Wallace Wattles: A Pioneer of the New Thought Movement
Wallace D. Wattles might not be a household name, but his influence on the New Thought movement and modern self-help literature is undeniable. Born in 1860 in the United States, Wattles was an author, thinker, and philosopher whose ideas continue to inspire countless individuals seeking success, prosperity, and fulfillment. His works are deeply rooted in the New Thought philosophy, which emphasizes the power of positive thinking, the creative potential of the mind, and the idea that thoughts can shape reality.
Early Life and Introduction to New Thought
Wallace Wattles' early life was marked by struggle and poverty, a background that may have fueled his interest in personal development and the potential for transformation. His journey into the New Thought movement began as he studied the works of notable thinkers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. These philosophical influences, combined with his own experiences and insights, led Wattles to embrace the principles of New Thought—a spiritual and philosophical movement that emerged in the late 19th century.
New Thought was founded on the belief that the mind holds the power to create one's reality, that positive thinking can lead to health, success, and happiness, and that there is a universal spiritual force that individuals can tap into to manifest their desires. Wattles was particularly drawn to the idea that anyone, regardless of their circumstances, could achieve wealth and success by applying certain principles of thought and action.
Contributions to the New Thought Movement
Wallace Wattles' most significant contribution to the New Thought movement is his emphasis on practical, actionable steps that individuals can take to improve their lives. While many New Thought authors focused on abstract metaphysical concepts, Wattles sought to distill these ideas into clear, concise instructions that anyone could follow.
His most famous work, "The Science of Getting Rich" (1910), encapsulates this approach. In this book, Wattles presents a step-by-step guide to achieving wealth through the power of thought. He argues that getting rich is not a matter of environment or luck but rather a science—one that can be mastered by following specific laws. The core message of the book is that by thinking in a "certain way," individuals can attract wealth and abundance into their lives.
"The Science of Getting Rich" is often considered a foundational text in the self-help genre and has influenced many later works, including Rhonda Byrne's "The Secret," which popularized the concept of the Law of Attraction. Wattles' emphasis on gratitude, visualization, and focused action are now common themes in self-help literature.
Other Notable Works
In addition to "The Science of Getting Rich," Wattles authored several other books that contributed to the New Thought movement:
1. "The Science of Being Well" (1910): This book applies the principles of New Thought to health and well-being. Wattles argues that health is a natural state of being and that by aligning one's thoughts with the principles of wellness, anyone can achieve and maintain good health.
2. "The Science of Being Great" (1911): In this work, Wattles explores the idea that greatness is not a matter of talent or birthright but of thinking and acting in a "certain way." He offers practical advice on how to develop personal greatness by cultivating positive thoughts, maintaining self-discipline, and striving for excellence in all areas of life.
3. "The New Science of Living and Healing": This book delves into the connection between mind and body, exploring how mental states can influence physical health. Wattles emphasizes the importance of mental attitudes in achieving a balanced and healthy life.
4. "How to Get What You Want": This shorter work focuses on the practical steps needed to manifest desires. Wattles breaks down the process of goal-setting, visualization, and taking inspired action to achieve personal and financial success.
Connection to the Unity Movement
While Wallace Wattles was a significant figure in the New Thought movement, his work is not directly connected to the Unity movement, which was founded by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore in the late 19th century. However, there are similarities in the underlying philosophies of both Wattles' teachings and Unity.
The Unity movement, like New Thought, emphasizes the power of positive thinking, the presence of a divine force within every individual, and the ability to shape one's reality through the power of the mind. Both movements share roots in the broader metaphysical traditions of the time and have influenced each other in various ways.
Unity.org continues to promote principles that align with Wattles' teachings, such as the importance of visualization, gratitude, and faith in the creative power of thought. While Wattles did not directly contribute to the Unity movement, his work undoubtedly resonates with the teachings of Unity and other New Thought organizations.
Legacy and Influence
Wallace Wattles' influence extends far beyond his own lifetime. His works laid the groundwork for modern self-help literature and the personal development industry. The principles he outlined in "The Science of Getting Rich" continue to inspire countless individuals seeking to improve their financial situation, health, and overall well-being.
The resurgence of interest in Wattles' teachings can be attributed in part to the success of books like "The Secret," which reintroduced the concepts of the Law of Attraction and the creative power of thought to a new generation. Wattles' straightforward, practical approach to these ideas has made his work accessible to people from all walks of life.
Conclusion
Wallace D. Wattles may not be as well-known as some other figures in the New Thought movement, but his contributions have left a lasting impact on the world of personal development. His emphasis on practical application, positive thinking, and the science of success has inspired countless individuals to take control of their lives and manifest their desires.
While there is no direct connection between Wattles and the Unity movement, the principles he espoused continue to resonate with the teachings of Unity and other New Thought organizations. For those seeking a deeper understanding of the power of thought and its potential to shape reality, Wallace Wattles' works remain a valuable resource.
References
1. Wattles, Wallace D. "The Science of Getting Rich." TarcherPerigee, 2007.
2. Wattles, Wallace D. "The Science of Being Well." BN Publishing, 2007.
3. Wattles, Wallace D. "The Science of Being Great." BN Publishing, 2007.
4. Byrne, Rhonda. "The Secret." Atria Books, 2006.
5. "Wallace Wattles: The Man Who Taught the World How to Get Rich." New Thought Library.
6. "Unity: What We Believe." Unity.org.
This blog post covers the life and work of Wallace Wattles, his contributions to the New Thought movement, and his most famous works. It also explores his connection to the Unity movement, noting that while there is no direct link, the principles of both align in many ways.