The philosophy is great. I like the upbeat attitude. However the book is based on religious faith in the form of applied Christianity (“I can do all things through Christ), therefore all the examples sound made up, and often involve “divine intervention”. The book could have been half the length and just as useful without all the stories. That being said, I still gave it 4 stars because the idea of positive thinking is very powerful. If there was a modern version of this book, with supporting scientific research, I would buy it in a heartbeat.
1 Believe in Yourself
- Self-confidence shapes success: “Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.”
- Your thoughts build your reality: “We build up the feeling of insecurity or security by how we think.”
- Discipline your mind toward confidence: “Think defeat and you are bound to feel defeated. But practice thinking confident thoughts… and you will develop such a strong sense of capacity that regardless of what difficulties arise you will be able to overcome them.”
2 A Peaceful Mind Generates Power
- Renew your thought patterns: “To be happier and healthier they need a renewing of their minds, that is, a change in the pattern of their thoughts.”
- Empty the mind and refill it with peace: “A primary method for gaining a mind full of peace is to practice emptying the mind.”
- Speak peace into being: “Talk peaceful to be peaceful.”
3 How to Have Constant Energy
- Thoughts affect physical energy: “If your mind tells you that you are tired, the body mechanism, the nerves, and the muscles accept the fact.”
- Purpose creates vitality: “The surest way not to become tired is to lose yourself in something in which you have a profound conviction.”
- Energy comes from emotional balance: “Our physical condition is determined very largely by our emotional condition, and our emotional life is profoundly regulated by our thought life.”
4 Try Prayer Power
- Prayer channels inner energy: “Prayer power is a manifestation of energy.”
- Visualize outcomes as prayers: “Print a picture of it on your mind as happening, holding the picture firmly in consciousness.”
- Gratitude builds resilience: “Every night I begin my prayers by listing all the things for which I am grateful, little things that happened during the day which added to the happiness of my day.”
5 How to Create Your Own Happiness
- Happiness is a thought habit: “Happiness is achievable and the process for attaining it is not complicated.”
- Practice cheerful actions: “Even if you are not happy, practice being happy and soon your unconscious will begin to respond.”
- Happiness grows by sharing: “Happiness increases in proportion to the degree it is shared.”
6 Stop Fuming and Fretting
- Release anger and tension: “When tempers are short and the day is long, an effective technique is to stop and say a prayer.”
- Calmness is strength: “The words we use have a profound effect on our nervous system and feelings.”
- Patience restores energy: “Slow down your pace; practice being peaceful and calm.”
7 Expect the Best and Get It
- Positive expectations shape outcomes: “If you expect the best, you are likely to get it.”
- Faith activates results: “Conditions are created by thoughts far more powerfully than by outward circumstances.”
- Optimism becomes self-fulfilling: “Expect the best and spiritually creative mind power is set in motion, which produces the best.”
8 I Don’t Believe in Defeat
- Defeat is often a mental construct: “Stand up to an obstacle, and it will ultimately give way.”
- Persistence transforms difficulties: “Obstacles are simply not permitted to destroy your happiness and well-being.”
- Courage grows through resistance: “Every problem has in it the seeds of its own solution.”
9 How to Break the Worry Habit
- Worry is a misuse of imagination: “Worry is a destructive process of thinking.”
- Faith displaces fear: “The words I have spoken to you bring God’s peace to your mind.”
- Live day by day: “Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.”
10 Power to Solve Personal Problems
- Problems demand creative thinking: “The problem-solving power is released the moment you believe it is there.”
- Prayerful reflection reveals answers: “Put your problem in God’s hands, then trust Him to show you the solution.”
- Every problem carries its own seed of solution: “Believe that for every problem there is a solution.”
11 How to Use Faith in Healing
- Mind and body are deeply connected: “A sound mind and a sound body are interrelated.”
- Faith releases healing forces: “Faith can heal because it releases healing power.”
- Visualizing health fosters recovery: “Picture yourself as whole and well, and your subconscious mind will work toward that end.”
12 When Vitality Sags, Try This Health Formula
- Spiritual health sustains physical health: “The body is designed to be strong and healthy, but it is also designed to respond to the mind.”
- Rest, prayer, and relaxation restore vitality: “The practice of silence, periods of repose, and rest are essential to maintain energy.”
- Faith prevents exhaustion: “Relaxation and faith bring new energy and strength.”