The History of the Law of Attraction
Although many people are first discovering the Law of Attraction either on-line or through YouTube, the fact is that it has been known about for a very long time.
Though many write about, preach about, and make videos about it in today’s time, they’re really just keeping it alive. Thank goodness there are people today still talking about the Law of Attraction, so that we can all continue to benefit from it! Hopefully future generations will keep it alive as well.
The Law of Attraction has helped and can help all of us manifest what we want, feel happier, and become the best versions of ourselves. However, knowing the history of it makes one realize how powerful it truly is and how long it has been around.
Here’s a history of the Law of Attraction to the best of my research.
Prentice Mulford, an author, and pioneer in the New Thought movement used the Law of Attraction in a general sense covering all aspects of life.
Most of the universal laws of attraction were laid down by him. After Mulford, came other New Thought authors such as Henry Wood and Ralph Waldo Trine. Through their books, the doctrine reached the masses and started gaining fans. The 20th century witnessed a slew of authors propounding the concept. This includes the best-selling books of all time – Think and Grow Rich (1937) by Napoleon Hill, The Power of Positive Thinking (1952) by Norman Vincent Peale, and You Can Heal Your Life (1984) by Louise Hay. Abraham-Hicks (Esther and Jerry Hicks) has authored numerous books on the topic. The Secret (2006), the movie by Rhonda Byrne, renewed the interest in the concept. The film was followed by a book of the same name the next year.
William Walker Atkinson
William Walker Atkinson is the person who introduced the Law of Attraction in modern times. He published his book in the year 1907 His book was well-received by the audience. He published “Thinking Vibration or the Law of Attraction in the Thought World”. This was a book that introduced us to new ways of thinking. Thank you Willaim!
Wallace Delois Wattles
Wallace Delois Wattles was a New Thought philosopher who claimed to have discovered the truth about the Law of Attraction. He authored a series of books that explained how to apply this natural law to your life. His books often had title phrases that described the content of each chapter. His daughter, Florence, said her father lived every word he wrote. According to her, Wattles formulated a mental picture of himself as an accomplished writer and personality who achieved greatness in life.
While the theory behind the law of attraction is controversial, many claim it is not real. The real inventor of this method is a 19th-century American author who studied many different philosophies and religions around the world. He wrote a book entitled The Science of Getting Rich, in which he detailed his ideas on how to attract money and create an abundant life. His book is still widely cited and still remains in print.
Wattles’ principles on how to create wealth began in a book published in 1910. In it, he stressed the power of positive thinking. He explained that the way we think and feel about money and success is a powerful force in the universe. In fact, he claimed that there were laws of acquiring wealth, and if we followed these laws, we would become rich with certainty.
The concept of the Law of Attraction grew more popular during the mid-twentieth century.
Helena Blavatsky
The law of attraction is a simple philosophy of attracting what you want. It works as long as you apply it. Helena Blavatsky, the founder of Spiritualism, was the first to introduce it. Helena was born in Russia to upper-class parents, but she went on to marry a forty-year-old military officer, General Nicephore Blavatsky, when she was only 17. She subsequently ran away from home during her honeymoon and ended up living with her grandfather. In 1861, Helena had a child. By the time she was 20, three male would-be lovers moved in with her.
In the early 1870s, Blavatsky became involved in the Spiritualist movement. She argued against the mainstream belief that the entities she contacted were spirits of the dead. Her subsequent move to the United States brought her to the attention of the public. She later claimed that she was a genuine spirit medium, but was also accused of fraud.
Helena Blavatsky invented the concept of the law of attraction. This spiritual philosophy originated in the 19th century, and it is based on ancient practices and teachings. Buddhism is one of the many traditions that have been influenced by the law of attraction. Helena Blavatsky, who wrote “The Secret Doctrine” in the 19th century, is considered the founder of the law of attraction.
While Blavatsky first introduced the concept of the law of attraction in her book Isis Unveiled, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that it gained mainstream popularity.
