I just started reading, The Miracle of Right Thought by Orison Swett Marden, 1910.
His biography reveals that his mother died when he was 3 as did his father when he was 7. Orison and his sibilings, subsequently, moved around from one guardian to another. Mr. Marden worked menial jobs to pay his way through life at an early age…fast forward years later, he graduated from Harvard as a Doctor and also became successful as a businessman. One might deduce that much of his success relates to his attitude and thoughts that he continually cultivated. This book is one of several, he wrote, which is said to reflect his views of the “new thought” philosophy.
Here is an exerpt of his writing from, ‘The Miracle of Right Thought’, which I found particularly provoking:
“It is marvelous what mental strength can be developed by the perpetual affirmation of vigorous fitness, strength, power, efficiency,—these are thoughts and ideals that make a strong man. You can certainly use your brain power to better advantage than in dwelling upon and rehearsing unpleasant experiences. No matter if people do not use you right, just say to yourself: “I am too big to put myself upon the level of those who stoop to lowdown, mean methods. Whatever other people do, I must act the part of a man. Life means too much to allow non-essentials to destroy my peace of mind or ruin my efficiency. I have to make good by delivering to the world in all its integrity the message which was given me at birth, which was marked out for me in my very constitution, and indicated in every fiber of my being. Because other people refuse to deliver their message or divert it, because they squander their time in that which impairs their ability and destroys their efficiency, is no reason why I should fail to deliver mine.” – Orison Swett Marden
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