Episodios

  • ATTRACT PROSPERITY - 9. HOW TO MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE - Orison Swett Marden

    ATTRACT PROSPERITY - 9. HOW TO MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE - Orison Swett Marden
    May 22 2025
    PROSPERITY – How to Attract It - Chapter 9. HOW TO MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE - Orison Swett Marden - HQ Full Book.In Chapter 9 of Prosperity – How to Attract It, titled "How to Make Your Dreams Come True", Orison Swett Marden explores the divine power of vision and the life-changing potential hidden within our deepest aspirations. He passionately argues that the heart's longings and the soul's aspirations are not idle fantasies, but prophecies of our potential, blueprints of what we are capable of manifesting if we only dare to believe and act. Dreams as Prophecies of PossibilityMarden opens with the assertion that our dreams are not coincidences or fantasies, but actual indicators of our capabilities. They arise from within us as signals of what we are meant to do. These inner visions, if nurtured, can evolve into our life's grandest achievements. However, this transformation only happens when dreams are backed by determined effort. Dreaming alone is not enough — sustained action and mental discipline are essential. The Power of VisualizationA central theme of the chapter is visualization — the deliberate mental creation of a desired reality. Marden illustrates this with the story of Gordon H. Selfridge, who dreamed of building a successful department store in London. Long before he ever set foot in England, Selfridge had mentally constructed every detail of his enterprise. He visualized bustling aisles and enthusiastic crowds, and he persisted despite skepticism and doubt. His ability to see success before it existed ultimately brought it into being. This story, among many others, reinforces Marden's conviction: great achievers are always dreamers and visualizers first. They don’t wait for ideal conditions to start; they create the conditions by keeping their vision alive and acting persistently upon it. Historic Dreamers Who Changed the WorldMarden connects his philosophy to many icons of history — Columbus, Edison, Cyrus Field, Elias Howe, and Bell — all of whom were driven by visions they held steadfastly, often in the face of poverty, failure, or ridicule. He also recalls figures like Henry Clay, Lillian Nordica, John Wanamaker, and Andrew Carnegie, emphasizing how they envisioned greatness during the most humble beginnings. These individuals not only dreamed vividly but also worked tirelessly to align their outer world with their inner mental images. Marden notes that the power to see beyond current limitations into future possibilities is the defining trait of greatness. The Divine UrgeMarden shifts the tone toward the spiritual, suggesting that the capacity to dream is a divine gift, a whisper from God or universal intelligence urging us to grow, build, and express our highest potential. He warns against dismissing dreams as frivolous or vain. To him, they are sacred callings — “God urges” — meant to guide us to our true purpose. He also distinguishes between idle daydreams and true soul visions. The former are fleeting, but the latter persist, haunting us with intensity and returning again and again until we act. These persistent dreams are signs that we have the talent and the divine backing to make them come true. The Role of Desire and IntensityOne of the major practical lessons in the chapter is the importance of desire. Marden encourages readers to cultivate a burning passion for their dreams. He argues that intensity of desire acts like a magnet, drawing circumstances, people, and opportunities that match our vision. The more vividly we see ourselves succeeding, the more real that image becomes — not just in our minds, but in the world around us. For example, a medical student who consistently visualizes himself as a successful surgeon, works relentlessly, and holds that vision firm will more likely achieve it than someone who simply “hopes” without strong imagery or dedication. See Yourself as the Person You Want to BecomeWhether one is a clerk, an errand boy, or a laborer, Marden encourages visualizing oneself in the position one aspires to. The key is to see yourself as already being the person you want to become, and to live and act in accordance with that vision every day. He calls this mental practice a "ladder to the ideal." Just as a sculptor first envisions the statue within the marble before carving, we must first see ourselves achieving before we begin creating. The inner image, not external circumstances, is what ultimately shapes our destiny. Edison: A Model of Mental and Physical HarmonyTo cement his message, Marden reflects on the life of Thomas Edison, the iconic inventor. As a boy, Edison had little education and worked as a newsboy, yet he carried within him a strong vision of what he could do with electricity. He began experimenting in a baggage car he converted into a laboratory. His unshakable belief and intense focus led to world-changing innovations. Edison is portrayed as the perfect blend of dreamer and doer — ...
