Overview
Wallace D. Wattles presents a New Thought theory of prosperity based on disciplined thinking, gratitude, purposeful action, creativity, and a belief in an abundant underlying reality.
This title is catalogued in Business, Wealth & Strategy. Its reading profile is Short and Accessible, with themes including wealth, belief, action, gratitude, creativity.
One-Page Summary
The Science of Getting Rich presents Wallace D. Wattles’s New Thought philosophy of wealth creation. Wattles argues that becoming prosperous begins with a particular way of thinking: a person should develop a clear mental picture of the life he wants, cultivate gratitude, act in a “certain way,” and approach work as a creative contribution rather than competition or scarcity. Wealth, in his framework, is connected to the idea that the universe contains abundance and that disciplined thought and purposeful action allow an individual to participate in it. The book emphasizes certainty, focus, gratitude, and continuous improvement rather than elaborate financial techniques.
Its claims about universal laws and the power of thought are metaphysical and should not be confused with established economic science. Yet the book remains historically significant because it became one of the influential ancestors of modern motivational and manifestation literature. Wattles’s practical language is designed to move the reader from passive wishing toward action. He repeatedly insists that thought must be accompanied by efficient, productive behavior. The appeal is partly psychological: uncertainty about money can create a sense of helplessness, while a framework centered on purpose and daily action gives the reader a feeling of agency.
The book’s controversial promise is that wealth can be approached almost as a science, governed by repeatable principles. Whether that promise is realistic is separate from why the book matters. It is a classic example of the American New Thought tradition attempting to transform an economic problem into a philosophy of mind, belief, and purposeful action.
Key Themes
Wealth: This title is tagged with wealth as one of its main themes.
Belief: This title is tagged with belief as one of its main themes.
Action: This title is tagged with action as one of its main themes.
Gratitude: This title is tagged with gratitude as one of its main themes.
Creativity: This title is tagged with creativity as one of its main themes.
Prosperity: This title is tagged with prosperity as one of its main themes.