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Infinite Potential

Infinite Potential

The Greatest Works of Neville Goddard
by Neville Goddard 2019 304 pages
4.37
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Key Takeaways

1. Your Imagination is the Architect of Reality

The only God is your own wonderful human imagination.

Imagination as the Divine. Neville emphasizes that the power to create your reality lies within your own imagination. This isn't just wishful thinking; it's the fundamental force that shapes your experiences. The imagination is not separate from God; it is God, the creative principle within you.

Shaping Your World. Your thoughts, feelings, and mental images are the blueprints for your life. By consciously directing your imagination, you can design the world you want to inhabit. This requires taking responsibility for your inner world and recognizing that you are the architect of your own destiny.

Practical Application. To harness this power, visualize your desires as already fulfilled. Immerse yourself in the feeling of having what you want, and let that feeling guide your actions. This isn't about passively waiting; it's about actively aligning your inner world with your desired reality.

2. Consciousness is the One and Only Reality

Consciousness is the resurrecting power—resurrecting that which man is conscious of being.

The Primacy of Consciousness. Neville asserts that consciousness is the foundation of all existence. What you are aware of being, you bring into reality. This means your inner state, your sense of self, is the primary cause, and your external world is merely a reflection of that inner state.

Rejecting External Causes. This perspective challenges the common belief that external factors determine your life. Instead, Neville argues that your consciousness is the ultimate sculptor, shaping your experiences according to your beliefs and assumptions.

Transforming Your World. To change your world, you must first change your consciousness. This involves shifting your attention away from unwanted circumstances and focusing on the state you desire to embody. By becoming conscious of being that which you desire, you initiate the process of transforming your reality.

3. Feeling is the Secret

Feeling is the secret of creation.

The Power of Emotion. Neville emphasizes that feeling, not just thinking, is the key to manifesting your desires. It's not enough to simply visualize what you want; you must also evoke the emotions associated with having it. This emotional intensity is what breathes life into your mental images.

Subjective Appropriation. The process involves mentally separating yourself from the objective world and attaching yourself through the secret of feeling to the subjective state. This is the function of the sixth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, VAU, or the six days of work.

Living in the End. To harness the power of feeling, assume the attitude of mind that would be yours if your desire were already fulfilled. Dwell in that feeling, and let it permeate your being. This isn't about pretending; it's about genuinely embodying the state of having what you want.

4. Desire: God's Voice Within You

Your basic desires are words of promise or prophecies that contain within themselves the plan and power of expression.

Desire as Divine Guidance. Neville views desire not as a selfish impulse, but as the voice of God within you, guiding you toward your true potential. Your desires are not random; they are divinely ordained pathways to self-discovery and fulfillment.

Unconditional Acceptance. He urges you to embrace your desires without judgment or limitation. Do not condition your desire. Just accept it as it comes to you. Give thanks for it to the point that you are grateful for having already received it—then go about your way in peace.

The Law of Assumption. To realize your desires, assume the feeling of the wish fulfilled. This means living and acting as if you already possess what you want. This assumption, when held with unwavering conviction, will eventually manifest in your reality.

5. Faith: The Substance of Things Hoped For

Faith is feeling or living in the consciousness of being the thing desired; faith is the secret of creation.

Faith as Knowledge. Neville equates faith with knowledge, not blind belief. It's about knowing, beyond any doubt, that your desire is already a reality. This knowing comes from experiencing the feeling of the wish fulfilled.

The Mustard Seed Principle. He uses the analogy of the mustard seed to illustrate the power of unwavering conviction. A mustard seed is solely conscious of being a mustard seed. It is not aware of any other seed in the world. It is sealed in the conviction that it is a mustard seed.

Sealing Your Claim. To cultivate faith, immerse yourself in the feeling of being the thing desired. Wear this mood, this feeling that would be yours if you were already that which you desire to be; and in a little while you will be sealed in the belief that you are.

6. The Art of Mental Fishing

If you would catch that which is beyond your present capacity you must launch out into deeper waters.

Beyond Present Limitations. Neville uses the metaphor of fishing to describe the process of manifesting desires that seem beyond your current reach. To catch bigger fish, you must venture into deeper waters, beyond the confines of your present limitations.

Leaving Behind Problems. This involves taking your attention away from your problems and limitations. Turn your back completely upon every problem and limitation that you now possess.

Assuming the Nature of the Thing Desired. In this expanded state of consciousness, it becomes easier to feel yourself to be one with your desires. You become ‘crucified’ upon the feelings of wealth, freedom, and strength. Remain buried in the stillness of these convictions.

7. The Sabbath: Resting in Your Manifestation

The Sabbath is the mental rest which follows the fixed psychological state; it is the result of your six days of work.