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    13 m
  • ATTRACT PROSPERITY - 8. LOOK LIKE A SUCCESS - Orison Swett Marden

    ATTRACT PROSPERITY - 8. LOOK LIKE A SUCCESS - Orison Swett Marden
    May 22 2025
    PROSPERITY – How to Attract It - Chapter 8. LOOK LIKE A SUCCESS - Orison Swett Marden - HQ Full Book.In Chapter 8 of Prosperity – How to Attract It, titled “Look Like a Success,” Orison Swett Marden lays out a compelling case for the profound impact of appearance, attitude, and self-presentation on one’s path to success. This chapter, like much of Marden’s work, is infused with the empowering belief that each individual has the potential to manifest prosperity by cultivating a victorious, confident mindset—and making it visible to the world. Marden begins with a bold and memorable assertion: you have no more right to go about life with a gloomy, discouraged expression than you do to physically harm another person. He compares the emotional impact of a despondent demeanor to spreading mental poison—an infectious negativity that can sap the energy and enthusiasm of others. This vivid metaphor sets the tone for the chapter: personal responsibility begins not only with internal thought but also with outward expression. The author insists that to “look like a success” is not vanity—it’s a critical strategy. When you carry yourself as a conqueror, as someone with purpose, vision, and vitality, you ignite a powerful, subconscious force within yourself—and within others. “Walk, talk, and act as though you were a somebody,” Marden advises, and soon the world will reflect that belief back to you. He argues that this victorious posture signals confidence, energy, and capability, all of which are magnetic and influential in a society where first impressions are powerful and often decisive. To reinforce his message, Marden tells the story of Frank A. Vanderlip, who would become a prominent banker and public servant. As a young man working as a reporter, Vanderlip asked his superior for advice on how to succeed. The answer was simple and life-changing: “Look as if you had already succeeded.” This new awareness prompted Vanderlip to upgrade his appearance and sharpen his presence, catalyzing a transformation in both how he was perceived and how he perceived himself. It was a turning point, demonstrating that people often judge capability and potential based on appearance, demeanor, and self-presentation. Marden highlights how crucial these outer expressions are in influencing how others treat us. Charles W. Eliot, the esteemed former president of Harvard, once noted that a large part of our success depends on what people think of us—even people we’ve never met. Reputation precedes us, shaped by signals we unconsciously send. That reputation can open or close doors. In practical terms, Marden emphasizes aligning appearance with ambition. He cautions that if a person carries the “poorhouse atmosphere”—appearing disheveled, sluggish, or apathetic—they risk being dismissed before anyone gives them a chance to show their inner worth. While exceptions exist, most people, especially employers, take outer signals at face value. This is not just about clothing, but about energy, attitude, and vitality. If you want to be seen as a person going places, your look, tone, and behavior should support that narrative. He writes, “The world takes you at your own valuation. If you assume the victorious attitude toward it, it will give you the right of way.” This encapsulates the chapter’s central message: how you show up in the world determines how the world responds to you. If you look like a winner, act like a winner, and speak like a winner, others will naturally place their trust and confidence in you. Marden also addresses the destructive power of discouragement and defeatist thought. He warns that even brief episodes of pessimism, self-doubt, or despair can undo weeks of positive momentum. Our thoughts and attitudes are creative forces that shape our reality. If they become saturated with failure, lack, or fear, they will manifest those conditions. The opposite is also true: if your mind is focused on victory, strength, and purpose, your external reality begins to mirror that mindset. He urges readers to radiate power—to fill their steps with vitality, their eyes with determination, and their voices with conviction. Even in times of difficulty or loss, he insists that one must maintain a victorious consciousness. The person who walks through life with shoulders back, head high, and an unshakable belief in their mission is already halfway to success. Toward the end of the chapter, Marden touches on the importance of early training in victorious living. He believes that from childhood, individuals should be taught that they are destined for greatness. He compares life’s difficulties to gymnasium exercises—each struggle makes us stronger and better prepared for the next. The sooner a person develops the habit of winning, the more naturally success will come to them. For those who struggle with shyness, fear, or low self-esteem, Marden offers a practical ...
