Key Takeaways
1. Recognize Your Inherent Greatness and Potential
"There is a Principle of Power in every person. By the intelligent use and direction of this principle, man can develop his own mental faculties."
Innate capabilities. Every individual possesses the same essential powers and potential for greatness. This inherent capacity stems from our connection to the intelligent substance that forms the universe. Recognizing this truth is the first step towards unlocking your full potential.
Overcoming limitations. By understanding that greatness is not reserved for a select few, but is accessible to all, you can begin to overcome self-imposed limitations and external constraints. This realization empowers you to take control of your personal development and strive for excellence in all areas of life.
Key aspects of inherent greatness:
- Universal intelligence within all individuals
- Equal potential for greatness across humanity
- Ability to transcend heredity and circumstances
- Power to shape one's destiny through conscious effort
2. Align Your Thoughts with Universal Truth
"You can never become a great man or woman until you have overcome anxiety, worry, and fear."
Mental alignment. Aligning your thoughts with universal truths is crucial for personal growth and achieving greatness. This involves cultivating a mindset that is free from anxiety, worry, and fear, which often stem from misalignment with reality.
Embracing reality. By accepting the world as it is and recognizing the inherent goodness in all things, you can eliminate negative thought patterns that hinder your progress. This shift in perspective allows you to focus on growth and positive action rather than being paralyzed by fear or doubt.
Steps to align thoughts with universal truth:
- Practice mindfulness and self-awareness
- Challenge and reframe negative thoughts
- Seek knowledge and wisdom from various sources
- Cultivate gratitude and appreciation for life's experiences
3. Cultivate a Positive Worldview
"This is a perfectly good world, and there is not a person or thing in it but is exactly right; be sure that you keep this in mind in dealing with things and men."
Optimistic perspective. Developing a positive worldview is essential for achieving greatness. This involves seeing the world as a place of opportunity and growth rather than one of limitations and obstacles.
Embracing imperfection. Recognizing that everything and everyone has a purpose in the grand scheme of things allows you to approach life with greater understanding and compassion. This perspective shift enables you to focus on solutions and progress rather than dwelling on perceived flaws or shortcomings.
Benefits of a positive worldview:
- Increased resilience in the face of challenges
- Enhanced creativity and problem-solving abilities
- Improved relationships and social interactions
- Greater overall life satisfaction and well-being
4. Embrace the Power of Thought in Personal Growth
"You will never do great things in the external world until you think great thoughts in the internal world."
Mental foundation. The power of thought is the cornerstone of personal growth and achievement. Your internal thought processes directly influence your external actions and results.
Cultivating greatness. By consciously directing your thoughts towards greatness, you create a mental blueprint for success. This involves not only positive thinking but also engaging in deep, meaningful contemplation about your goals, values, and the impact you wish to have on the world.
Strategies for harnessing the power of thought:
- Regular meditation and reflection
- Journaling and self-analysis
- Studying the thoughts and ideas of great thinkers
- Practicing visualization techniques
- Engaging in philosophical discussions and debates
5. Serve Others to Achieve True Greatness
"He that will be great among you let him serve."
Selfless service. True greatness is achieved not through domination or self-aggrandizement, but through service to others. This principle emphasizes the importance of using your talents and abilities for the benefit of humanity.
Expanding influence. By focusing on serving others, you naturally expand your sphere of influence and impact. This approach not only contributes to the greater good but also leads to personal fulfillment and growth.
Ways to incorporate service into your life:
- Volunteer for causes you're passionate about
- Mentor others in your field of expertise
- Offer your skills and knowledge freely to those in need
- Practice random acts of kindness daily
- Seek opportunities to uplift and empower others
6. Develop a Strong Personal Identity and Purpose
"You must consciously identify yourself with the Highest."
Self-awareness. Developing a strong personal identity and sense of purpose is crucial for achieving greatness. This involves deep self-reflection and aligning yourself with your highest ideals and values.
Living with intention. By clearly defining who you are and what you stand for, you create a solid foundation for making decisions and taking action in alignment with your true self. This clarity of purpose provides direction and motivation in pursuing your goals.
Steps to develop a strong personal identity:
- Identify your core values and beliefs
- Reflect on your passions and natural talents
- Define your long-term goals and aspirations
- Create a personal mission statement
- Regularly assess and refine your self-concept
7. Practice Conscious Living and Self-Improvement
"The purpose of life for man is growth, just as the purpose of life for trees and plants is growth."
Continuous growth. Embracing the concept of continuous self-improvement is essential for achieving greatness. This involves actively seeking opportunities for learning and development in all aspects of life.
Mindful existence. Practicing conscious living means being fully present and aware in each moment, making deliberate choices that align with your goals and values. This approach allows you to maximize your potential and make the most of every experience.
