Wallace Wattles

Wallace Delois Wattles (1860 – 1911) was an American author best known for his New Thought movement book The Science of Getting Rich. Wattles' writings on the power of thought, positive thinking, and the law of attraction have influenced generations of personal development enthusiasts and have laid the groundwork for many contemporary self-help and motivational philosophies.

Early Life

Little is known about the early life of Wallace Wattles. He was born in the midwestern United States and pursued various occupations before turning his attention to the study of various religious beliefs and philosophies, particularly those that emphasized the mental and spiritual path to wealth and success.

Career

Wattles became involved in the New Thought movement in the early 20th century, a time when this philosophy was gaining widespread popularity in America. New Thought promoted the idea that positive thinking could directly influence a person's life experiences, including their health, wealth, and personal relationships. Within this movement, Wattles developed his unique blend of spiritual and practical advice aimed at empowering individuals to improve their lives through the power of thought.

His most famous work, The Science of Getting Rich (1910), outlines a straightforward and systematic approach to wealth accumulation. In this book, Wattles argues that by focusing one's thoughts on abundance, acting in a certain way, and maintaining a positive and proactive attitude, anyone can attract wealth into their life. The book emphasizes the importance of visualization, gratitude, and a deep belief in the abundance of the universe as key components of its philosophy.

Philosophy

Wattles' philosophy can be summarized by the belief that thought is a powerful force—that by thinking in a certain way, one can bring about tangible changes in the world. This idea is encapsulated in the famous quote from The Science of Getting Rich: "There is a thinking stuff from which all things are made, and which, in its original state, permeates, penetrates, and fills the interspaces of the universe. A thought, in this substance, produces the thing that is imaged by the thought."

In addition to wealth creation, Wattles also wrote about health and success, applying similar principles to these areas. His other notable works include The Science of Being Well and The Science of Being Great, both of which extend his theories of the power of thought to personal health and personal development, respectively.

Legacy

Wallace Wattles died in 1911, but his work has continued to influence many in the personal development and self-help fields. The Science of Getting Rich has remained in print for over a century and has been cited as an inspiration by numerous modern-day authors and speakers in the field of personal development, including Rhonda Byrne, who highlighted Wattles' influence on her book The Secret.

Wattles' teachings on the law of attraction, the power of positive thinking, and the importance of a prosperity mindset have made him a lasting figure in the literature of personal success and empowerment. His work is often studied and referenced by those interested in the New Thought movement and the broader context of American philosophical and religious thought.

See Also

• New Thought
• The Law of Attraction
• Personal Development

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