The Science of Getting Rich

Wallace D. Wattles

About the Author

Wallace D. Wattles (1860–1911) was an American New Thought writer whose work laid the foundation for many modern teachings on personal development and success. Despite living in relative obscurity during his lifetime, Wattles left a lasting legacy through a small but powerful collection of books. He emphasized that success is not a matter of luck or talent. Instead, people can achieve success by applying specific, universal laws of thought and action to their lives.

About the Book

"The Science of Getting Rich" is a no-nonsense, principle-driven guide to acquiring wealth by aligning thoughts and actions with universal law. The book posits that getting rich is a science, one as certain and repeatable as mathematics, when you think and act in a "Certain Way." The book's primary focus is that you can live a life of creative expression and abundance by becoming the best version of yourself.

Summary

Wattles's book blends pragmatic, practical habits to create a repeatable "science" of success. Notable ideas include:

  • Getting Rich Is a Law-Governed Process: Wealth creation comes through a defined method of thinking and acting. You don't need to compete or manipulate. You just need to follow the "Certain Way" that aligns with universal law.
  • Thought Is the First Step Toward Wealth: The foundation of riches begins with a clear vision and unwavering belief. What you consistently think about, especially in terms of faith and purpose, shapes your reality.
  • Action Must Be Purposeful and Efficient: Thinking alone is not enough. You must take inspired action every day, efficiently and with intention, doing all that you can in your present situation.
  • It's Creative, Not Competitive: Wattles draws a sharp distinction between competing for existing wealth and creating new wealth through imagination and faith. True riches come from operating on the creative plane: thinking in harmony with abundance, not scarcity.
  • Gratitude as a Magnetic Force: A central practice in the book is maintaining a constant state of gratitude. Gratitude can keep your mind connected to its source of supply and attract more good by reinforcing faith and positive expectancy.
  • The Power of the "Certain Way" of Thinking: Thinking in the author's "Certain Way" means focusing on what you desire, not on lack, fear, or limitations. Holding that mental image with faith and purpose is what impresses your desire upon the "formless substance," which is the creative energy of the universe.
  • Advancing Everyone You Touch: Ethical success means your prosperity should never come at the expense of others. Every transaction or relationship should create mutual benefit and leave others better off. This aligns you with the universe's creative, expansive nature.
  • Acting in the Present Moment: The only time you can act is now. Don't wait for better conditions. Do what you can today, where you are, with full faith that your vision will unfold as you persist.
  • Faith Over Doubt and Fear: Doubt and fear disconnect you from the creative current. Maintaining faith, confidence, and an unshakable belief in abundance keeps you in alignment with the laws of wealth creation.
  • The Moral Right to Be Rich: Wattles argues that it is not only acceptable but right to desire wealth. Riches allow you to express yourself fully, help others, and contribute to the expansion of life, which is the ultimate purpose of existence.

Frequently Asked Questions

+What is the book about?

"The Science of Getting Rich" presents a structured approach to wealth creation, grounded in the power of thought, faith, and action. It reveals how anyone, regardless of background, can use the laws of abundance to attract prosperity.

+How long is the book?

The book is typically 80 to 100 pages long. It can be read in a single sitting, but its concepts invite repeated study and application.

+Does the book have famous quotes?

"There is a thinking stuff from which all things are made."

+When was the book written?

Part of a trilogy, this work was originally published in 1910 as part of the New Thought movement, along with "The Science of Being Well" and "The Science of Being Great." More than a century later, it remains one of the most widely read books on success and prosperity.

+Are there different versions of the book?

You can find this book in print, eBook, audiobook, annotated editions, and simplified versions. Some editions include modern commentary or study guides to help readers apply the principles.

+What category does this book fall under?

Access this online book resource about business on the Secrets of Success portal. This book is great for anyone seeking a simple, powerful framework for building wealth from the inside out.

+Where can I get the book?

You can gain access to "The Science of Getting Rich" and other timeless success classics like it with your membership in the Secrets of Success Library. Join today to unlock exclusive access to personal growth resources, mindset training, and wealth-building wisdom.

+What are similar books I can read?

"The Master Key System" by Charles F. Haanel: This book expands on the power of thought and visualization with a weekly structure that complements Wattles's teachings.

"Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill: A landmark work on wealth and achievement that builds upon Wattles's "Certain Way" with a broader set of success principles and mindset habits.

"Thought Vibration: The Law of Attraction in the Thought World" by William Walker Atkinson: Bolsters the concept that thoughts shape results, offering another foundational view of manifestation and mental mastery.

"Self-Mastery Through Conscious Autosuggestion" by Émile Coué: Perfect if you want to strengthen belief and create alignment between your subconscious and your wealth goals through repetition and inner dialogue.

"Power Through Constructive Thinking" by Emmet Fox: Delivers a practical spiritual approach to reshaping your inner world for prosperity, clarity, and personal transformation.

+Does the book have ratings or reviews?

Click here to read reviews of this book.

