Using the Science of Getting Rich
Vision, Gratitude, Creativity, Faith, and Action Lead to Prosperity
Although only in the past few years has the law of attraction come into popular consciousness, books written a century ago express similar principles. One such book is The Science of Getting Rich written by Wallace D. Wattles in 1910.
Wattles begins with the premise that the object of all life is development, which is more easily pursued with abundant financial resources. Wattles maintains that "there are certain laws which govern the process of acquiring riches, and once these laws are learned and obeyed by anyone, that person will get rich with mathematical certainty." The book explains how "doing things in a certain way" is necessary to become rich.
Impressing Thoughts on Formless Substance
The universe is a living presence with an inexhaustible storehouse of riches and is full of creative energy that responds to human need. Wattles called this presence "a formless thinking substance from which all things are made." In more modern terms, it can be called energy.
Thoughts are the only power that can harness this energy and produce tangible riches. "A thought in this substance produces the thing that is imaged by the thought." Everything was once only a thought in someone's mind. However, a thought does not necessarily generate immediate results, any more than an acorn becomes an oak tree overnight. Having consistent thoughts causes life to move in the direction of those thoughts.
The formless substance, or energy, responds only to the creative mind, so a person must let go of any thoughts of competition. There is more than enough for all. This energy will make things for a person but will not take things away from other people. "Riches secured on the competitive plane are never satisfactory and permanent. They are yours today and another's tomorrow…Give everyone more in use value than you take from him in cash value."
Gratitude for Everything
When a person believes that there is one intelligent substance from which all things come and that this substance gives them everything desired once they enter creative mind, the next step is to express deep gratitude for everything. A mental attitude of gratitude draws the mind into closer touch with the creative energies of the universe.
"The law of gratitude is the natural principle that action and reaction are always in equal and opposite directions…The grateful mind is constantly fixed upon the best." Also, gratitude breeds faith and expectation of good things.
A Clear Mental Picture
Thinking the certain way to get rich means a person must form a clear, definite, specific mental picture in their mind and hold that picture continually. "All you need is to know what you want and to want it badly enough so that it will stay in your thoughts."
Behind a person's clear vision must be the determination to realize it. And behind that determination must be the unwavering faith that the thing envisioned is already at hand and one has only to take possession of it. All the while, one must express gratitude as one expects to when the thing has taken form.
Connect Thought with Personal Action
While a person's thoughts start the process of things coming to them, their personal action is how they receive these things. While Wattles advises doing every day, all that can be done that day, he also notes that it's important not to overwork or rush blindly into things. "There is never any hurry on the creative plane, and there is no lack of opportunity."
He defines every efficient act as a successful act, and notes that the cause of failure is doing too many things in an inefficient manner. "Every act can be made strong and efficient by holding your vision while you are doing it and putting the whole power of your faith and purpose behind it."
Following the Certain Way to Riches
People wanting to acquire riches must hold onto their vision regardless of appearances. And keeping a vision when things appear otherwise requires a consistent effort. "Never look at the visible supply. Look always at the limitless riches in formless substance, and know that they are coming to you as fast as you can receive and use them."
Wattles writes that a person who follows the certain way as described in The Science of Getting Rich receives continual increase and gives continual increase to everyone dealt with. "You are a creative center from which increase is given off to all…If you can give increase of life to others and make them sensible of the fact, they will be attracted to you, and you will get rich."
Wallace Wattles
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