“my manifestations were hardly thrust before the eyes of my fellow countrymen”

My odd behavior wasn’t especially noticeable to others at first.

“those simply, as is said, ‘occurring out of sheer idleness,’ acquired vivifyingness”

Even my lazy or casual behaviors gained an energizing, noticeable quality.

“formation of ‘corns’ on the organs of perception”

My actions irritated or impacted people’s ability to perceive comfortably—like a mental or sensory callus.

“practice was automatically acquired in me”

I fell into the habit naturally.

“always to utter silently or aloud: ‘If you go on a spree then go the whole hog including the postage.’”

I began every new initiative with a personal affirmation of this principle.

He is stating that:

He’s saying that once the principle became part of his being, his behavior—already different—became fully charged with intention and consequence, both for himself and for others. He ritualized this transformation by adopting the principle as a motto.

• He begins by downplaying his earlier eccentricity, only to describe a vivid, almost radioactive intensification of his effect on others.

• “Corns on the organs of perception” is bizarre and tactile, likening perception to a blistered foot rubbed raw by constant exposure to his actions.

• He internalizes a trivial saying as a spiritual mantra, showing the power of accidental principles to shape life when fully assimilated.

• The story becomes recursive, with the motto now governing even its own reiteration: every change begins by invoking the change principle.