Other Books by Wallace D. Wattles:

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"The very best thing you can do for the whole world is to make the most of yourself."

Wallace D. Wattles

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Reader Reviews
This is an excellent book! I have bought several copies to give to all my friends, and I hope they learn it by heart. Here is what I recommend to make the most of it: Beware of the prejudices you have accumulated throughout your life and your culture. For instance, the title of this book would have thrown me off, because I feared it would contradict my core beliefs as a Christian. It did not. In fact, it not only reinforced them but also made certain things even clearer. Whether this or another preconceived idea you have, replace the words used by the author with words that are more welcoming to you and the times we are living. Perhaps instead of “rich”, choose “life”, or instead of “original substance”, choose “God”. Remember this book was written more than 100 years ago. One thing is certain: if you can ignore the references given in the preface and are able to endure some of the uncommon language up to the chapter “How riches come to you”, you will most certainly get pumped from the chapter “Gratitude” onwards. One last thing, the audible version is fantastic and makes it even more convenient to absorb the content more rapidly and more deeply. It is profound, and it is taking me several times to absorb it properly. By the way, even if you are not thinking or wanting to get rich, I believe it will benefit your life. Enjoy!
Marco A S.

This book is the absolute key to life. I've read it and listened to the audiobook 20+ times to fully ingrain the information. I'm still in the process of gaining wealth through Wallace's teachings, but I've used this process to bring other things into my life, and there are many other powerful lessons in here. I've gained a deeper appreciation for the Universe, for nature, for energy, and for the innate mental powers within all of us. I've started practicing daily gratitude, and I am way less stressed and worried about money now.

 

However, it was written in a different style than most of us are used to in the modern era. I took notes, thought about the information, and discussed it with my friends who were also reading it to fully understand what he was saying. But I truly believe that if you can understand and apply this information, you can use it to get whatever you want in life (not just financial wealth) AND contribute to the world at the same time.

Michael K.
This book is short, sweet, and to the point! I’ve read many LOA books, and this one is special! It’s easy to comprehend, and it’s pretty much up to the student to follow its instructions. I’ve manifested money before this book, but this book really touches its purpose. This book helped me drop the mindset of a competitor and helped me understand that even in business, we are creators. I definitely recommend this book to everyone!
Less
Wallace D. Wattles left his mind, heart, and soul in this inspiring book; this is the true science of finding richness not only in wealth but on ones self. Wealth is accompanied by doing things in a Certain Way. Once you read this book, you will want to carry it everywhere you go, you'll love it, and it will become part of you. Its concepts are really clear and inspiring. No matter who you are, where you live, where you come from, or where you are, it doesn't matter; you will become rich by doing things in a Certain Way. I love the morale in Wallace's words, never overpowering anybody, never manipulating the thoughts of others for one's benefit, pure wisdom. Read it, its life changing.
Rafael

I love this book, and I have the audio version of the same. This is one of the books that has had a very big positive impact on my life. I am looking forward to reaping the fruits of internalizing the entire syllabus of the Science of Getting Rich.

 

I listen to this book every day in the car. It is a book worth having. I find the principles taught therein biblical, legally, morally, and ethically sound and acceptable. The link between thought and personal action towards the intended objective on a daily basis is emphasized in clear and easy-to-follow steps.

Elias B.

I LOVED this book! Required reading for every man, woman, and child. As soon as Max is old enough, I'm going to read it to him. Who needs Mother Goose when you've got Wallace Wattles?

 

This book is just full from beginning to end of powerful teachings and divine wisdom. It unabashedly touts the benefits of optimism, belief, faith, hard work, enthusiasm, gratitude, personal magnetism, leadership, progress, and personal increase. Full of wisdom and truth. Profound yet simple. Profoundly simple. It teaches you how getting rich, the creative way, is the best thing you can do to help yourself, help your family, help the poor, help everyone around you, and make the world a much better place.

 

One of the best things about this book is that it's short! No rambling. Just the facts without explanation, elaboration, or apology.

Seth J.
This book does an amazing job of working on your mindset and allowing you to realize that you can accomplish anything it is that you want to accomplish. It also teaches you that when you put your trust and faith in God and show gratitude, the possibilities are limitless. It is not a hype book that is just trying to motivate you. It is a book that teaches you how to believe the correct way and then to take action. I highly recommend not reading it just once, but many times.
Justin W.
This is a down-to-earth, tell-it-like-it-is guide to not only how to get rich, but why one must do so in order to fulfill their purpose. I've read many positive thought books that gave useful information, but never one that explained so well the reasons to be rich - aside from the obvious. Mr. Wattles speaks with clarity and gives step by step instructions on being responsible for one's need to be rich, such that it fulfills the requirements necessary to live fully the life given us by the Creator. For me, particularly, this book really helped put to rest some old, negative connotations associated with having money. I now see why I not only should get about being rich, but that it is my responsibility to accomplish it with great relish. Happy reading!
Brian C.

among many others

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