In 1912, Harry Leon Wilson wrote a novel entitled, Bunker Bean. It is an intriguing story about a man who was tricked into believing in himself. As you read, reflect on your own self-talk and how that dictates your actions.
The Bunker Bean summary below comes from a book a good friend of mine, Merlin Frei, wrote called At the Corner of Celestial Avenue and Milky Way.
“Bunker Bean grew up feeling inferior to others. He roamed the earth in rags and lived timidly through its terrors. He was afraid of policemen, feared bodies of water and heights. He was afraid of the future, afraid of life – even afraid of himself.
One day, Countess Casanova, a false spiritualistic medium, persuaded Bunker that in exchange for his savings, she could tell him about his previous incarnations. Bunker was delighted. He was surprised to learn that he, the weak and timid Bunker Bean, had once been the great Napoleon Bonaparte, the master of the world.
Convinced, Bunker spent every spare minute learning about his former self; the great Napoleon. Even the thought of his once powerful self made his chest swell. He had been the man who always moved forward, never looking back. With effort, Bunker knew he could regain those rare qualities he once possessed.
Determined to use the powerful character traits in his life, it was not long before people began to notice a change in him. He received new responsibilities at work and a pay raise. This convinced him even more that his karmic cycle was changing.
With a pay increase, Bunker was struck with another thought. He knew that for a short period of 52 years he had been Napoleon, but who was he before that? Once again, he confronted the spiritualistic. She could tell him, but it would cost more this time. Bunker gladly agreed to her terms.
As she gazed into her crystal ball a gasp came over her. “Oh Bunker, this is incredible.” she cried. “You were none other than Ramses, the greatest of the Egyptian Pharoahs!”.
Bunker Bean could hardly believe what he had just been told. He, Ramses, had been a ruler of great strength and character. He had been stern, at times, but always just. As the Pharaoh, he had been tall and handsome. Bunker studied all he could about his former self. He was so impressed with the account of the magnificence of the physical bearing of the pharaoh that he immediately employed the best tailor and had his clothing cut in such a way as to give him the appearance of perfect physical development. The effect produced so improved his form that he unconsciously strove to develop the appearance that the garment gave him.
Strength seemed to flow into him as he pondered upon the demeanor of his former self as Pharaoh. Bunker believed himself to be both a wise and fearless soldier and a magnificent king. He slept with thoughts of courage and awoke with vigor in the morning. He knew he could accomplish whatever he set his mind to do.
Then one day Bunker had a rude awakening. Countess Casanova was arrested as a cheat and a fraud. Nothing she had told Bunker was true. He had never been Napoleon nor had he ever been Ramses. He was nothing but the lowly Bunker Bean.
What do you suppose happened to Bunker Bean after the dismal revelation? Would he return to his former pitiable state or would he remain the confident, courageous person he had become?
He knew that no one but himself and the medium ever knew of his thoughts. He experienced a great spiritual truth; as a man thinketh in his heart so is he (Proverbs 23:7). Napoleon and Ramses had only been scaffolding in building his true self.”
Millennials are often perceived to have inflated self-esteem. Bunker experienced much the same in this story. What made Bunker successful was that his new self-esteem translated into character building activities. He not only changed the way he thought, he changed the way he acted. Confidence combined with focused action produced lasting character which allowed him to become a great man. We all must be clear on who we are and who we want to become. Persistence in this endeavor will be hard but the blessings that will flow into our lives will be rich, full, and worth the required sacrifice. Now “Bunker Up” and live life like you are supposed to!
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