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    14 m
  • ATTRACT PROSPERITY - 7. HOW TO INCREASE YOUR ABILITY - Orison Swett Marden

    ATTRACT PROSPERITY - 7. HOW TO INCREASE YOUR ABILITY - Orison Swett Marden
    May 22 2025
    PROSPERITY – How to Attract It - Chapter 7. HOW TO INCREASE YOUR ABILITY - Orison Swett Marden - HQ Full Book.In Chapter 7 of Prosperity – How to Attract It, Orison Swett Marden delivers a compelling message: our ability is not a fixed asset, but a dynamic force intimately tied to our mental state, attitude, and self-belief. Titled "How to Increase Your Ability," this chapter is both a motivational appeal and a practical blueprint for unlocking personal potential. Marden seeks to destroy the myth of innate limitations, showing instead how prosperity, success, and personal fulfillment are accessible through deliberate mental discipline and emotional mastery. Marden begins by painting a vivid metaphor: our ability is as responsive to internal emotional states as a weather vane is to external winds. Just as mercury rises and falls in response to changes in temperature, so too does human ability expand or contract based on our moods, hopes, fears, and beliefs. This sets the foundation for the entire chapter: that we are not victims of fixed capacity but agents of elastic potential. One of the most powerful and painful human experiences, Marden writes, is to feel the weight of untapped potential—to know deep down that we are capable of more, yet remain confined by choices we made in earlier life, or by fears and doubts we never dared challenge. This unfulfilled potential becomes a “hell on earth,” a living frustration that quietly erodes happiness. But instead of resigning ourselves to mediocrity, Marden calls on readers to shift their mindset. The essence of increasing our ability, he argues, lies in cultivating positive mental and emotional conditions. Faith, enthusiasm, optimism, courage, and joy are “ability enlargers,” which unlock the hidden reserves within us. Conversely, negative attitudes—worry, jealousy, envy, fear, and doubt—function like chains, restricting our ability and diminishing our output. Happiness in one's work, and pride in personal appearance and impression, generate self-respect and confidence, which in turn magnify initiative and performance. A striking illustration offered by Marden is that of a businessman who, after losing an important contract, embarked on a process of introspection. This failure prompted him to examine his weaknesses and revealed that he was using only a fraction of his true potential. Marden emphasizes that such setbacks can be blessings in disguise—opportunities that force us to unearth and activate dormant strengths. A key fallacy Marden confronts is the belief that ability is static or predetermined by genetics or early upbringing. He recounts the story of a young stenographer who resigned herself to mediocrity because she believed she lacked the natural talent for excellence. Marden refutes this defeatist outlook. He asserts that human ability is as variable and expandable as an accordion: it can be contracted by destructive thoughts or stretched to its full extent by creative, empowered thinking. This leads to one of the chapter’s central ideas: the mind is the seat of ability. A negative mental attitude constricts our powers, just as debris would clog a gold mine and make its wealth inaccessible. Our talents are like hidden ore—worthless unless we remove mental obstructions and extract them. Marden implores readers not to waste time wishing for another person’s tools or circumstances, but instead to recognize that the Creator equips each person with precisely the faculties they need to fulfill their unique mission in life. Helen Keller is held up as the ultimate embodiment of this principle. Deaf, blind, and mute from infancy, she nevertheless became a world-renowned figure of inspiration, a powerful example of what determined self-expression can achieve even under the most limiting conditions. Keller's story proves that there are no absolute barriers to greatness—only self-imposed ones. Marden also draws a metaphor from nature: the eagle, designed to soar, cannot rise if tethered to a heavy object. So too, people often remain grounded not because they lack wings, but because they are chained by self-doubt, poor habits, or fear of responsibility. Many waste their early years avoiding discomfort and challenge, only to find later that their neglected abilities have withered from disuse. Bad habits—whether physical, mental, or emotional—drain our energy and sabotage our best efforts. A temperamental flaw, such as jealousy, indecision, or lack of discipline, can quietly but consistently derail a person’s progress. Marden argues that all forms of mental disharmony reduce our personal power. Therefore, if one seeks to increase ability, they must eliminate these “power destroyers” with as much seriousness as avoiding poison. One of the chapter’s most empowering ideas is that responsibility is a great developer of ability. Marden shares how promotion or challenge often reveals hidden strengths. A young ...
