In The Sixth Sense: Its Cultivation and Use, Charles Henry Brent presents a profound and pioneering exploration of what he terms the "Mystic Sense"—a spiritual faculty that bridges human consciousness with higher realities. Far from being an abstract or mystical curiosity, Brent argues that this sixth sense is central to human experience and personal development, influencing everything from physical health to moral character and religious insight. Originally published in 1911, the work offers timeless wisdom on how to develop this inner faculty to live a more integrated, purposeful, and spiritually aligned life.
The sixth sense, or Mystic Sense, is described not as a supernatural gift but as an innate, often underdeveloped, capacity present in all human beings. Brent defines it as the inner perceptive faculty that connects the human soul with the divine, the eternal, and the unseen dimensions of existence. Unlike the five physical senses—sight, touch, hearing, taste, and smell—this faculty enables us to perceive the spiritual and metaphysical aspects of reality. It grants access to ideals, intuitions, and values that transcend mere empirical understanding, thereby elevating our experience of life itself.
Divided into thematic chapters, the book systematically explores how the Mystic Sense operates in key areas of human experience: health, thought, character, and religion. In the context of health, Brent demonstrates how the sixth sense influences physical well-being through psychic balance, intuitive healing, and faith. He explains that emotional and spiritual health directly impact the body, often determining the course of recovery or the onset of illness. The Mystic Sense, when cultivated, can be a healing force, promoting resilience, optimism, and inner peace.
In relation to thought, Brent makes a compelling case that even in science, the Mystic Sense plays a crucial role. Hypotheses, discoveries, and leaps of insight are often products of intuitive perception, not just logical deduction. He shows how major scientific ideas—such as atoms, ether, and evolution—were birthed in the realm of intuitive thought before being confirmed by experiment. The Mystic Sense, therefore, is not anti-intellectual but a powerful complement to reason, aiding in creativity, innovation, and discovery.
In terms of religion, Brent sees the Mystic Sense as the faculty through which divine realities are apprehended. Faith, in his framework, is not mere belief but a mode of perception—the Mystic Sense operating at its highest level. It enables communion with God, understanding of sacred truth, and spiritual transformation. Brent’s treatment of mysticism is grounded and balanced, neither overly sentimental nor irrational. He cautions against unchecked mysticism that loses touch with the physical world or community norms, advocating instead a healthy integration of subjective experience with universal truths.
Throughout the book, Brent supports his ideas with references to theology, philosophy, psychology, and literature. He draws on religious figures like St. Teresa, psychological insights into the subconscious, and philosophical ideas about perception and reality. His writing is both poetic and intellectual, blending heartfelt conviction with scholarly depth.
Ultimately, The Sixth Sense: Its Cultivation and Use is a guide for those who seek to live more consciously and harmoniously with the full spectrum of human faculties. Brent challenges readers to recognize and refine the spiritual sense that connects them with a higher order of being. Whether applied to personal health, intellectual growth, moral development, or spiritual awakening, the Mystic Sense is shown to be essential to the fulfillment of human potential. This book is an invitation to rediscover the sacred dimension of everyday life and to live in awareness of the divine that surrounds and permeates all things.