In addition to claiming that she invented the law of attraction, Blavatsky also popularized a form of perennial philosophy that is rooted in all great religions and occult traditions. Blavatsky was very well-read in the esoteric traditions of the world. She espoused ideas about Atlantis, Lemuria, the Secret Doctrine, the Lords of the Flame, and the secrets of Hermitic Philosophy.
Napoleon Hill
Napoleon Hill’s official story does not reflect the truth. According to some accounts, Hill’s college was a fraud. He had to spend 20 years in order to learn the secrets of successful business. During that time, Hill met the likes of Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell.
In an ellipse, Hill referred to the past, present and future, but it could also be a contest for a textbook. He was a man who straddled the line between fraud and marketing technique. His biographers attribute the failure of Mental Dynamite to America’s involvement in World War II. In fact, it wasn’t much of a success. As Hill’s career waned, he married and had a small estate. But he didn’t give up, and he continued to claim Gandhi had ordered his book.
Napoleon Hill’s life was filled with difficulties. He suffered from depression and had an ill temper. In July of 1890, his wife, Vera Hill, and children moved into their estate. He was bored with his life in the countryside and craved the thrills and excitement of the big city. He was determined to find a way to get rid of his problems with success. But his newfound happiness was tempered by the difficulties in his marriage.
Napoleon Hill’s early work was heavily influenced by the New Thought movement, which lasted from the late 19th century into the early 20th century. In fact, nearly all of Hill’s ideas were born out of this movement. His biographers believe he banked on his association with powerful businessmen in order to get his book published.
Rhonda Bryne
Rhonda Bryne is brought the Law of Attraction to the masses. Her books have proven to be extremely effective in helping people achieve their dreams. Her books include: The Secret, The Magic, The Power, The Hero, and The Greatest Secret. The Secret is the first book in the series, and it lays out the fundamentals of the Law of Attraction. All of these books have different goals, but they have similar lessons.
The law of attraction works whether you believe in it or not. Byrne says that you have to increase the amount of time you spend feeling good. A higher feeling creates a higher vibration and attracts more good things into your life. In order to make this law work in your life, you must be consistent in your thoughts and feelings.
Although there is no scientific evidence to support the theory, there are several anecdotal stories that support it. For example, in her book, Rhonda Bryne talks about a woman who left a violent relationship. The woman never spoke negatively about her former husband, but only spoke positively about her new husband. This strategy helped her find a new husband quickly, and she now lives a happy life in sunny Spain.
The secret of the law of attraction is one that is highly popular in New Age circles. The books Think and Grow Rich and The Secret by Rhonda Bryne have made it a popular topic. The technique involves visualizing your goal and believing it is already yours. It is important to remember, though, that this process is not about acting consciously, but thinking about what you want.
Esther Hicks
In the 1980s, Esther and Jerry Hicks emerged as prominent New Thought authors. They claimed to channel messages from non-physical beings. Their nine books, collectively called The Teachings Of Abraham, explain the Law of Attraction and impart wisdom about manifesting.
Esther Hicks is also an inspirational speaker and author. She co-authored eight books with her husband, Jerry Hicks. Together, they have presented Law of Attraction workshops for Abraham-Hicks Publications in up to 60 cities per year since 1987.
Hay House, Inc. published the Hicks’ best-selling book, Ask and It is Given, in 2004. Since then, they have also published four more New York Times Best-sellers:
- Money, and The Law of Attraction (made #1 on New York Times Best Sellers List)
- The Law of Attraction
- The Astonishing Power of Emotions
- The Amazing Power of Deliberate Intent
The above gives us some idea of the history of the Law of Attraction. Though it is believed it is talked about the the Bible and also in Roman Times.
Whatever the case may be, the most important thing now is that we all do our best to understand it so that we can attract what we want, feel happier, and enjoy each day as much as possible.
Law of Attraction Coaching
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