The Classics
The New Thought Authors
They saw it first. We explain why it works — and give you the tools to actually apply it. Explore each author, their key works, and the modern neuroscience and NLP that brings their teachings to life.
Neville Goddard
1905–1972
Neville Goddard was a mystic and pioneer of the 'consciousness is the only reality' philosophy. He taught that imagination, when properly directed through feeling, creates reality. His emphasis on the 'feeling is the secret' principle and techniques like SATS (State Akin To Sleep) revolutionised manifestation teaching.
Read more →New ThoughtJames Allen
1864–1912
James Allen wrote 'As a Man Thinketh,' one of the foundational self-help texts. He taught that thought is the master weaver of character, circumstance, and destiny, emphasising personal responsibility and the transformative power of disciplined thinking.
Read more →New ThoughtWallace D. Wattles
1860–1911
Wallace D. Wattles wrote the seminal 'The Science of Getting Rich,' teaching that wealth creation follows exact scientific principles. He emphasised creative thought over competitive action, systematic application of universal laws, and the importance of gratitude in manifestation.
Read more →New ThoughtFlorence Scovel Shinn
1871–1940
Florence Scovel Shinn was an artist, teacher, and metaphysical author who blended spiritual law with practical action. Known for her emphasis on affirmations and 'the power of the spoken word,' she taught that life is a game to be played with faith, fearlessness, and right action.
Read more →New ThoughtCharles F. Haanel
1866–1949
Charles F. Haanel was a businessman and New Thought author best known for The Master Key System, a 24-week course in mental science and manifestation. He taught that focused thought connects the individual mind to universal intelligence, enabling the deliberate creation of circumstances through disciplined mental practice.
Read more →Mental ScienceThomas Troward
1847–1916
Thomas Troward was a judge and philosopher who developed the mental science philosophy that deeply influenced the New Thought movement. He taught that the creative power of thought operates through clear understanding of universal principles and scientific mental practice.
Read more →New ThoughtRalph Waldo Trine
1866–1958
Ralph Waldo Trine was one of the most influential New Thought authors of the early 20th century. His book In Tune with the Infinite sold over two million copies and taught that aligning with divine flow creates health, prosperity, and inner peace.
Read more →New ThoughtJoseph Murphy
1898–1981
Joseph Murphy was a minister and author who specialised in the power of the subconscious mind. He taught that the subconscious accepts what is impressed upon it and works to manifest those impressions, making mastery of mental patterns essential for life transformation.
Read more →New ThoughtErnest Holmes
1887–1960
Ernest Holmes founded Religious Science and wrote 'The Science of Mind.' He systematised mental and spiritual laws into a comprehensive philosophy, teaching that thought is creative and that understanding one's divine nature unlocks unlimited potential.
Read more →New ThoughtWilliam Walker Atkinson
1862–1932
William Walker Atkinson was a prolific author who wrote under multiple pen names about mental influence, thought vibration, and the power of concentration. He bridged Eastern and Western metaphysical traditions, teaching practical mental training techniques.
Read more →New ThoughtEmmet Fox
1886–1951
Emmet Fox was a minister and author who made metaphysical Christianity accessible to mainstream audiences. Known for works like 'The Sermon on the Mount,' he taught that changing one's thinking changes one's life and that prayer is scientific mental treatment.
Read more →New ThoughtGenevieve Behrend
1881–1960
Genevieve Behrend was the only personal student of Thomas Troward. She wrote 'Your Invisible Power,' teaching mental visualisation and the law of attraction. She emphasised that mental images held with feeling must manifest into physical reality.
Read more →New ThoughtChristian D. Larson
1866–1954
Christian D. Larson was an American New Thought author and pioneer of optimism-based personal development. He taught that every person possesses unlimited inner resources and that consistent positive thinking transforms both character and circumstance. His 'Optimist Creed' became one of the most widely shared inspirational texts of the 20th century.
Read more →New ThoughtCharles Fillmore
1854–1948
Charles Fillmore co-founded Unity Church with his wife Myrtle. He taught that health, prosperity, and spiritual awakening come through understanding divine principle and right thinking. His work emphasised metaphysical Christianity and affirmative prayer.
Read more →New ThoughtMyrtle Fillmore
1845–1931
Myrtle Fillmore co-founded Unity Church and pioneered Christian metaphysical healing. She taught that affirming divine truth and rejecting negative thought patterns could heal illness. Her own healing journey became the foundation of Unity's healing ministry.
Read more →New ThoughtH. Emilie Cady
1848–1941
H. Emilie Cady wrote 'Lessons in Truth,' Unity's foundational text. A homeopathic physician turned metaphysical teacher, she made complex spiritual principles accessible through clear, practical lessons on divine presence, affirmation, and spiritual unfoldment.
Read more →New ThoughtHenry Thomas Hamblin
1873–1958
Henry Thomas Hamblin was a British New Thought author and founder of The Science of Thought Review journal. After overcoming personal tragedy through mental science, he taught that the power within each person is connected to infinite source and that right thinking transforms every area of life.
Read more →New ThoughtOrison Swett Marden
1850–1924
Orison Swett Marden was the founder of SUCCESS Magazine and a prolific New Thought author. He taught that mental attitude determines life outcomes, that ambition paired with right thinking creates achievement, and that cheerfulness and determination are practical tools for success.
Read more →New ThoughtRussell Conwell
1843–1925
Russell Conwell was a Baptist minister, lawyer, and founder of Temple University. His famous lecture 'Acres of Diamonds,' delivered over 6,000 times, taught that opportunity and wealth exist right where you are.
Read more →TranscendentalismRalph Waldo Emerson
1803–1882
Ralph Waldo Emerson was a philosopher, essayist, and leader of the Transcendentalist movement. He taught self-reliance, the divinity within each person, and that nature reflects spiritual truths. His work 'Self-Reliance' remains a cornerstone of American philosophy.
Read more →TranscendentalismHenry David Thoreau
1817–1862
Henry David Thoreau was a philosopher, naturalist, and author of 'Walden.' He taught that simple living in natural surroundings reveals profound truths about consciousness and existence, emphasising direct experience over secondhand knowledge.
Read more →New ThoughtP. T. Barnum
1810–1891
P. T. Barnum was an entrepreneur, showman, and author of The Art of Money Getting. His 20 rules for accumulating wealth emphasised mindset, persistence, right action, and the moral use of money — principles that align closely with prosperity consciousness teaching.
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