Mind over matter is a phrase popularized during the 1960s and 1970s that was originally used in reference to paranormal phenomena, especially psychokinesis. However, it has also been used in reference to mind-centric
spiritual and
philosophic doctrines such as
responsibility assumption.
Definition
The term does not relate to the belief that the mind is more powerful
than the body. Specifically, mind over matter refers to controlling
pain that one may or may not be experiencing, such as holding one's hand
under extremely hot water and feeling no pain. Also, "self-help"
personalities such as
Tony Robbins claim that, through the power of concentration and "positive thinking", people can
walk on hot coals without getting burned. This claim is made despite the fact that there are solid, scientific explanations for firewalking.
[2] "Mind over matter" was also
Mao Zedong's idea that rural peasants could be "proletarianized" so they could lead the
revolution and China could move from
feudalism to
socialism. It departs from Leninism in that the revolutionaries are peasants, instead of the
urban proletariat.
[3]