The Interval of Rest. Neville introduces the concept of the Sabbath, a period of mental rest that follows the act of consciously impressing your desired state upon your subconscious mind. This interval is crucial for allowing your manifestation to gestate and come to fruition.

Mental Pregnancy. The Sabbath is a period of mental pregnancy; a period which is made for the purpose of incubating the manifestation. It was made for the manifestation; the manifestation was not made for it.

Living From the End. During the Sabbath, assume the attitude of mind that would be yours if your desire were already visibly expressed. This isn't about actively striving; it's about resting in the knowledge that your manifestation is on its way.

8. The Power of Blessing

With the knowledge of your power to bless you can open the doors of any prison—the prison of illness or poverty or of a humdrum existence.

Making Real the Unreal. Neville introduces the concept of "blessing," which involves making the unseen real through the power of your imagination. This is beautifully told in the story of Isaac blessing his second son Jacob in the belief, based solely upon feeling, that he was blessing his first son Esau.

The Blind Father. Isaac, the blind father, is your consciousness; your awareness of being. Esau, the hairy son, is your present objectified world—the rough or sensibly felt; the present moment; the present environment; your present conception of yourself; in short, the world you know by reason of your objective senses. Jacob, the smooth-skinned lad, the second son, is your desire or subjective state; an idea not yet embodied.

The Act of Sensing. With the objective senses tightly shut Isaac made, and you can make, the insensibly felt (the subjective state) seem real or sensibly known; for faith is knowledge.

9. Revision: The Pruning Shears of Your Life

Every revision is a victory over himself and therefore a victory over his enemy.

Correcting the Past. Neville introduces the concept of "revision," a powerful technique for altering your past experiences and, consequently, your present reality. This involves mentally rewriting past events to align with your desired outcomes.

The Art of Forgiveness. The art of living is the art of forgiving. Forgiveness is, in fact, experiencing in imagination the revised version of the day, experiencing in imagination what you wish you had experienced in the flesh.

Changing Your Future. By revising your past, you change your present and future. This is because your past experiences shape your current beliefs and assumptions, which in turn influence your reality.

10. The Promise: The Ultimate Mystical Experience

I had heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees thee.

Beyond Manifestation. Neville emphasizes that the ultimate goal is not simply to manifest desires, but to awaken to your true identity as God. This involves a series of mystical experiences, including the birth from above and the discovery of your son, David.

The Birth From Above. This is a personal mystical experience of the birth of oneself out of one’s own skull, symbolized in that of a child wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying on the floor.

The Resurrection of the Patriarchs. After the birth of the child a vibration similar to the one which preceded his birth started in my head. This time its intensity was centered at the top of my head. Then came a sudden explosion and I found myself in a modestly furnished room. There, leaning against the side of an open door was my son David of Biblical fame.

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FAQ

1. What is Infinite Potential: The Greatest Works of Neville Goddard by Neville Goddard about?

  • Imagination as Creator: The book teaches that reality is self-created through the power of human imagination, which Neville identifies as God.
  • Scripture as Personal Journey: Neville interprets the Bible as a symbolic autobiography of each individual’s spiritual evolution, not as literal history.
  • Practical Spirituality: The work blends mystical philosophy with actionable methods for using mental powers to fulfill desires and realize one’s divine nature.

2. Why should I read Infinite Potential by Neville Goddard?

  • Unique Mystical Insight: Neville offers a distinctive perspective on New Thought metaphysics, connecting imagination directly to creation and paralleling modern quantum ideas.
  • Accessible and Actionable: The book provides clear, practical techniques for changing consciousness and manifesting desires, making spirituality both epic and practical.
  • Enduring Influence: Neville’s teachings have inspired a wide range of people, from spiritual seekers to athletes, and his legacy continues through his lectures and writings.

3. What are the key takeaways from Infinite Potential by Neville Goddard?

  • Consciousness as God: The awareness of being (“I AM”) is the only reality and the creative force behind all experiences.
  • Imagination Shapes Reality: Mental images, emotionalized thoughts, and expectations directly manifest as external events.
  • Inner Change Precedes Outer Change: Transforming your self-concept is the only way to change your world; “there is nothing to change but our concept of self.”
  • Faith and Persistence: Persisting in the assumption of your wish fulfilled, with faith, leads to its realization.

4. How does Neville Goddard explain the Bible in Infinite Potential?

  • Symbolic Psychological Drama: The Bible is seen as a symbolic narrative of consciousness and creation, not literal history.
  • God as Awareness: Biblical references to God and “I AM” are interpreted as one’s own consciousness, not an external deity.
  • Stories as Inner Processes: Events like Noah’s Ark and the crucifixion represent stages of mental creation and transformation within the individual.

