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THE SCIENCE OF GETTING RICH BY WALLACE WATTLES
THE SCIENCE OF GETTING RICH BY WALLACE WATTLES
A lot of new age success stories swear allegiance to the teachings from the New Thought Movement that took root in the nineteenth century. Comprising of a host of philosophers, authors, motivational speakers, this movement delves into sources beyond religion. Wallace Wattles is also a part of this motley group of writers. This book is part of the trilogy, The Science of getting rich’, followed by …Being great and …Being well, all published in 1910.

Wattles believed that getting rich is an exact science, just like Algebra or Arithmetic. Wattles starts by asserting the right of every individual to get rich because that is what brings him the resources to gain access to several material things that make life comfortable and beautiful. He makes a crucial observation that the people who are rich have grown in the same environment with similar resources and opportunities as others. It is not their talent and abilities alone that made them rich but the way they DID certain things. Wattles delves into philosophical domain when he says that no one has the monopoly over opportunities. One is not kept poor for lack of resources which the nature has in bountiful. The first principle of the science of getting rich is that there is a thought at the origin of every form of substance, including wealth. The original thinking substance constantly wants to expand and grow in the direction of abundance and more life. Hence, aligning with that original thought for more abundance is the genesis of abundance in form. In the chapter on How riches come to you, Wattles explains that by focusing your thoughts on what you want from life, you actually align with the original thought’s true nature of abundance and that results in things falling in place to ensure you get what you want. The only rider here is never to doubt, never to disucss but hold utmost unwavering faith that you will get what you want.

As with all proponents of the law of attraction, Wattles also advises gratitude for whatever you have desired, even before you have received it. This gratitude comes from the deep faith and a lack of doubt, about receiving the same. Being grateful is a state of mind and the law of attraction clearly shows that what you focus upon, expands. So when you focus on gratitude, you end up getting more reasons for being grateful. The grateful mind is constantly focused on the best and hence it attracts the best.

However, Wattles shows us that behind every deep desire, there must be a purpose to realize it along with an unwavering faith that you have received it. But never force anything upon others to make them do or behave your way, for that would be coercion, even if it is just a mental thought.

Wattles makes an interesting note that poverty can be eradicated not by making the rich think about the poor but by poor to purposefully will to get rich.

Sending mixed messages to the universe is also not good. Do not harp upon your past experiences or poverty. That holds you in a negative state which is not in alignment with the positive things you desire.

What then is the science behind getting rich? The science is in creating and holding a mental image, a thought about what you want and having full faith in it, a desire with purpose and a heart full of gratitude for having already received it. The science is all about thinking right, behaving in sync with that thought and then acting upon it.  Just ensure that you do not desire for a dominion over other people, is his parting advice. Something we can understand, comes from the circumstances of the times Wattles lived. Read more.....