The idea of the mind as a computer is intriguing. Norbert Wiener is credited with being the first to postulate that the subconscious works like a mechanical computer, though it is much more complex. The psychologist Leslie LeCron questions if this would mean there is no free will.
Maxwell Maltz, in his classic,
Psycho-Cybernetics, emphasizes the importance of self-image. Positive thinking only works when it is consistent with one's self-image. Cybernetics is the science of communication and control theory, especially automatic control systems. Maltz sees the mind as a goal-seeking machine, although he emphasizes that we are not machines, we use machines.
Maltz gives a baseball analogy. The batter hits a fly ball to center field. The center fielder must instantly calculate the ball's speed, velocity, curvature path, wind direction, and more. He then compares the calculations with stored data and gets to the right place to make the catch, all subconsciously. He doesn't think about his brain operating like a computer, though it does.
The computer needs an operator. It can do a lot, but it can't set its own goals. With self-hypnosis you can program your own mind. You can accept the theory of the mind as a computer or not. Self-hypnosis works anyway.
