December 4, 2025

Book: The Science of Getting Rich – Wallace D. Wattles

Spirituality plays a significant role in cultivating your understanding of wealth, as articulated by Wallace D. Wattles in “The Science of Getting Rich.” This transformative perspective reveals how aligning your thoughts with the concept of ‘thinking substance’ can foster not only material abundance but also deepen your spiritual practice. By internalizing Wattles’ principles, you can master the mindset needed to attract prosperity into your life, making wealth a natural extension of your spiritual journey.

Key Takeaways:

Wealth is a product of creative thought and aligned actions.
Abundance exists in the universe and can be accessed through a clear mental image of desired outcomes.
Gratitude is important for attracting wealth, as it aligns thoughts with the energy of abundance.
Effective action involves doing what one can, where one is, with clear intent.
Competition should be avoided; focus on creating your unique value in the market.
Success is tied to mastering one’s thoughts and consistently applying principles of abundance.
Living in harmony with the laws of the universe attracts wealth naturally.

For a long time, I saw money and spirituality as living in different rooms:

Money belonged to work, strategy, and “the real world.”
Spirituality belonged to meditation, purpose, and inner peace.

The Science of Getting Rich challenged that divide completely.
Wattles’ core claim is radical and simple:

Getting rich is not just a financial process.
It is a spiritual act of creating, in harmony with the laws of the universe.

This post is my reflection on how this book reframed wealth for me — from chasing numbers to creating from the “thinking substance” with intention, alignment, and responsibility.

The core idea: a thinking substance that responds to thought

Wattles uses very specific language:

There is a Formless, Thinking Substance that fills the universe.
When you think a clear, sustained thought in a certain way, impressed with faith and purpose,
this substance moves to express that thought as form.

In modern language, I read it like this:

Consciousness is creative.
Aligned thought + feeling + action = a request to the field you’re living in.

This is not about “wishing.”
It is about thinking deliberately, emotionally backing that thought, and then behaving in a way that matches it.

The shift: from competition to creation

One of the most powerful distinctions in the book is:

Competitive plane vs Creative plane

On the competitive plane, money looks like this:

“There is not enough.”
“If they win, I lose.”
“I must fight for my slice.”

On the creative plane, wealth looks like this:

“I create by adding value, not by taking from others.”
“There is always more that can be made.”
“My focus is on becoming more, so I can give more and receive more.”

This shifted a lot for me:

Less jealousy, more inspiration
Less fear that “there is no room for me,” more focus on building something genuinely useful
Less energy wasted comparing, more energy used creating

Wealth stopped being a scramble for scarcity and became a practice of creation.

Key principles I took from The Science of Getting Rich

Here are the principles that stayed with me and how I interpret them.

1. Thought as the first cause

“To think what you want to think is to think truth, regardless of appearances.”

Wattles insists:

You must be able to hold a clear mental image of what you desire
You must hold it steadily, not only when you feel good
You must not let “appearances” (current conditions) dominate your thinking

For me, this means:

I stop letting bank balances or temporary conditions dictate my belief in what’s possible
I practice staying loyal to my vision even when reality is “lagging”

2. Gratitude as alignment

Wattles places huge weight on gratitude:

Gratitude connects you with the source of supply
It keeps you in harmony with the creative power
It prevents you from collapsing into lack and resentment

I see it as:

Gratitude = “I recognise the flow and I’m in partnership with it.”

Instead of obsessing over what’s missing, I consciously appreciate what is present and what is growing.
That emotional posture changes the way I think, notice, and act.

3. Acting in a “certain way”

The book repeats this phrase: “acting in the Certain Way.”

In practice, I read that as:

Doing today’s work with full intention and excellence
Bringing value that is greater than the money you receive
Holding the vision of where you’re going while giving full presence to what’s in front of you

It’s not about waiting for a miracle.
It’s about:

Thinking richly,
Feeling richly,
And acting richly —
even before the outer wealth has fully arrived.

How I apply this as a spiritual wealth practice

Here is how I’ve integrated Wattles’ ideas into my daily life.

1. Defining my “rich” beyond just money

Wattles is very direct: it is okay to want money.
But he also hints at a broader richness: health, relationships, work, purpose.

So I ask:

“What does a rich life actually look like for me?”
“How does my ideal richness feel in my body and daily rhythm?”

I define wealth as:

Enough money to create freely and support what matters
A regulated nervous system
Time for growth, contribution, and stillness
Relationships that are honest, supportive, and expansive

This becomes the pattern I impress on the “thinking substance.”

2. Daily imagination + gratitude practice

Most days, I do a short Wealth-as-Spiritual-Practice ritual:

Intention:
- I bring to mind a clear picture of the financial and life reality I’m building.
- Not vague, but specific enough to feel real.
Emotion:
- I feel gratitude as if that reality is already in motion (not pretending it’s done, but trusting it’s unfolding).
Alignment:
- I ask: “What is one action today that a person with this level of wealth and alignment would take?”