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    14 m
  • ATTRACT PROSPERITY - 6. IF YOU CAN FINANCE YOURSELF - Orison Swett Marden

    ATTRACT PROSPERITY - 6. IF YOU CAN FINANCE YOURSELF - Orison Swett Marden
    May 21 2025
    PROSPERITY – How to Attract It - Chapter 6. IF YOU CAN FINANCE YOURSELF - Orison Swett Marden - HQ Full Book.In Prosperity – How to Attract It, Chapter 6 titled “If You Can Finance Yourself” is a compelling and practical lesson on the foundational importance of financial independence. Orison Swett Marden delivers a timeless message on the value of wise money management, underscoring that prosperity is not only about earning but about knowing how to wisely steward and protect what one earns. The chapter begins with a warning wrapped in powerful maxims: “Beware of little extravagances. A small leak will sink a big ship,” and “Debt is like any other trap, easy enough to get into, but hard enough to get out.” Marden establishes early that financial carelessness, even in minor forms, can have devastating long-term consequences.One of the central themes is that many people end up struggling—not because they lack talent, ambition, or opportunity—but because they never learned how to manage money. Marden boldly states that a person who cannot finance themselves is a liability: to their employer, their family, and to society at large. He stresses that being able to earn is only one side of the coin; the other side is knowing how to spend wisely, save diligently, and invest intelligently. He laments how countless individuals reach midlife or old age without financial independence, despite having worked hard for decades. The reason? They never developed the "money sense." Marden argues that this sense, if not inherited, must be consciously cultivated. He advocates for early financial education, emphasizing that every child should be taught the value of money, the practice of saving, and the discipline of delayed gratification. Using anecdotal evidence and timeless wisdom, Marden illustrates how money can easily slip through the fingers of those who do not respect its power. He likens money to a greased pig—elusive and slippery unless handled with skill. Most people, he observes, are better at making money than holding on to it. There is always someone ready to part you from your cash, and without financial literacy, you become an easy target. One vivid example Marden shares is of a businessman who constantly finds himself in financial trouble—not due to lack of ability, but because he cannot resist tying up his money in questionable ventures. This man’s desire to keep his money “working” makes him vulnerable to bad investments, leaving him with no liquidity when real opportunities arise. Through this cautionary tale, Marden highlights a critical principle: having money is not enough; having accessible money matters even more. The author strongly warns against the temptation of high-risk, high-reward ventures. He identifies the “gambling instinct” as a major reason why many people remain in poverty. The desire to get rich quickly, to make something out of nothing, often results in loss, discouragement, and even financial ruin. According to Marden, the most reliable path to financial success is slow, steady, and disciplined. Investing in solid, stable opportunities rather than speculative risks is the key. Another essential practice that Marden promotes is keeping a personal cash account. This simple but powerful habit, he says, is one of the best ways to develop discipline and awareness about spending. It creates accountability and builds a foundation for long-term financial health. Once formed early in life, this habit becomes a lifelong ally. Throughout the chapter, Marden strikes a balance between thrift and generosity. He does not promote stinginess or hoarding, but rather thoughtful and purposeful management of resources. Prosperity, in his view, is not about accumulating wealth at any cost; it is about financial self-reliance, dignity, and the ability to seize life’s opportunities without being shackled by debt or desperation. Debt, particularly in youth, is portrayed as one of the most dangerous traps. Marden urges young people to avoid debt as they would a contagious disease. He explains how debt robs people of their enthusiasm, freedom, and peace of mind. It creates a sense of bondage that stifles ambition and limits future prospects. He shares real-life examples of promising young men who mortgaged their futures by taking on unnecessary debt—often for status symbols like automobiles—and spent years trying to recover from that single poor decision. The chapter builds toward a powerful and poetic conclusion with the metaphor of “A Little Ready Cash.” In this final section, Marden personifies a small savings fund as a trusted friend, a buffer against life’s hardships, and a silent enabler of dreams. This ready cash, he says, can do more for you in times of need than even your closest loved ones. It provides security, confidence, and the freedom to act. It gives people the ability to take advantage of opportunities, to survive emergencies, and to ...
