Text of the meditation
It is a great delusion that noise means power. Where calmness is, there is the greatest power. Calmness is the sure indication of a strong, well-trained, patiently disciplined mind. The calm person knows their business, be sure of it. Their words are few, but they tell.
Their schemes are well planned, and they work true, like a well-balanced machine. They see a long way ahead, and make straight for their object. The enemy, Difficulty, they convert into a friend, and make profitable use of, for they have studied well how to "agree with their adversary while they are in the way with them." Like a wise general, they have anticipated all emergencies.
Indeed, they are the person who is prepared beforehand. In their meditations, in the counsels of their judgment, they have conferred with causes, and have caught the bent of all contingencies. They are never taken by surprise; never in a hurry; safe in the keeping of their own steadfastness; and sure of their ground.
Working steam is not heard. It is the escaping steam that makes a great noise.
James Allen (1864–1912), Book of Meditations for Every Day in the Year (1913) – public-domain text, gently modernised.
The original 1913 text is in the public domain.