Then I move from that energy.

3. Serving more than I take

A central Wattles theme:

Give every person more in use value than you take from them in cash value.

For me, that means:

Asking, “Is what I’m creating genuinely valuable?”
Ensuring that when someone exchanges money with me (now or in the future), they feel they got more than they paid for
Thinking long-term reputation and alignment, not short-term gain

This turns business and work into a spiritual practice of service, not just a transaction.

4. Refusing to live in complaint

The book is very clear:

Complaining about circumstances
Resenting “the system”
Envying others’ wealth

—all of this keeps you firmly on the competitive, lack-based plane.

That doesn’t mean being blind to injustice.
It means not letting resentment be your primary vibration.

So I:

Notice when I slide into bitterness
Acknowledge the feeling honestly
Redirect into: “What can I create? What can I learn? How can I move forward from here?”

I cannot create richly from a chronic state of complaint.

How I take notes from The Science of Getting Rich

My notes are structured like a wealth-consciousness manual.

1. Core laws in short phrases

I condense Wattles’ ideas into lines like:

“There is a thinking substance from which all things are made.”
“To think truth regardless of appearances is power.”
“Stay on the creative plane, not the competitive one.”
“Gratitude keeps you in touch with the source.”

These become principles I can re-read quickly.

2. Old wealth lens vs new wealth lens

I list:

Old wealth lens:

Money as survival and stress
Fear of “not enough”
Subtle shame about wanting more
Comparison and scarcity

New wealth lens (by choice):

Money as tool and amplifier
Wealth as a byproduct of value and alignment
No shame in desiring more, if used consciously
Creation over competition

This reminds me each time my mind drifts back to scarcity habits.

3. Practical “Certain Way” checklist

I write simple questions for my day:

Am I thinking clearly about what I want, or drifting in vague desire?
Did I practice gratitude today?
Did I do at least one thing exceptionally well, with full presence?
Did I add more value than I took in return?

If I keep saying “yes” to these, I know I’m practicing wealth as a spiritual discipline, not just a financial tactic.

How this changed my relationship with wealth

Since applying this book, I’ve noticed:

Less guilt about wanting more wealth
More responsibility: I see riches as something I grow into through who I become and how I serve
Better decision-making: I ask, “Is this on the creative plane or the competitive plane?”
A deeper feeling that I am not begging life for money but partnering with it to create value and receive in return

Wealth feels less like a chase and more like a conscious collaboration with the “thinking substance” I am always part of.

Why this belongs on my Growth page

This page is here because The Science of Getting Rich gives me a framework where:

Money and consciousness are not enemies
Spirituality is not about rejecting wealth
Wealth is not about abandoning inner work

For me, “creating from the thinking substance” means:

Using thought, emotion, and aligned action
to build a life where wealth supports my purpose,
instead of replacing it.

If you’re reading this on my Growth site, here’s a simple starting point:

Take 5 minutes today.

Define one aspect of “rich” life you truly desire (money, time, freedom, contribution).

See it clearly in your mind.

Feel sincere gratitude as if it’s already unfolding.

Ask: “What is one action today that aligns me with this reality?”

Do that action.

Repeat often.
Let your wealth journey become part of your spiritual practice, not separate from it.

In summary:

The Thinking Substance

The Thinking Substance is the underlying medium through which all things are formed. It’s a universal source of creation that responds to your thoughts and beliefs. When you consciously direct your thinking towards wealth and abundance, you align yourself with this substance, enabling it to manifest your desires. This connection requires a deep understanding of your personal power and the responsibility that comes with it. Your thoughts are not merely whimsical; they shape reality and influence your life experiences.

Understanding Thought as a Creative Force

Your thoughts serve as a blueprint for your reality. Each thought you entertain holds energy that interacts with the Thinking Substance, leading to tangible results. By focusing on positive and constructive thoughts, you can harness this creative force to attract opportunities and resources that align with your vision of wealth. The clarity and intent behind your thoughts determine the richness of your results.

The Nature of Wealth

Wealth is not only financial abundance; it embodies an expansive state of being where you experience prosperity in various forms. This includes health, relationships, and fulfillment. Understanding wealth as a multifaceted concept allows you to appreciate and cultivate different areas of abundance in your life. It invites you to redefine success beyond monetary limitations, recognizing that true wealth encompasses happiness and spiritual growth.

To truly grasp the nature of wealth, you must shift your perspective. Wealth is often perceived as a finite resource, but it is infinitely available to those who understand how to attract it. Case studies show that individuals who embrace a holistic definition of wealth report higher levels of satisfaction and success in not just finances, but personal fulfillment too. Creating from a place of gratitude and abundance opens the floodgates to opportunities and enriches every aspect of your existence.

