The Science of Getting Rich
By Wallace D Wattles (Published 1910)
As the title of Wattles’ work suggests, this book is first and
foremost a guide to acquiring wealth. However there is more to life than
achieving financial success, and that is why the author also treats the
successful life in general.
After making the fundamental claim that everyone has the right to be
rich, he puts forward his principles for practical action, aimed to "make
the most of yourself."
These principles include acting efficiently and getting
into the right business, as well as expressing gratitude. The single most
important principle stated by the author is creativity.
Throughout the book he focuses on the power of thought,
and shows how to use willpower for achieving goals. Pointing out that life
is a self-fulfilling prophecy, he advocates the purposeful direction of
thought and action.
According to Wattles, the philosophy of the book is based
on a monistic viewpoint of the universe, which is also the foundation of
oriental philosophy. Because all of life is connected, the author
discourages competition and urges the reader to create value instead.
By getting rich in a creative way, no harm is done to
other people; on the contrary, others will benefit from the inspiration
that comes from the successful person. Arguing strongly in the tradition
of John Ruskin that there is no wealth but life, Wattles with his work has
created the ancestor of many a modern self-help and personal finance book.
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