In this New Thought classic, Atkinson looks
at the law of attraction in the thought world. He points out the
similarities between the law of gravitation and the mental law of
attraction. He explains that thought vibrations are as real as those
manifesting as light, heat, magnetism and electricity. The difference is
in the vibratory rate which also explains the fact that thought vibrations
cannot usually be perceived by our 5 senses.
He argues that there are huge gaps in the
spectrum of light and sound vibrations, wide enough to include other
worlds. It is logical that these activities would be perceived by sense
organs attuned to them. Increasingly sophisticated scientific instruments
are able to register more and more of these hidden frequencies.
There is constant interaction between
negative and positive thought vibrations - it is the task of the
individual to raise the keynote of their mind to a positive pitch by an
act of will. Atkinson discusses the purpose of affirmations as twofold:
firstly, to establish new mental attitudes, secondly to raise the mental
keynote. He also mentions that there must be a balance between giving out
expressions and taking in impressions in a receptive state.
The many faculties of the mind are
identified and discussed, and the author asserts that the current of
will-power flows strongly along spiritual wires but the individual must
train in order to optimally tap into this energy source. The "I"
is the master of the mind and the "will" is the instrument of
the "I." Affirmations for internalising this insight are
provided here.
Atkinson also shows how to overcome
negative emotions like fear, worry, envy, anger and hate. He firmly
believes in the operation of universal law in all circumstances and
advises the reader to tune in to the harmony of the law. I found the
chapters Asserting The Life Force and Training The Habit Mind particularly
helpful and inspiring.
Although this book was written years ago,
the text still sounds fresh and contemporary. The explanations of mental
laws and processes are clear and concise and the exercises are simple and
effective. I enjoyed the author's infectious optimism and his simple,
direct approach.
William
Walker Atkinson was a very important and influential figure in the early
days of the New Thought Movement.
He pursued a business career from 1882 onwards and in 1894 he was
admitted as an attorney to the Bars of Pennsylvania. Whilst he gained much
material success in his profession as a lawyer, the stress and over-strain
eventually took its toll, and during this time he experienced a complete
physical and mental breakdown, and financial disaster. He looked for
healing and in the late 1880's he found it with New Thought.
From mental and physical wreck and financial ruin, he wrought
through its principles, perfect health, mental vigor and material
prosperity.
Some time after his healing, Atkinson began to write some articles
on the Truths which he had discovered which was then known as Mental
Science, and in 1889 an article by him entitled "A Mental Science
Catechism," appeared in Charles Fillmore's new periodical, Modern
Thought.
Atkinson wrote a great many books on New Thought as well, which
became very popular and influential among New Thought devotees and
practitioners and achieved wide circulation.
He wrote nearly a hundred books with many other pseudonyms:
Theodore Sheldon, Theron Q.Dumont, Swami Panchadasi, The Three Initiates,
Magus Incognitus and probably others not identified at present.