Wealth as a Spiritual Practice

Embracing wealth as a spiritual practice means recognizing that your financial journey is intertwined with your personal growth and inner beliefs. By treating your pursuits of abundance as part of your spiritual path, you open yourself to deeper levels of fulfillment and understanding. Cultivating a wealth mindset fosters not only financial prosperity but also personal development, leading to a more meaningful existence where success aligns with your core values.

Aligning Action with Spiritual Principles

To truly manifest wealth, it’s important to align your actions with spiritual principles such as integrity, generosity, and compassion. This alignment fosters a powerful connection between your intentions and the universe, drawing opportunities and resources towards you. When your efforts reflect your deepest values, you create a path that not only leads to financial success but also nurtures your spirit, ensuring that your achievements serve a greater purpose.

The Role of Gratitude in Manifestation

Gratitude acts as a catalyst for manifesting wealth, transforming your mindset and attracting abundance into your life. By acknowledging and appreciating what you already have, you raise your vibrational frequency and create a magnetic pull for more prosperity. This practice not only reaffirms your current blessings but also fosters a positive outlook that aligns you with opportunities for growth and fulfillment.

Making gratitude a daily habit can significantly impact your ability to manifest wealth. Consider maintaining a gratitude journal where you list not only financial blessings but also everyday joys. For instance, expressing thanks for supportive relationships or opportunities to learn enhances your overall outlook and emphasizes abundance. Research shows that regular gratitude practice can lead to increased optimism and life satisfaction, thereby directly influencing your ability to attract greater wealth and success. Each time you express gratitude, you reinforce the belief that richness is already a part of your experience, setting the stage for continual manifestation in your financial life.

The Science of Getting Rich

The Science of Getting Rich emphasizes that wealth is not a mere chance or coincidence; it is a systematic process rooted in the understanding of universal laws. By aligning your thoughts and actions with these principles, you can unlock the potential for abundance. This chapter explores how a deliberate mental focus, combined with consistent effort, leads to the manifestation of material wealth, confirming that financial prosperity is accessible to anyone willing to engage with these concepts.

Key Principles for Wealth Creation

Your journey to wealth begins with the recognition that a positive mental attitude and clarity of purpose are vital. Concentrate on specific desires, visualize them vividly, and maintain unwavering faith in achieving them. Actions that are aligned with your goals, complemented by a gratitude mindset, create a magnetic energy that attracts opportunities, reinforcing the concept that success emerges from both thought and action.

Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

To achieve true wealth, it’s vital to confront and dispel the limiting beliefs that inhibit your growth. Often, these outdated beliefs can manifest as a fear of failure or self-doubt, preventing you from embracing opportunities that align with your financial goals. Recognizing the origins of these beliefs allows you to dismantle them, fostering a mindset primed for success.

Overcoming limiting beliefs involves a conscious reprogramming of your mindset. You can start by identifying specific thoughts that hold you back, then challenge their validity. For instance, if you believe that money is inherently bad, reflecting on the positive impact that wealth can have-such as supporting your community or enabling personal growth-can shift your perspective. Engaging in affirmations and visualizations related to wealth can further reinforce your new beliefs, creating a mental environment where abundance thrives.

Practical Steps to Wealth Creation

To commence on your wealth creation journey, implement actionable strategies that align with your financial goals and mindset. Begin with a clear vision of what wealth means to you and establish a specific plan. Track your progress, adapt when necessary, and commit to consistent efforts. These practical steps bridge the gap between thought and manifestation, guiding you toward tangible financial results.

Visualization Techniques

Visualization techniques enhance your ability to attract wealth by fostering a strong mental image of your financial goals. Spend time each day visualizing your desired outcomes in vivid detail. Picture yourself living the life you desire, experiencing the emotions associated with that reality. This practice not only reinforces your intent but also aligns your subconscious with your aspirations.

Building a Wealth Mindset

A wealth mindset is foundational for attracting financial abundance into your life. Cultivate an attitude of positivity and openness towards wealth, understanding that financial success begins in your mind. Challenge limiting beliefs and embrace affirmations that reflect a prosperous future. By shifting your thoughts and beliefs about money, you create an inner landscape that supports your journey toward abundance.

Building a wealth mindset requires consistent effort and awareness of your thoughts about money. Replace scarcity thinking with abundance-focused beliefs; for instance, view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. Practice gratitude for the wealth you currently possess, reinforcing your ability to attract more. Surround yourself with positive influences and educate yourself on financial literacy. These habits solidify your commitment to a prosperous mindset, enabling you to harness the Thinking Substance effectively for wealth creation.

