What does the word mentalist mean? Definition and main skill

"What does the word" mentalist "mean?" That's the question people asked after watching the first series of the same-name series, in which Patrick Jane helps the police in uncovering the most intricate crimes (usually murders). For the Russian audience's ear, the term "psychic" (a man with supersensible abilities) is more accustomed than some incomprehensible "mentalist". The word was invented by George Kreskin, which means by this term a simple man who developed the super abilities of his consciousness. Of course, this does not correspond to the Hollywood stereotype of gaining super abilities as a result of an accident, abduction by aliens or a lightning strike (current). The rational mind of Americans denies such miracles and considers their carriers charlatans (which is true by 99%). But at the same time, any sane person understands that, if desired, anyone can develop the appropriate abilities. Since most of us are materialists, we would like to believe in it. In addition, unless there is no hypnosis, manipulation of mass consciousness, etc. Etc.?

What does the word "mentalist" mean?

Let's talk about this concept in detail. In his interviews, George Kreskin very often defines the concept of "mentalist". The meaning of the word is as follows: "This is a person who has the skills of suggestion and hypnosis, sharpness of mind, behavior management. The mentalist not only reads other people's thoughts, but also easily introduces his own, knows the answer to an unanswered question, recognizes the past of the interlocutor and can predict his future. In fact, there is nothing supernatural in his actions, although at first glance it seems that way. Simply, he maximally developed in himself the possibilities of consciousness, which 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 the facial expressions of a person, his gestures and any specific features of behavior. In order to become a mentalist, Kreskin spent almost 60 years. Not every person is ready to go for it! But to understand what skills are needed for this lesson, it does not take very long.

The main skill

So, now we know what the word mentalist means, and we can consider the skills necessary for this case in detail. And the most important of them is understanding. That is, when a person tells you something, and you understand it at the same time. It happens infrequently, and you need to learn this. After all, we usually just pretend to listen, eagerly awaiting when they will let us speak.

The desire to understand someone else is a rare gift, with which you can get answers to almost all the questions. But for this it is necessary to be able to overcome yourself and listen to even that which completely contradicts your beliefs. Only in this case there can be an interest in a person and the ability to understand him. 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 to "get into the soul". As a training tool, be sure to check the series itself, and then you will not even have a question about what the word "mentalist" means.