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How To Get What You Want - 8. HOW TO ATTRACT PROSPERITY - Orison Swett Marden (1917)
Published 2 years, 4 months ago
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How To Get What You Want - 8. HOW TO ATTRACT PROSPERITY - Orison Swett Marden (1917) - HQ Full Book.
In Chapter 8 of How to Get What You Want, Orison Swett Marden explores one of the most timeless and sought-after desires of humankind: prosperity. Writing in his characteristically uplifting and motivational tone, Marden guides readers through the philosophy, mindset, and practical actions necessary to attract material and spiritual abundance. This chapter is not just a call to wealth in the monetary sense, but to a life of fullness, progress, and inner richness. Prosperity, as Marden defines it, is the outward manifestation of an inward state — a natural outcome of harmony between thought, action, and purpose.
The Inner Origin of Prosperity
Marden begins the chapter by dismantling the misconception that prosperity is purely a matter of chance, fate, or privilege. Instead, he insists that prosperity begins in the mind. Our thoughts, he says, are the architects of our reality. Just as seeds planted in fertile soil bloom into robust plants, so too do thoughts rooted in confidence, purpose, and belief grow into success. The author emphasizes that people often unconsciously repel prosperity by harboring thoughts of fear, limitation, and self-doubt. These mental states create a vibrational atmosphere around individuals — an invisible aura — that either attracts opportunities or pushes them away. To Marden, poverty consciousness is a dangerous force. Those who constantly dwell on lack and hardship unwittingly reinforce their circumstances. Conversely, those who cultivate a prosperous mindset — one of hope, creativity, and determination — align themselves with the universal laws of success.
Faith as the Foundation
A cornerstone of Marden’s argument is the power of faith — not merely religious faith, but faith in oneself, in one’s purpose, and in the benevolence of the universe. He asserts that belief is the soil from which all achievement springs. Without belief in the possibility of a better future, no meaningful progress can occur. Faith enables individuals to persist in the face of adversity, to see beyond temporary defeat, and to visualize success before it materializes. “Believe that you were made for success,” Marden urges. He draws on the idea that human beings are co-creators with the divine, endowed with intelligence, imagination, and will. When these faculties are exercised with faith, they unleash an attracting force that draws people, resources, and circumstances into alignment with one’s goals.
The Prosperity Magnet: Attitude and Expectation
Throughout the chapter, Marden discusses the importance of attitude — particularly the attitude of expectancy. People who expect good things to happen are more likely to notice opportunities, to act boldly, and to radiate positivity that influences others. Expectation acts as a magnetic field, summoning the resources and support necessary for success. Marden tells readers to carry themselves as though they are already prosperous. This is not about arrogance or pretending to be something one is not, but rather about living in the spirit of success. He encourages people to dress neatly, walk confidently, speak optimistically, and act with purpose. These behaviors, he claims, create a momentum that draws prosperity into one’s life.
Work: The Channel of Prosperity
While much of Marden’s advice centers on mental attitude, he is equally insistent on the importance of work. Prosperity is not handed down from the heavens; it flows through the channel of dedicated, intelligent, and persistent effort. “Work is the open door to all advancement,” he writes. Idle wishing or vague longing does not bring success; only focused and determined action does. Marden warns against laziness and mediocrity, which he sees as twin enemies of prosperity. He promotes excellence and urges readers to give their best in every
In Chapter 8 of How to Get What You Want, Orison Swett Marden explores one of the most timeless and sought-after desires of humankind: prosperity. Writing in his characteristically uplifting and motivational tone, Marden guides readers through the philosophy, mindset, and practical actions necessary to attract material and spiritual abundance. This chapter is not just a call to wealth in the monetary sense, but to a life of fullness, progress, and inner richness. Prosperity, as Marden defines it, is the outward manifestation of an inward state — a natural outcome of harmony between thought, action, and purpose.
The Inner Origin of Prosperity
Marden begins the chapter by dismantling the misconception that prosperity is purely a matter of chance, fate, or privilege. Instead, he insists that prosperity begins in the mind. Our thoughts, he says, are the architects of our reality. Just as seeds planted in fertile soil bloom into robust plants, so too do thoughts rooted in confidence, purpose, and belief grow into success. The author emphasizes that people often unconsciously repel prosperity by harboring thoughts of fear, limitation, and self-doubt. These mental states create a vibrational atmosphere around individuals — an invisible aura — that either attracts opportunities or pushes them away. To Marden, poverty consciousness is a dangerous force. Those who constantly dwell on lack and hardship unwittingly reinforce their circumstances. Conversely, those who cultivate a prosperous mindset — one of hope, creativity, and determination — align themselves with the universal laws of success.
Faith as the Foundation
A cornerstone of Marden’s argument is the power of faith — not merely religious faith, but faith in oneself, in one’s purpose, and in the benevolence of the universe. He asserts that belief is the soil from which all achievement springs. Without belief in the possibility of a better future, no meaningful progress can occur. Faith enables individuals to persist in the face of adversity, to see beyond temporary defeat, and to visualize success before it materializes. “Believe that you were made for success,” Marden urges. He draws on the idea that human beings are co-creators with the divine, endowed with intelligence, imagination, and will. When these faculties are exercised with faith, they unleash an attracting force that draws people, resources, and circumstances into alignment with one’s goals.
The Prosperity Magnet: Attitude and Expectation
Throughout the chapter, Marden discusses the importance of attitude — particularly the attitude of expectancy. People who expect good things to happen are more likely to notice opportunities, to act boldly, and to radiate positivity that influences others. Expectation acts as a magnetic field, summoning the resources and support necessary for success. Marden tells readers to carry themselves as though they are already prosperous. This is not about arrogance or pretending to be something one is not, but rather about living in the spirit of success. He encourages people to dress neatly, walk confidently, speak optimistically, and act with purpose. These behaviors, he claims, create a momentum that draws prosperity into one’s life.
Work: The Channel of Prosperity
While much of Marden’s advice centers on mental attitude, he is equally insistent on the importance of work. Prosperity is not handed down from the heavens; it flows through the channel of dedicated, intelligent, and persistent effort. “Work is the open door to all advancement,” he writes. Idle wishing or vague longing does not bring success; only focused and determined action does. Marden warns against laziness and mediocrity, which he sees as twin enemies of prosperity. He promotes excellence and urges readers to give their best in every