Published in 1910, The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles is one of the foundational texts of the modern personal development movement. It’s a short, practical manual that presents wealth-building not as a matter of luck or competition but as a scientific process governed by natural laws. Despite being over a century old, Wattles’ ideas continue to influence contemporary authors, including Rhonda Byrne, who credited The Science of Getting Rich as a major inspiration for her bestselling book The Secret.
This article explores the key ideas, philosophy, and enduring relevance of Wattles’ work in the context of self-help, metaphysics, and the mindset of prosperity.
1. The Central Thesis: Getting Rich Is a Science
Wattles begins with a bold claim: “There is a science of getting rich, and it is an exact science, like algebra or arithmetic.”
He argues that anyone who learns and applies the laws of this science will inevitably become wealthy, just as surely as someone who learns the laws of physics can predict the motion of a falling object. According to Wattles, riches are not the result of environment, talent, or saving habits—but rather of doing things in a “Certain Way.”
This “Certain Way” refers to aligning thought and action with universal laws. Wattles insists that thought is the starting point of wealth, and that the universe is governed by an intelligent substance that responds to focused intention.
2. The Formless Substance: A Metaphysical Foundation
At the heart of Wattles’ philosophy is the idea of a “Formless Substance”—an all-pervading intelligence that fills the universe. He writes:
“There is a thinking stuff from which all things are made, and which, in its original state, permeates, penetrates, and fills the interspaces of the universe.”
This concept is metaphysical and closely related to ideas found in New Thought, a spiritual movement that emerged in the 19th century. According to Wattles, when a person impresses their thought upon this substance, holding it with faith and gratitude, the substance begins to shape reality to bring that thought into physical form.
This is the foundational mechanism behind the law of attraction—a term Wattles doesn’t use explicitly but articulates thoroughly in principle.
3. Desire, Vision, and Faith
Wattles places a great deal of emphasis on the power of desire. For him, wanting more out of life is not greed; it’s a spiritual urge to express and expand. He says:
“The desire for riches is really the desire for a richer, fuller, and more abundant life.”
However, desire alone is not enough. One must combine it with vision and faith:
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Vision is the ability to mentally picture the life you want to live, in vivid detail.
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Faith is the unwavering belief that the vision is not only possible but certain to be realized through the laws of the universe.
This combination, held in persistent thought, causes the formless substance to begin creating the conditions necessary for the vision to manifest.
4. Acting in the “Certain Way”
While the book emphasizes the importance of thought, it is not a manual for idle daydreaming. Wattles stresses the necessity of action:
“By thought, the thing you want is brought to you; by action you receive it.”
Wattles is practical: act now, wherever you are, and make the best of your current circumstances. He discourages waiting for perfect opportunities and instead advises that one must do “every day all that can be done that day,” and do each act in an efficient, purposeful, and focused way.
This “efficient action” performed consistently becomes the vehicle through which one’s mental vision becomes material reality.
5. Avoiding Competition: The Creative Plane
A major distinction Wattles makes is between the competitive plane and the creative plane:
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The competitive plane is based on scarcity, fear, and comparison. It assumes that wealth must be taken from others.
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The creative plane is based on abundance and harmony with natural law. It assumes that wealth can be created through value and right thinking.
Wattles insists that true wealth creation only occurs on the creative plane. He warns against envy, rivalry, and trying to “beat” others. Instead, we are to focus on creation and cooperation, building new value rather than taking existing value from someone else.
6. Gratitude: The Attitude of Abundance
Gratitude plays a central role in Wattles’ system. He writes:
“The grateful mind is constantly fixed upon the best. Therefore, it tends to become the best; it takes the form or character of the best, and will receive the best.”
Gratitude acts as an emotional magnet. It aligns your inner state with the universal good and strengthens your faith. Wattles recommends making daily gratitude a habit—not just for what you already have, but also for what is coming to you.
7. Wealth as a Spiritual Duty
One of the most radical aspects of The Science of Getting Rich is its assertion that the pursuit of wealth is not only acceptable, but noble and spiritual.
He argues that we can only fulfill our potential—physically, mentally, and spiritually—when we have the resources to do so. Poverty limits expression, while wealth enables growth, contribution, and service to others.
Thus, becoming rich is not a selfish act but a divine obligation to become more of what we can be.
8. Influence and Legacy
Though not widely known in mainstream history, Wattles’ work has had a profound impact on generations of self-help thinkers:
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Rhonda Byrne called The Science of Getting Rich the inspiration for The Secret, introducing millions to the law of attraction.
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Figures like Bob Proctor, Joe Vitale, and Lisa Nichols frequently cite Wattles as a major influence.
The language may be dated, but the principles—thought, faith, vision, gratitude, and action—continue to resonate in the age of entrepreneurship and mindset coaching.
Conclusion: A Manual for Prosperity and Possibility
The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles remains a timeless guide for anyone seeking to build wealth not merely through hustle, but through alignment with universal laws. It teaches that riches are not reserved for the lucky few, but are available to all who learn to think and act in a certain way.
By combining clear vision, faith-filled thought, purposeful action, and deep gratitude, Wattles offers a model of prosperity that is as spiritual as it is practical.
His ultimate message? You have the power to create your world, and wealth is your birthright—if you claim it with belief and purpose.
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