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    11 m
  • ATTRACT PROSPERITY - 5. WHERE PROSPERITY BEGINS - Orison Swett Marden

    ATTRACT PROSPERITY - 5. WHERE PROSPERITY BEGINS - Orison Swett Marden
    May 21 2025
    PROSPERITY – How to Attract It - Chapter 5. WHERE PROSPERITY BEGINS - Orison Swett Marden - HQ Full Book.In Chapter 5 of Prosperity – How to Attract It, titled “Where Prosperity Begins,” Orison Swett Marden unveils a profound and compelling truth: all prosperity, abundance, success, and happiness begin in the unseen world—within the mind and spirit of man. This chapter lays a powerful philosophical and metaphysical foundation for understanding how thoughts, when charged with intensity, belief, and effort, become the building blocks of material reality. Marden begins by emphasizing that what we visualize with persistence and passion—supported by intelligent action—inevitably takes form in our external lives. Just as a seed, when nurtured, sprouts into a plant, our thoughts are seeds planted into the unseen substance of the universe. This invisible realm, teeming with infinite potential, is more real and enduring than the fleeting material world. Here, in this field of boundless possibilities, our ambitions, desires, and aspirations await activation through thought. He draws a vivid parallel between prosperity and sunlight. Just as sunlight is universally available but can be blocked by our own choices—like retreating into a dark cellar—prosperity is always present, ready to manifest, but we often cut ourselves off through ignorance, fear, or wrong thinking. There is no actual lack in the universe; the apparent lack in individual lives stems from a misalignment with the universal laws of creation. To reinforce the reality of the unseen, Marden cites Sir Oliver Lodge, who noted that our senses are unreliable as arbiters of truth. The most powerful forces in existence—gravity, electricity, magnetism—are invisible. We cannot see or touch them, but we know they exist because we see their effects. Likewise, the creative energy that builds prosperity and success works silently, invisibly, through the operation of thought. The central message is unmistakable: every invention, every great work of art, every success story, began as a vision in someone’s mind. All the luxuries and advancements of modern life were once intangible ideas, energized into reality by belief and effort. We are reminded that man is not a creature of fate but a creator of destiny—fashioning his reality from the unseen energy of the universe, through the tool of focused thought. Marden challenges readers to go beyond present appearances and to train the mind to visualize future realities with clarity and conviction. This ability to visualize—to mentally "see" oneself in possession of health, wealth, and success—is not mere fantasy; it is the very mechanism by which those realities come into being. When thought is harmonized with divine principles and universal laws, it becomes creative, generative, and transformative. The author also confronts one of the biggest barriers to prosperity: the tendency of people to believe only in what they can physically observe. But, as he notes, the real man is not the physical body, but the invisible, spiritual self—the soul that is made in the image and likeness of God. The true source of power lies not in the outer world but in the inner consciousness of man, where he is one with the Divine Mind. Marden urges a radical shift in perspective—from measuring life by the changing, unreliable conditions of the material world to recognizing the unchanging truth of our divine nature and partnership with God. This inner connection, this oneness with the Source, is the birthplace of all prosperity. It is within this inner kingdom that ideas form, energy gathers, and success begins to take shape. One of the most empowering concepts presented is the non-selective nature of universal law. Just as sunlight and rain fall on all alike, the creative power of thought is accessible to every human being—regardless of station or circumstance. There is no special favor or prejudice in the workings of the unseen; each of us has access to the same infinite source. The difference lies in how we use our thoughts. He emphasizes that we are constantly creating through thought, whether we are aware of it or not. Each thought is a seed that produces after its kind. Thoughts of lack, fear, and failure result in a harvest of limitation and suffering. Thoughts of abundance, confidence, and success yield a life of prosperity and fulfillment. There is no escaping this law of sowing and reaping in the mental realm. The outcomes in our lives are mirrors of our dominant thoughts.For those who are struggling with poverty, illness, or failure, Marden does not offer pity but a solution: align your thinking with truth, with harmony, with the abundant nature of the universe. Recognize that your current condition is not a punishment or fate but a reflection of inner discord. When we begin to think in harmony with divine principles, our outer world reshapes to reflect our inner change. In one ...
