Published in 1910, “The Science of Getting Rich” presents a practical philosophical approach to wealth creation based on what Wattles calls “exact science.” The book argues that getting rich is not a matter of environment or talent, but of following specific laws of the universe.
Core Philosophy
The book’s central premise is that there is a “Thinking Stuff” from which all things are made, and by impressing one’s thoughts upon this substance, one can cause the things they think about to be created.
Fundamental Principles
The Right to Be Rich
- Wealth as life fulfillment
- Natural desire for expansion
- Need for complete development
- Responsibility to achieve potential
Thinking in the Certain Way
- Creative thought vs. competitive thought
- Clear mental vision
- Gratitude practice
- Faith and purpose
Acting in the Certain Way
- Efficient action
- Personal initiative
- Going beyond one’s current occupation
- Taking advantage of opportunities
Key Concepts
The Formless Substance
- Universal creative medium
- Responsive to thought
- Permeating all space
- Original source of wealth
Competitive vs. Creative Mind
- Creative thinking creates
- Competitive thinking limits
- Abundance mentality
- Gratitude importance
The Scientific Method
Three-Part Process
- Clear Vision
- Specific desires
- Detailed goals
- Written purpose
- Mental picture
- Grateful Faith
- Unwavering belief
- Constant gratitude
- Present tense thinking
- Emotional alignment
- Purposeful Action
- Efficient activity
- Daily progress
- Maximum personal effort
- Use of present opportunities
Practical Applications
Daily Practices
- Visualization
- Clear mental pictures
- Emotional engagement
- Regular practice
- Detail focus
- Gratitude
- Daily appreciation
- Present focus
- Abundance recognition
- Faith cultivation
- Action Steps
- Daily progress
- Efficiency increase
- Opportunity recognition
- Personal initiative
Key Laws
Law of Increase
- Gratitude connection
- Growth principle
- Expansion tendency
- Multiplication effect
Law of Attraction
- Like attracts like
- Thought manifestation
- Mental causation
- Reality creation
Success Formula
Essential Elements
- Clear vision of desire
- Unwavering faith
- Daily gratitude
- Efficient action
- Personal initiative
- Present focus
Implementation Steps
- Set clear goals
- Maintain positive vision
- Practice gratitude
- Take daily action
- Increase efficiency
- Recognize opportunities
Modern Relevance
Contemporary Applications
- Entrepreneurship
- Investment strategy
- Career development
- Business growth
- Personal finance
Current Context
- Digital economy
- Global markets
- Online opportunities
- Remote work
- Information age
Practical Guidelines
Do’s
- Think in certain way
- Act in certain way
- Maintain gratitude
- Take initiative
- Focus on growth
Don’ts
- Compete with others
- Worry about how
- Focus on problems
- Doubt success
- Procrastinate
Implementation Strategy
Daily Routine
- Morning visualization
- Gratitude practice
- Efficient action
- Progress review
- Opportunity seeking
Success Habits
- Positive thinking
- Clear planning
- Regular action
- Gratitude expression
- Faith maintenance
Historical Context
Written during:
- Industrial Revolution
- New Thought movement
- Economic expansion
- Social change
- Philosophical evolution
Legacy and Impact
Influence On
- Self-help movement
- Success literature
- Law of Attraction
- Prosperity teachings
- Personal development
Modern Interpretation
- Goal achievement
- Wealth creation
- Business success
- Personal growth
- Financial freedom
Critical Analysis
Strengths
- Practical approach
- Clear methodology
- Universal principles
- Action orientation
- Positive philosophy
Considerations
Modern application
Historical context
Implementation challenges
Individual adaptation
Cultural differences