The Importance of Faith and Persistence

Your journey toward wealth hinges on unwavering faith and persistence. When faced with obstacles or delays, maintaining belief in your ability to succeed is vital. This trust empowers you to overcome challenges and remain focused on your visions. Cultivating resilience fosters a mindset that views setbacks as opportunities for growth, reinforcing your commitment to attracting abundance.

Cultivating Confidence in the Process

Building confidence in your wealth creation process allows you to navigate uncertainties with ease. You must trust the steps you’re taking and develop a positive mindset toward your financial goals. Visualization techniques, affirmations, and surrounding yourself with supportive individuals can enhance your confidence, creating an environment conducive to success.

Staying Committed to Your Goals

Commitment to your goals means steadfastly pursuing them, regardless of external circumstances. It entails regularly reviewing your objectives, celebrating progress, and adjusting your strategies without losing sight of your ultimate vision. Consistency in your actions builds momentum, reinforcing your dedication and attracting the wealth you seek.

Maintaining that commitment requires daily reflection on your motivation and purpose. Establishing a routine that includes goal-setting and visual reinforcement can solidify your dedication. For instance, creating a vision board, logging daily accomplishments, or joining accountability groups can help you stay focused and energized. Embrace challenges as part of your journey, understanding that persistence paves the path to success and ultimate wealth creation.

Community and Wealth

Building wealth within a community involves recognizing that your individual success contributes to a larger ecosystem of prosperity. When you thrive, you create opportunities for those around you to flourish as well. This collective mindset enhances not only your financial situation but also the overall health of your community, encouraging collaboration, innovation, and mutual support.

Sharing Abundance with Others

True wealth extends beyond personal gain; it embodies the act of sharing resources and opportunities with others. By fostering a culture of generosity within your community, you uplift individuals and create a strong network of mutual support. When you share your success stories and help others, you cultivate an environment where everyone can access the tools needed for growth.

The Ripple Effect of Collective Prosperity

The impact of collective prosperity reverberates throughout the community, creating a positive cycle of abundance. As individuals experience economic growth, they reinvest in local initiatives, supporting businesses, and creating jobs. This cycle fosters a resilient economy where wealth is not hoarded but circulates, benefiting all members and enhancing communal bonds.

Data from recent studies show that when communities actively engage in sharing resources, such as skills and funding, the economic landscape flourishes. For instance, neighborhoods that establish cooperatives report a 25% increase in local business success, illustrating how a collaborative approach can lead to sustainable growth. This ripple effect illustrates that your contributions-whether financial or through mentorship-can inspire others to rise, generating a collective upswing in prosperity that transforms the entire community landscape.

Summing up

Presently, you must recognize that creating wealth through the principles outlined in “The Science of Getting Rich” involves aligning your thoughts with abundance and taking actionable steps towards your goals. By understanding the concept of Thinking Substance, you empower yourself to manifest your desires and embrace wealth as an expression of your spiritual growth. Adopting an abundance mindset allows you to attract opportunities, foster creativity, and ultimately achieve lasting prosperity. Your journey toward wealth is not just a financial endeavor; it’s a pathway to enrich your life and contribute meaningfully to the world around you.

FAQ

Q: What is “The Science of Getting Rich” about?

A: “The Science of Getting Rich” by Wallace D. Wattles presents a philosophy of wealth that integrates spirituality and practical action. It emphasizes that wealth can be created through creative thought and that individuals can attract abundance through a positive mindset.

Q: How does Wattles define wealth?

A: Wattles defines wealth not merely as financial riches but as a holistic state of abundance that includes health, happiness, and spiritual fulfillment. He believes true wealth enriches all aspects of life.

Q: What role does the “Thinking Substance” play in creating wealth?

A: The “Thinking Substance” refers to the universal source from which all things originate. Wattles argues that by aligning thoughts with this substance, individuals can manifest their desires and create the wealth they envision.

Q: What is the importance of gratitude in Wattles’ philosophy?

A: Gratitude plays a significant role in Wattles’ teachings. He asserts that expressing gratitude creates a positive mindset that attracts more abundance. It aligns individuals with the creative forces of the universe.

Q: How can individuals practice the principles outlined in the book?

A: Individuals can practice these principles by maintaining a clear vision of their goals, cultivating a mindset of abundance, acting with purpose, and consistently applying gratitude in their daily lives.

Q: Are there specific actions recommended in “The Science of Getting Rich”?

A: Yes, Wattles recommends taking definite actions that are aligned with one’s goals. This includes focusing on what one can do right now to advance towards wealth and being open to opportunities while maintaining a creative mindset.

Q: Can the teachings of Wattles be applied to areas beyond financial wealth?

A: Absolutely. The principles of creative thought and alignment with the Thinking Substance can be applied to any area of life, including health, relationships, and personal fulfillment, fostering overall well-being and abundance.

Creating From the Thinking Substance: Wealth as a Spiritual Practice – The Science of Getting Rich