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    18 m
  • ATTRACT PROSPERITY - 4. ESTABLISHING THE CREATIVE CONSCIOUSNESS - Orison Swett Marden

    ATTRACT PROSPERITY - 4. ESTABLISHING THE CREATIVE CONSCIOUSNESS - Orison Swett Marden
    May 21 2025
    PROSPERITY – How to Attract It - Chapter 4. ESTABLISHING THE CREATIVE CONSCIOUSNESS - Orison Swett Marden - HQ Full Book.In Chapter 4 of Prosperity – How to Attract It, titled “Establishing the Creative Consciousness,” Orison Swett Marden lays out a compelling argument that the foundation of all achievement begins not in action, resources, or effort—but in consciousness. He asserts that within every individual lies an immense reservoir of power and possibility. However, until we become fully conscious of these inner resources, they remain dormant, unused, and unrealized. Marden opens the chapter by emphasizing that awareness is the gateway to creation. Just as we cannot use a tool we're unaware we possess, we cannot access our infinite inner potential unless we recognize it. He powerfully states: “The consciousness of power creates power,” meaning that once we perceive ourselves as capable, we begin to manifest capability in the physical world. Whatever we vividly and persistently hold in our minds, we start to attract and create. The author then challenges one of the most common mindsets among those who feel stuck or unsuccessful: the consciousness of lack. He draws attention to the biblical lament of Job, “The thing which I feared is come upon me,” reframing it as a powerful psychological truth: “The thing which I was greatly conscious of is come upon me.” In other words, whether we dwell on fear, lack, failure—or abundance, victory, and success—what we consistently hold in our consciousness will shape our outer reality. Marden argues that failure is rarely due to a lack of talent or opportunity, but rather, a result of failing to hold the correct mental image. The individual who is perpetually afraid of failure is, in effect, planting the seed of failure into their consciousness. Likewise, those who succeed tend to hold a victorious consciousness, a firm belief in their capacity to succeed. They visualize their goals vividly and nurture an unwavering expectation of achievement. Through historical examples like Joan of Arc, who from childhood believed she was destined to save France, Marden illustrates the incredible power of an idea held deeply in one’s mind. Without consciously understanding the law of mental attraction, Joan’s life was directed by a belief so powerful it turned her into a national savior. Similarly, many prominent figures—artists, scientists, explorers, entrepreneurs—share the common trait of having a clear, unshakable vision of their goal and their ability to reach it. The author also discusses the dangers of a poverty consciousness. A mindset steeped in fear, lack, and scarcity attracts more of the same. People who constantly visualize struggle and limitation inadvertently block themselves from abundance. Marden stresses that this kind of thinking violates the natural law of attraction—you cannot attract wealth with a mindset rooted in poverty. You cannot manifest success with a failure consciousness. It’s not fate or external forces that hold us back—it is the inward pattern of our thoughts. He then presents a transformative idea: each person can develop any type of consciousness they choose. Just as a musician develops a musical consciousness or a doctor develops a medical one, anyone can nurture a success consciousness, a prosperity consciousness, or even a God consciousness. The key is to fix a vivid image of your goal in your mind and make it central in your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Begin with clarity of purpose, and then foster conviction—stronger even than willpower—that you can and will achieve your goal. Conviction, Marden argues, is often more powerful than effort. A person may try very hard to succeed, but if they don’t truly believe they can succeed, that disbelief will override their efforts. On the other hand, someone with deep conviction about their capability is almost unstoppable. The chapter is filled with inspiration for readers to reshape their mental blueprint and take ownership of their inner state. Marden also illustrates how, in moments of great need or danger, people suddenly tap into extraordinary strength or ability. He shares the story of a frail woman leaping over a high gate to escape a perceived threat. This surge of power came because, in that moment, she was forced into a consciousness of her hidden reserves—she didn’t question whether she could do it; she just did. However, after the danger passed, she reverted to her previous limitations. The message is clear: our power is always there, but we don’t consistently access it because we don’t believe in it on a daily basis. He reinforces this idea with real-life examples of paralyzed or weak individuals performing miraculous acts in emergencies, only to relapse afterward into helplessness. These feats are not miracles, he explains—they are the manifestation of a momentary consciousness of power. But unless we sustain ...