Strategies for conscious living and self-improvement:
- Set specific, measurable goals for personal growth
- Develop a daily routine that includes learning and reflection
- Seek feedback and constructive criticism
- Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth
- Cultivate a growth mindset and embrace lifelong learning
8. Overcome Limiting Beliefs and Habits
"Habit rules us all."
Breaking barriers. Identifying and overcoming limiting beliefs and habits is crucial for personal growth and achieving greatness. These mental and behavioral patterns often hold us back from realizing our full potential.
Reprogramming the mind. By consciously working to change negative thought patterns and unproductive habits, you can create new neural pathways that support your goals and aspirations. This process requires persistence and self-awareness but is essential for long-term success.
Steps to overcome limiting beliefs and habits:
- Identify self-limiting thoughts and behaviors
- Challenge negative self-talk with evidence-based reasoning
- Replace unproductive habits with positive ones
- Seek support from mentors or coaches
- Celebrate small victories and progress along the way
9. Harness the Power of Visualization and Idealization
"Form a mental picture of yourself as you want to be, and at the greatest height your imagination can picture."
Mental rehearsal. Visualization and idealization are powerful tools for personal growth and achievement. By creating vivid mental images of your desired outcomes, you prime your mind and body for success.
Aligning reality with vision. Regular practice of visualization helps bridge the gap between your current reality and your aspirations. This process not only motivates you but also helps you identify the steps needed to achieve your goals.
Techniques for effective visualization:
- Create a detailed mental image of your ideal self
- Engage all senses in your visualization practice
- Visualize both the end result and the process of achieving it
- Use affirmations to reinforce your mental images
- Practice visualization daily for best results
10. Connect with the Universal Mind for Wisdom
"Man's knowledge is limited, and he falls into error through ignorance; to avoid this he must connect his soul with Universal Spirit."
Tapping infinite wisdom. Connecting with the Universal Mind or Spirit allows you to access a vast reservoir of knowledge and wisdom beyond your individual experience. This connection can provide guidance, inspiration, and insights that lead to personal growth and greatness.
Transcending limitations. By recognizing your connection to the Universal Mind, you can overcome the limitations of your individual perspective and tap into a higher level of understanding. This expanded awareness can lead to more effective decision-making and problem-solving.
Ways to connect with the Universal Mind:
- Practice meditation and mindfulness
- Engage in contemplative prayer or reflection
- Study philosophical and spiritual teachings
- Spend time in nature and observe its interconnectedness
- Cultivate intuition and trust your inner guidance
Last updated:
FAQ
What is "The Science of Being Great" by Wallace D. Wattles about?
- Personal Growth Blueprint: The book presents a practical philosophy for achieving personal greatness by harnessing the "Principle of Power" within every individual.
- Universal Laws Applied: Wattles explains how the same universal laws that govern wealth and health can be used to develop greatness in character, thought, and action.
- Spiritual and Practical Integration: The work blends spiritual concepts—such as unity with God and the creative power of thought—with actionable steps for self-improvement.
- Focus on Thought and Action: Central to the book is the idea that greatness is achieved through right thinking, sincere consecration, and consistent, purposeful action.
Why should I read "The Science of Being Great" by Wallace D. Wattles?
- Empowering Message: The book asserts that anyone, regardless of background or circumstance, can become great by following its principles.
- Holistic Approach: It addresses not just material success, but also mental, moral, and spiritual development.
- Practical Steps: Wattles provides clear, actionable advice and mental exercises to help readers implement the philosophy in daily life.
- Timeless Wisdom: The book’s teachings have influenced generations and remain relevant for those seeking self-mastery and fulfillment.
What are the key takeaways from "The Science of Being Great" by Wallace D. Wattles?
- Greatness Is Universal: Every person has the inherent potential for greatness, regardless of heredity or environment.
- Power of Thought: Greatness begins with thinking great thoughts and forming a clear mental image of the self you wish to become.
- Unity with God: True wisdom and power come from conscious unity with the "All-Mind" or God, which is accessible to all.
- Action and Habit: Consistent, purposeful action—especially in small, everyday matters—combined with the formation of empowering habits, leads to outward greatness.
How does Wallace D. Wattles define "greatness" in "The Science of Being Great"?
- Union with the Divine: Greatness is the manifestation of the union between man and God in the acts of the soul.
- Wisdom in Action: It is the ability to perceive the right thing to do, the will to do it, and the power to carry it out.
- Service, Not Domination: True greatness is characterized by service to others, not by ruling or dominating them.
- Continuous Growth: Greatness involves ongoing personal development and the harmonious unfolding of one’s faculties.
What is the "Principle of Power" in "The Science of Being Great" by Wallace D. Wattles?
- Innate Creative Force: The Principle of Power is the inherent creative force within every person that enables conscious growth and self-development.
