Summary
Summary of The Science of Getting Rich
Key ideas
Key idea 1
Wealth begins with a method
Wattles writes for ordinary people who feel trapped by poverty or worry. His starting claim is that getting rich follows fixed laws, much as arithmetic does, and that people can follow those laws whatever their circumstances. This belief comes from New Thought, which teaches that the mind shapes a person's life.
His method brings together mental habits and practical conduct. Wanting wealth, picturing it clearly, giving thanks, working well and giving value to others all belong to the same approach.
Key idea 2
Wanting a fuller life is right
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Key idea 3
Method matters more than effort
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Key idea 4
Abundance replaces the fear of scarcity
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Key idea 5
Hold a clear picture with gratitude
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Key idea 6
Act where you are today
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Key idea 7
Create value rather than take it
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Key idea 8
Join clear intention with useful work
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The rest of the summary, written and spoken, and the whole book: free to start.
Read the rest freeWho it’s for
For readers who want an upbeat push toward their goals and enjoy exploring the roots of modern positive thinking, gratitude and purposeful daily action.
What this book is
The Science of Getting Rich is a small manual on money, first published in 1910 by Wallace D. Wattles, an American writer who died in 1911. Wattles wrote for ordinary people who felt stuck in poverty or worry. He wanted to give them a plain method, set out in short chapters, that they could try at once. The book belongs to the New Thought movement, which taught that the mind shapes a person's life.
His claim is bold. He says getting rich follows fixed laws, like arithmetic, and that anyone who follows them will succeed, whatever their present circumstances. In about fifteen minutes you will hear his main steps. They cover the right to be rich, the way he thinks wealth is made, the use of a clear picture and of gratitude, the work of daily action, and the rule of giving more than you take. We begin with the claim that underlies all the rest, that wanting wealth is natural and good.
In this summary
- 1Wanting to be rich is natural and rightFree
- 2Getting rich follows exact laws
- 3Opportunity is open and supply is endless
- 4Form a clear picture and give thanks
- 5Act now and do each task well
- 6Give more than you take, and cautions
Key point 1 of 6
Wanting to be rich is natural and right
Wattles opens by attacking an old belief, that poverty is noble and that wishing for wealth is greedy. He argues the opposite. Every person, he says, wants to live fully, and a full life needs food, shelter, books, travel, beauty and time. Money buys these things, so wanting money is simply wanting a better life.
He goes further and says a person cannot do their best in body, mind or spirit without the means to do so. A poor person who cannot pay for rest, learning or comfort is held back from growth. For Wattles, to get rich is therefore not a selfish act. It is a step toward becoming more than you are now.
He is careful to say that he does not praise the person who grabs for money to feel superior. He separates the desire for wealth from the wish to dominate others. What he defends is the wish to live more richly and to use money for that end.
This first idea matters because everything else depends on it. If you feel guilty about wanting more, Wattles says, you will work against yourself. So he asks you to settle the question of whether you may be rich before you ask how. His answer is yes.
That’s 1 of 6 key points.
The rest of the summary, written and spoken, and the whole book: free to start.
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Check yourself
Why does Wattles defend the desire for wealth?
Right. “Money buys these things, so wanting money is simply wanting a better life.”Not quite. “Money buys these things, so wanting money is simply wanting a better life.”
What does Wattles say must accompany a clear picture of wealth?
Right. “You must act, and you must act in the present, in the place where you stand, with the means you now have.”Not quite. “You must act, and you must act in the present, in the place where you stand, with the means you now have.”
What distinguishes the creative way from the competitive way?
Right. “On the creative plane, people make new wealth and grow with those they serve.”Not quite. “On the creative plane, people make new wealth and grow with those they serve.”
Questions about The Science of Getting Rich
What is The Science of Getting Rich about?
It is a short manual claiming that wealth comes from acting in a certain way. Wattles teaches a clear mental picture, faith, gratitude, daily efficient action and giving more value than you take.
When was The Science of Getting Rich written?
Wallace Wattles published it in 1910, one year before he died. It grew out of the New Thought movement, which taught that thought shapes a person's life and circumstances.
What does the certain way mean in the book?
You think and act in line with a clear picture of what you want, with faith, thanks and steady daily work, while serving others well.
Is The Science of Getting Rich hard to read?
No. Wattles wrote for ordinary people and set out a plain method in short chapters. The book gives steps you can try at once, such as picturing what you want and doing today's task well.
Is The Science of Getting Rich worth reading?
It is worth reading for its brief, energetic case for a positive mindset and for its influence on later self-help. It is not a guide to investing or to practical business planning.