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    13 m
  • ATTRACT PROSPERITY - 3. DRIVING AWAY PROSPERITY - Orison Swett Marden

    ATTRACT PROSPERITY - 3. DRIVING AWAY PROSPERITY - Orison Swett Marden
    May 21 2025
    PROSPERITY – How to Attract It - Chapter 3. DRIVING AWAY PROSPERITY - Orison Swett Marden - HQ Full Book. In Chapter 3: Driving Away Prosperity, Orison Swett Marden delivers a powerful and sobering exploration of how mental attitudes, particularly those centered around poverty and limitation, actively repel the very prosperity that so many strive to achieve. This chapter is a call to conscious mental reform. It challenges readers to recognize the destructive power of negative thinking, especially thoughts steeped in fear, lack, doubt, and limitation. Marden opens with a sharp reminder: “As long as you hold the poorhouse thought you are heading toward the poorhouse.” This phrase encapsulates the central theme of the chapter—that one’s habitual thought patterns shape one’s material reality. He insists that no matter how hard a person works, if their mind is saturated with poverty thoughts and imagery, they are driving away the very prosperity they seek. This is not merely metaphorical. To Marden, thoughts are magnetic forces—mental seeds—which, when planted consistently, yield harvests in kind. A mind sowing thistles of fear and lack cannot reap the golden wheat of abundance. He illustrates this truth through a poignant anecdote of a man who believed he was destined to remain poor simply because his ancestors were. Despite his hard work, he could not rise above bare subsistence. His expectations had become convictions, and those convictions shaped his reality. Marden argues that this man’s plight was not the result of fate or external injustice, but of the mental walls he had built around himself—walls reinforced daily by fear, hopelessness, and resignation. A significant portion of the chapter is devoted to exposing the paralyzing effect of the “poverty thought.” Marden observes that masses of people remain in financial distress not because of inherent inability or systemic oppression, but because they carry mental habits of defeat and expectation of lack. He references the biblical line, “the destruction of the poor is their poverty,” interpreting it as a reflection of mental and spiritual poverty, not just material want. He emphasizes that poverty is not simply a condition—it is a belief system, a habitual mental outlook that closes the doors to prosperity. In vivid detail, he describes how people living in poverty often fixate on their misfortunes, talking endlessly about their “bad luck,” their “hard lives,” and how society is against them. These individuals, Marden says, think of themselves as victims rather than victors. Their lives reflect what they consistently dwell upon in thought and speech. They unknowingly repel prosperity by declaring themselves unworthy or incapable of it, often through their appearance, attitudes, and surroundings. Just as an untidy, neglected environment signals mental disarray, a slovenly exterior often mirrors a consciousness filled with poverty. Marden further explains that the creative power of thought is relentless and impartial. Whether you consistently think prosperity or poverty, the universe will bring forth experiences aligned with your dominant mental state. He compares this to the laws of agriculture: one cannot sow wild oats and expect to harvest wheat. Similarly, you cannot expect abundance while thinking in terms of scarcity. This is a stern warning that positive effort alone cannot override a persistently negative mindset. Action, to be fruitful, must be aligned with belief and expectation. The chapter also addresses the common inconsistency many face: treating or praying for prosperity while simultaneously thinking thoughts of lack and doubt. Marden argues that faith—not willpower—is the true engine behind success. Willpower is rendered ineffective when conviction runs counter to it. If someone believes deep down that they are destined for failure or poverty, their belief will win out regardless of effort. The subconscious mind—powered by belief and conviction—will always guide behavior and outcomes in accordance with its dominant impressions. What makes Marden’s argument particularly compelling is its urgency and its insistence on radical responsibility. He does not deny the existence of hardship, but he insists that the pathway out of it is internal. He advocates for a total shift in self-perception: to dress, act, think, and speak as if one is already in the flow of abundance. He encourages readers to look up and think up, to keep their thoughts attuned to abundance, prosperity, health, and success. This alignment, he claims, opens the mind to the cosmic ocean of supply that surrounds every individual. Marden employs metaphors to drive home his points. For instance, he likens humans to fish swimming in an ocean of supply. Just as there is no shortage of water for the fish, there is no shortage of prosperity for the human being—only a closed or fearful mind keeps one from receiving it....
