The DVD “The Secret” has created lot of ripples since last one year. After watching the movie late last year, I decided to go through works of all people whose ideas formed the basis of the film. Last week, I got a copy of Wallace D Wattles book “The Science of Getting Rich” which provided inspiration for the film. I first read this book about 15 years ago, but could not fully comprehend it then. However, after years of practical life coupled with implementation of self help principles, I feel the theme of the book makes now perfect sense for me. Though quite old, the main theme of the book is as applicable today as it was in early 20th century, when the book was first published. So after re-reading the book I thought it will be appropriate to share with you the main ideas of the book as well as my comments about applicability and soundness of the principles, based on my experiences and observations. I have split this article in two parts; with this part covering the summary of the book while part II presenting my review. Here is the summary/main idea of the book:
“There is a universal energy (thinking stuff) from which all things are made, and which, in its original state, fills the entire universe. When you form a thought in your head, you tap into this energy, andyou actually create what you are thinking about, because thought in this substance produces the thing that is imaged by the thought. Mankind has the ability to create a thought and cause the subject of the thought to be created within this field of this universal energy.
To activate this ability, we must learn toharness our creative mind. Typically, we function with ourcompetitivemind. But to create things with thought, we need to activatethe creative mind. So we need to shift from thecompetitive to the creative mind; otherwise we cannot be in harmony with the Formless Intelligence, as it is always creative and never competitive in spirit.
We can come into harmony this with Universal energy through the act ofexpressing lively and sincere gratitudefor the blessings it bestows upon him. Gratitude unifies our mind with this all encompassing universal energy, the intelligence of substance, so that man's thoughts are received by the Formless. Man can remain upon the creative plane only by uniting himself with the Formless Intelligence through a deep and continuous feeling of gratitude.
To manifest something new, simply hold an imageof what you wish to have, to do or to become, in your mind and express deep and sincere gratitude to the Universe for having granted this to you.
To achieve wealth, apply this same principle -hold a clear vision of the wealth you wish to attain. Then express gratitude that this wealth is coming to you. You must have unwavering faith and devout gratitude.This way, an impression is given to the Formless, and the creative forces set in motion.
To claim this wealth,you must be active.You must do all that you can do each day in a successful manner to make this vision a reality.Especially strive to deliver to others something of value greater than what they paid you for.
The creative energy works through the established channels of natural growth, and of the industrial and social order.All that is included in mental image will surely be brought to the man who follows the instructions given above, and whose faith does not waver.The riches a man receives will be exact proportion to the definiteness of their vision, the fixity of their purpose, the steadiness of their faith, and the depth of his gratitude”.
I leave you here to contemplate on the theme. Don’t forget to read part II of the article.
