ry theme called _Every Other
Bed_. In this book he tells us that every other hospital bed in the
United States is occupied by a mental case. Mental illness costs the
country two and a half billion dollars a year besides the more important
untold human suffering that can never be equated in dollars. The book is
a shocking story of how we have let this happen; are still letting it
happen; and of how little, for the most part, we, the general public as
well as the medical and psychological professions, are doing to correct
this deplorable situation.

It is time that we re-examined the dictums that say a symptom can never
be removed unless the cause is understood and the unconscious background
of symptom-complexes must be made conscious and understood before a
cure is effected.

There are many positive thinking groups functioning in the religious
field. Many of these religious groups are in existence primarily because
of the dynamic philosophy or psychology they offer for every day living.
Couple this with a strong faith in God, and you have a combination which
approaches infallibility. Recently we have had a series of best-selling
books which expound this very theme. Does it work? Of course it does
when used properly.

You can be sure that there has been criticism of this religious
psychology. The criticism is that the basic causes of the problem are
never dealt with and the unconscious conflict is not resolved. It's the
same argument over and over again. What about the people helped? They
seem to have made tremendous strides and are leading lives as well
adjusted as anyone else. Once imbued with this spirit or feeling of
well-being, it permeates every phase of their relationships in a
constructive manner. The only reason that there isn't more criticism is
that this type of psychotherapy is incorporated into the religious
tenets of these groups, and criticizing another man's religion makes the
detractor's entire philosophy unacceptable. I am strongly in favor of
these groups because I would prefer having a religion that keeps
pointing out the positive side of life and that "life can be beautiful"
if you put your faith in God and practice positive thinking. It is
certainly better than the cynical philosophy of its detractors or the
grim religions which stress punishment. Think of the guilt feelings
involved in the latter. No one can live up to such a formidable creed.

Of course, if you suggest to positive thinking, rel