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    13 m
  • ATTRACT PROSPERITY - 2. THE LAW OF ATTRACTION - Orison Swett Marden

    ATTRACT PROSPERITY - 2. THE LAW OF ATTRACTION - Orison Swett Marden
    May 21 2025
    PROSPERITY – How to Attract It - Chapter 2. THE LAW OF ATTRACTION - Orison Swett Marden - HQ Full Book.In this pivotal chapter of Prosperity – How to Attract It, Orison Swett Marden eloquently explores the foundational principle behind personal success and abundance: the Law of Attraction. He asserts that the universe is governed by immutable laws, and among them, the law that "like attracts like" is a central mechanism by which individuals attract prosperity or poverty, success or failure, joy or despair. According to Marden, the Law of Attraction is not just a metaphysical concept but a demonstrable principle woven into the fabric of existence. The chapter begins with a poetic invocation by John Burroughs, who beautifully articulates the idea that "my own shall come to me." This serves as a thematic overture, emphasizing the natural magnetism between our inner convictions and our external realities. Marden builds on this by stating that everything we experience is, in some way, a response to our dominant thoughts, emotions, and mental attitudes. The universe, he suggests, is an abundant, limitless storehouse of riches—both material and immaterial—available to anyone who aligns themselves with its laws. Marden makes a bold and inspiring claim: it was never intended that human beings live in lack or want. He argues that the cosmos is abundant by nature, filled with opportunities, blessings, and resources waiting to be drawn toward those who are in harmony with its principles. This abundance, however, is not accessed through brute strength or sheer willpower. Rather, it is attracted by the invisible but powerful force of mental affinity. In essence, the mind must become a magnet, attuned to the things it desires. This mental magnetism is not arbitrary or whimsical. It is governed by the Law of Attraction, which ensures that the energy we emit in thought becomes the energy we attract in experience. Just as a magnet attracts metal but not wood, our thoughts attract their own kind. Positive thoughts attract positive outcomes; negative thoughts bring negative results. Marden underscores that we do not draw to ourselves what we merely wish for—but what we habitually think about, believe in, and emotionally invest in. The chapter provides practical examples, including a tragic story of a young girl who died of fright at a dentist's office. Marden uses this anecdote to illustrate that even though she did not understand the Law of Attraction, it was nonetheless working in her life. Her overwhelming fear became a magnet that drew the very thing she dreaded. In the same way, many people attract financial hardship, illness, and failure because their minds are steeped in thoughts of fear, lack, and worry. One of the most empowering insights Marden offers is the idea that we can consciously choose the kind of mental magnet we wish to be. By doing so, we can attract the circumstances, people, and opportunities that align with our dominant mental atmosphere. He notes that even bad or immoral individuals often become financially successful—not because of their character, but because they understand and apply the principles of attraction better than many virtuous people do. The law is neutral; it rewards alignment, not morality. Marden also addresses a common misconception: that prosperity is a matter of luck or fate. He dismantles this belief, insisting that success is not mysterious or accidental—it is systematic and law-governed. The same way one would prepare for a career in medicine or law, one must prepare mentally and emotionally for a life of prosperity. It is a discipline, a mental craft that must be learned, practiced, and refined. Throughout the chapter, Marden returns to a vital theme: the mind is the builder. Whatever image dominates our mental vision will, through the processes of life, be translated into experience. He cautions readers to avoid thinking obsessively about the things they fear or hate, for by doing so, they increase their vibrational affinity with those very things. The better approach is to train the mind to dwell only on images of success, prosperity, health, and happiness. Visualization, affirmation, and persistent belief are key practices for reorienting the mind toward constructive attraction. He also warns against the destructive habit of worry. Worry is not only futile but actively harmful, as it attracts the very misfortunes we hope to avoid. Marden suggests that if people could see the invisible forces they summon with each thought—forces that either build or destroy—they would be far more careful in curating their mental landscape. In discussing the universality of the law, Marden states that everyone uses the Law of Attraction, whether consciously or not. A child, a business magnate, a pauper—they are all drawing to themselves the conditions that correspond to their mental state. The difference lies in intentionality. Those who thrive do so by ...
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