5. What is Neville Goddard’s core philosophy in Infinite Potential?

  • Imagination is God: Human imagination is the divine creative power, and all life is an activity of imagining.
  • Faith in Assumption: Persistently assuming the feeling of the wish fulfilled will harden that assumption into fact.
  • Mystical Union: Spiritual awakening is described as a mystical union with the divine, realized through inner transformation.

6. How does Neville Goddard define and use the power of imagination in Infinite Potential?

  • Imagination Creates Reality: All events and conditions are the result of imaginal acts, making imagination both conservative and transformative.
  • Spiritual Sensation: Neville advises giving imaginal scenes sensory vividness—sight, sound, touch—to make them real and effective.
  • Controlled Waking Dream: He teaches to deliberately use imagination in a relaxed state to experience desired outcomes as if they are real.

7. What practical methods does Neville Goddard teach in Infinite Potential for manifesting desires?

  • Assume the Feeling: Enter a relaxed, drowsy state and imagine the wish fulfilled, feeling it as real.
  • Mental Rest (Sabbath): After fixing a psychological state, rest in faith and non-resistance to allow manifestation.
  • Revision Technique: Mentally rewrite past events (“pruning shears of revision”) to change their impact and transform present reality.
  • Persistence and Faith: Maintain belief and gratitude as if the desire is already fulfilled, avoiding doubt and speculation.

8. What is the “pruning shears of revision” method in Infinite Potential by Neville Goddard?

  • Mental Rewriting: Each day, relive and revise events as you wish they had happened, changing negative experiences to positive ones in imagination.
  • Forgiveness Through Imagination: This practice is described as “the art of forgiving,” transforming both emotional and physical states.
  • Practical Self-Change: Revision is a tool for personal transformation, demonstrating that changing your concept of self changes your reality.
  • Healing Example: Neville shares stories of physical healing and emotional release achieved through consistent revision.

9. How does Neville Goddard address doubts and challenges in manifesting desires in Infinite Potential?

  • Faith as Conviction: Faith is likened to a mustard seed—total conviction in the desired state, without doubt.
  • Avoiding Speculation: Neville warns against questioning how manifestation will occur, as this indicates a lack of faith.
  • Thanksgiving Practice: Expressing gratitude as if the desire is already fulfilled strengthens faith and makes manifestation inevitable.

10. How does Neville Goddard interpret suffering and negative experiences in Infinite Potential?

  • Reflection of Consciousness: Suffering and limitations are seen as manifestations of one’s current state of consciousness.
  • Opportunity for Transformation: Negative experiences prompt self-examination and the opportunity to transform one’s inner state.
  • Law of Cause and Effect: There is no external blame; one’s beliefs and consciousness determine life’s conditions.

11. What is the significance of the divine name Jehovah (JOD HE VAU HE) in Infinite Potential by Neville Goddard?

  • Four-Part Creation Process: Each Hebrew letter represents a stage—consciousness, desire, feeling, and manifestation—explaining how reality is created.
  • Mystical Union: The VAU symbolizes the union of conceiver and conception, making the desire real internally before it appears externally.
  • Foundation of Symbolism: Understanding this name unlocks the Bible’s symbolic language and the secret of creation.

12. What are the best quotes from Infinite Potential by Neville Goddard and what do they mean?

  • “The only God is your own wonderful human imagination.” Imagination is the divine creative force within each person.
  • “You shall decree a thing and it shall come to pass.” Assuming the feeling of the desired state activates its manifestation.
  • “There is nothing to change but our concept of self.” Inner transformation is the key to changing life circumstances.
  • “Imagining creates reality.” All external conditions originate from imaginal acts.
  • “Dare to assume you are exactly what you want to be.” Persistent assumption of the desired state leads to its realization.

Review Summary

4.37 out of 5
Average of 294 ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Infinite Potential receives mostly positive reviews, with readers praising its thought-provoking content and inspirational messages. Many appreciate Goddard's unique interpretation of the Bible and his teachings on the power of imagination and consciousness. Some readers find the concepts challenging or at odds with their beliefs. The book is described as well-written but occasionally repetitive. Readers highlight its potential to change perspectives and improve lives, though some struggle with its unconventional ideas. Overall, it's seen as a profound work that requires an open mind to fully appreciate.

Your rating:
4.55
58 ratings

About the Author

Neville Goddard was a prominent writer, speaker, and mystic who gained popularity for his unconventional interpretations of the Bible and William Blake's poetry. He developed and taught various self-help methods based on his belief that the human imagination is omnipotent and, therefore, equivalent to God. Goddard's teachings focused on the power of consciousness and imagination to shape reality and manifest desires. His work blended elements of spirituality, philosophy, and personal development, attracting a wide audience seeking to unlock their potential and transform their lives through the power of thought and belief.

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