- Unlimited Potential: This principle is not limited by heredity or environment; it can be developed and directed by anyone.
- Source of Genius: Genius is described as omniscience flowing into man through this principle, making greatness possible for all.
- Requires Activation: The Principle of Power must be awakened and actively used through right thinking and action.
How does "The Science of Being Great" by Wallace D. Wattles address heredity and environment?
- Not Barriers to Greatness: Wattles argues that neither heredity nor environment can permanently limit a person’s potential for greatness.
- Overcoming Inherited Traits: Undesirable inherited tendencies can be replaced by forming new, positive habits of thought.
- Brain Development: The mind can develop any faculty or talent by directing the Principle of Power to specific areas of the brain.
- Circumstances Align: When a person commits to growth, circumstances and opportunities will arrange themselves to support that growth.
What role does thought play in "The Science of Being Great" by Wallace D. Wattles?
- Foundation of Greatness: Greatness is attained only by thinking great thoughts; no amount of reading or study can substitute for original thought.
- Habitual Thinking: The habitual thoughts you hold about yourself shape your destiny and environment.
- Mental Exercises: Wattles recommends specific mental exercises to help form empowering thought habits and a clear self-image.
- Sincerity and Truth: Sincere, truthful thinking about oneself and others is essential for developing real power and greatness.
What is the process of "consecration" in "The Science of Being Great" by Wallace D. Wattles?
- Obedience to the Soul: Consecration means aligning your actions with the highest within you and obeying the divine impulse toward growth.
- Abandoning Limiting Habits: It involves letting go of outdated beliefs, selfish motives, and negative habits.
- Living by Principle: One must let thoughts be ruled by principle and live up to the best ideals in every area of life.
- Complete Surrender: Wattles suggests surrendering the body to the mind, the mind to the soul, and the soul to God for true greatness.
How does "The Science of Being Great" by Wallace D. Wattles recommend dealing with others and society?
- See Perfection in All: View the world and all people as perfect in their current stage of development, advancing toward completion.
- No Condemnation: Avoid criticism, judgment, or attempts to control others; instead, treat everyone as equals and focus on your own attitude.
- Service Over Domination: Emphasize service to others rather than seeking to rule or outdo them.
- Lead by Example: Influence others not by preaching, but by living a great life and demonstrating the principles in action.
What is the significance of "idealization" and "realization" in "The Science of Being Great" by Wallace D. Wattles?
- Idealization: Form a clear, detailed mental image (thought-form) of the person you wish to become, holding it as a present reality.
- Realization: Begin to act in alignment with your ideal, doing small things in a great way and appropriating the qualities you desire.
- Faith and Consistency: Maintain absolute faith in your vision and act consistently, regardless of external circumstances.
- Manifestation: Through sustained thought and action, your inner ideal will manifest outwardly in your life and environment.
What mental exercises or practices does Wallace D. Wattles suggest in "The Science of Being Great"?
- Daily Mental Exercise: Wattles provides a structured exercise involving relaxation, affirmations for health, peace, and confidence, and visualization of your ideal self.
- Continuous Thought: The goal is to make empowering thoughts habitual, not just repeated during set times.
- Affirm Unity with God: Regularly affirm your unity with the "One Substance" and your identification with the highest.
- Focus on Right Attitude: Use the exercise to maintain the right viewpoint, consecration, and faith in your own power.
What are the best quotes from "The Science of Being Great" by Wallace D. Wattles and what do they mean?
- "No mere reading of books can develop a great personality; nothing can make you great but thought; therefore think, Think, THINK!"
- Emphasizes that greatness comes from original, sustained thinking, not passive consumption of information.
- "There is a Principle of Power in every person."
- Reminds readers that everyone has an innate creative force capable of unlimited growth.
- "He that will be great among you let him serve."
- Highlights the book’s core message that true greatness is found in service, not domination.
- "All is right with the world. Nothing can possibly be wrong but my personal attitude, and I will make that right."
- Encourages adopting a positive, constructive viewpoint, seeing perfection in all and focusing on self-mastery.
- "You are a god among gods."
- Affirms the divinity and potential within every person, urging readers to act accordingly.
Review Summary
The Wisdom of Wallace D. Wattles receives mixed reviews, with ratings ranging from 1 to 5 stars. Many readers find the book inspiring and life-changing, praising its timeless principles on the power of thought and positive thinking. Some appreciate the practical approach to wealth creation and personal development. However, others critique the repetitive writing style, outdated language, and difficulty in comprehension. Several reviewers note the book's influence on modern self-help literature, particularly "The Secret." Overall, readers recommend it for those interested in personal growth and the law of attraction.
Similar Books
About the Author
Other books by Wallace D. Wattles
Download PDF
Download EPUB
.epub digital book format is ideal for reading ebooks on phones, tablets, and e-readers.
