understanding. That is, when a person says something to you, and you understand him at the same time. This happens infrequently, and this needs to be learned. After all, usually we only pretend to listen, looking forward to when we are allowed to speak.
The desire to understand someone else is a rare gift with which you can get answers to almost all questions. But for this you need to be able to overcome yourself and listen even to what is completely contrary to your beliefs. Only in this case can interest in a person and the ability to understand him appear. It is very important to play for the interlocutor the role of an obedient student, whose main goal is to listen and understand, and not "get into the soul." As a study guide, be sure to watch the series itself, and then you will not even have a question about what the word "mentalist" means.