作者: E. W. Horning

Wallace Delois Wattles (1860–1911) was an American New Thought writer, often recognized for his work in the self-help and personal development genre. His most famous book, “The Science of Getting Rich” (1910), became a cornerstone of the prosperity-consciousness movement, massively influencing later thinkers and writers in the field. A lesser-known, yet impactful, work by Wattles is “How to Get What You Want” in which he extends his theories, positing that a precise understanding of the science of attraction can lead to desired outcomes in various aspects of life. Wattles” literary style reflects the New Thought Movement”s emphasis on positive thinking, affirmations, and the belief in an omnipotent, beneficent Universe. His work is characteristic of the late 19th and early 20th century self-help manuscripts in both tone and content, marked by a didactic prose aimed at presenting its theories as practically applicable truths. Though Wattles passed away shortly after publishing his most influential works, his legacy endures, continuing to attract readers interested in the laws of attraction, wealth-building, and personal empowerment. In scholarly discussions of early 20th-century American self-help and motivational literature, Wattles stands out as an essential figure whose ideas laid the groundwork for many contemporary self-improvement philosophies.