If you’re interested in self-help, you’ve likely encountered Wallace Wattles, the author of The Science of Getting Rich. Published in 1910, this book still resonates with readers today. This post explores Wattles’ life, socialist party affiliations, work, and surprisingly progressive political leanings. We’ll see how his experiences, convictions, and the people he met shaped his distinct philosophy.
Table of Contents:
Who Was Wallace Wattles?
Born in 1860, Wallace Delois Wattles became known as an American New Thought writer. His personal life remains largely a mystery. However, his ideas, especially his book called The Science of Getting Rich, continue to inspire self-help movements. The book publisher, Elizabeth Towne, played a big role in popularizing his work.
Wattles wrote many books, yet some of them remain obscure despite being pivotal to understanding his life and journey as a writer. Thought Magazine frequently carried articles by Wattles and provided a space for him to develop and spread his beliefs and teachings. Published shortly before his death, The Science of Being Well focuses on achieving good health. Florence Wattles, his daughter, collaborated on various projects, such as Florence Wattles wrote Thought Magazine Nautilus, where she published his work, thus ensuring a legacy of New Thought.
Early Life and Struggles
Hardship marked Wattles’ early years. He had limited formal education and worked as a farm laborer.
The 1880 federal census shows him living with his parents in Nunda Township, McHenry County, Illinois. Although raised on a farm, Wattles aspired to more than agricultural labor.
He wanted to make a significant impact on the world beyond rural life.
The Influence of George Davis Herron
In 1896, Wallace Wattles met George Davis Herron. Herron, a Congregational Church minister and advocate for Christian Socialism, significantly influenced Wattles. This encounter awakened Wattles’ social consciousness. His daughter, Florence, described it as his embrace of “the wonderful social message of Jesus.”
This led Wattles to incorporate Christian socialism into his lesser-known works like A New Christ and Jesus: The Man and His Work. It’s this same George Davis who impacted so much of Wallace Wattles’ political beliefs. Wattles’ wife, Emma Curtis, fully supported her husband’s new venture into the world of applied christianity and his work within the socialist party national committee.
Wallace Wattles’ Political Life
Inspired by Herron’s activism, Wattles entered politics. He ran as a Socialist candidate in 1908 and 1910, losing both bids.
His 1908 campaign was for the Eighth Congressional District. In 1910, he ran in Madison County, Indiana’s 50th judicial court district. Wattles attended meetings throughout the district as the socialist candidate.
Despite his losses, his campaigns show how his spiritual and social ideals intertwined.
The Science of Getting Rich and New Thought Principles
Wattles dedicated himself to New Thought, believing it held practical truths.
He shared these in The Science of Getting Rich, published by Elizabeth Towne in 1910. The book argues for achieving wealth through creative thought, not competition. Wattles emphasized personal growth through “mental pictures”—now known as creative visualization. He joined Grinnell College because the leading Congregational Church there was where he heard social visionary George Davis Herron speak.
Beyond Getting Rich: The “Science of” Trilogy
Wattles’ Science of trilogy explored personal growth and living fully. The Science of Being Great focused on personal effectiveness.
The Science of Being Well explored New Thought’s approach to health. These works expanded his philosophy beyond finances, emphasizing self-development for a fulfilling life. It was at the Congregational Church where Florence called George Davis Herron “a compelling social visionary,” because she recognized in him a certain kind of brilliance and attraction attracting nationwide attention.
The Untimely Death of Wallace Wattles
Wattles died in Ruskin, Tennessee, in 1911 at age 51, a year after publishing two books. His daughter, Florence, considered his death premature, despite his extreme frailty. The businesses in his hometown of Elwood, Indiana, closed to honor him. They mourned the loss of a man whose personal life remained largely unknown, yet whose impact was significant.
Florence noted he worked diligently during his time at Thought Magazine, keeping house while he devoted his focus to writing and editing. Despite having very little formal education and never held public office the previous year. It was important to Wattles that he continue contributing, adding that his wife had no previous involvement in her father’s business ventures or even those within the Eighth Congressional District.
Conclusion
Though much about his personal life remains obscure, Wallace Wattles significantly impacted the world. His book publisher championed him for years. His influence spread thanks to Rhonda Byrne mentioning that his work had a powerful effect on her while making the movie and writing the book called The Secret. Wattles’ books have also become well known within Methodist church and inspire those pursuing personal development and a positive mindset.
Wattles believed a focus on personal growth and self development helped make your life great. Florence noted his poor health but acknowledged how much Wattles wrote at that time in his life. It was during this time Wallace’s mother Mary had some concerns for his health. Wattles intertwined practical New Thought philosophy with Christian Socialist ideals. He died young and never won an election. Despite that, his focus on positive thinking became a cornerstone for many later self-help leaders.