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The Spiritual Science of Human Potential
Have you ever wondered why some people achieve greatness while others with similar talents and opportunities remain ordinary? Wallace D. Wattles, a pioneering mind in the New Thought movement of the early 20th century, provided answers that continue to resonate today. His work "The Science of Being Great" completes his transformative trilogy alongside "The Science of Getting Rich" and "The Science of Being Well." Though less famous than contemporaries like Napoleon Hill, Wattles' ideas profoundly influenced the self-development industry. His concepts appear throughout "The Secret" and other modern manifestation teachings. Even tech mogul Jeff Bezos reportedly keeps Wattles' principles close at hand. What makes this work particularly fascinating is its unique blend of practical psychology and spiritual wisdom-offering a system that promises not just success, but true greatness accessible to anyone willing to think deeply enough.
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The Universal Principle of Power Within
At the heart of Wattles' philosophy lies a revolutionary idea: every person possesses an inherent "Principle of Power" through which they can develop their mental faculties without limitation. Unlike animals bound by instinct, humans possess the unique capacity for conscious growth and self-development. This power represents what Wattles calls "Omniscience flowing into man"-the divine intelligence expressing itself through human consciousness. This concept suggests that human potential is not fixed but infinitely expandable, limited only by our awareness and willingness to engage with this inner force.
What distinguishes truly great individuals is not merely their accomplishments but their connection to this unlimited reservoir of power. Lincoln, despite his limited formal education, consistently perceived truth when others were confused by appearances. His greatness stemmed not from superior reasoning ability but from spiritual insight-the ability to access wisdom beyond his personal experience. Similar examples can be found in figures like Einstein, who credited his breakthrough insights to intuitive flashes rather than logical deduction, or Edison, whose thousands of experiments were guided by an inner knowing that transcended conventional scientific methods.
The essential difference between ordinary and extraordinary people lies in their mental attitude. Most people live reactively, like footballs kicked about by circumstances, while great individuals operate from an internal wellspring of power. This shift from external to internal control represents what Wattles calls "the real conversion"-passing from death to life. This transformation manifests in practical ways: reactive people blame circumstances for their failures, while proactive individuals find opportunities in challenges. Where most see obstacles, the awakened person perceives stepping stones to greater achievement.
This principle explains why genius appears in unexpected places and why human potential seems boundless. Consider Mozart composing masterpieces as a child, or Helen Keller overcoming seemingly insurmountable disabilities - these examples demonstrate how connecting with inner power transcends conventional limitations. The awakening to this power transforms a person from being shaped by circumstances to shaping circumstances. When you connect with this principle, you tap into the same creative force that maintains the universe itself. This connection manifests as heightened intuition, clearer perception, and an unshakeable sense of purpose.
The realization that this power resides within you-waiting to be activated through conscious thought-forms the foundation for all personal greatness. This awareness typically unfolds in stages: first comes intellectual understanding, then experiential glimpses through meditation or moments of inspiration, and finally, sustained access to this inner reservoir. Success stories across fields - from business innovators to artistic pioneers - consistently point to this awakening as the turning point in their journey from ordinary to extraordinary achievement.
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Breaking the Chains of Limitation
Wattles systematically dismantles the common excuses that prevent people from achieving greatness, beginning with heredity and circumstances. While we may inherit certain tendencies toward melancholy or ill-temper, these are merely habits of thought impressed upon our subconscious mind-not immutable barriers. Any inherited trait can be overcome when "the real man awakens" to his inner power. This awakening process involves conscious recognition of these patterns and deliberate effort to reshape them through new thought habits and consistent practice.
Even brain structure, which might provide natural talents in certain areas, does not limit our potential. Any faculty can be developed through focused effort. Wattles boldly declares: "The brain does not make the man; the man makes the brain." Our mental focus literally shapes our neural pathways, a concept modern neuroscience has confirmed through research on neuroplasticity. Studies have shown how taxi drivers' hippocampi enlarge through navigation, musicians' motor cortices expand through practice, and meditation practitioners develop denser gray matter in regions associated with attention and emotional regulation.
External circumstances prove equally powerless against determined will. The same power that formed humans for growth also controls external conditions. When you begin moving forward with purpose, "things will arrange themselves for your advantage." History abounds with examples: Martin Luther singing in streets for bread before transforming Christianity; Linnaeus educating himself with just forty dollars before revolutionizing biological classification; Abraham Lincoln rising from poverty to preserve a nation. Modern examples reinforce this principle: Oprah Winfrey overcoming childhood poverty and abuse to become a media mogul, or Steve Jobs building Apple from a garage startup to a global technology leader.
Even more limiting than external circumstances are internal barriers-anxiety, worry, and fear. These mental states distort perception and prevent clear thinking by triggering the brain's threat response system, flooding our bodies with stress hormones that inhibit rational decision-making and creative problem-solving. Wattles insists that financial concerns can be overcome through applying universal principles (detailed in his earlier work). Similarly, health problems yield to "simple laws of life" - proper nutrition, adequate rest, regular exercise, and maintaining a positive mental attitude. Beyond physical concerns, moral preparation becomes essential. Pride, vanity, envy, malice, and selfish ambition must be abandoned, as these disconnect one from the divine mind and create internal resistance to growth and achievement.
The message becomes clear: nothing external can permanently block your path to greatness. The only real barriers are internal-and these dissolve when you awaken to your true nature through consistent practice of positive thought patterns, deliberate action toward your goals, and alignment with universal principles of growth and achievement. This transformation requires patience, persistence, and unwavering faith in one's inherent potential for greatness.
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The Evolutionary Perspective: A Perfect World Becoming
Perhaps Wattles' most radical contribution is his evolutionary perspective on life's challenges. He presents a worldview where "the world and all it contains is perfect, though not completed." This subtle distinction transforms how we perceive apparent evils and injustices.
Nature, human society, and government are all perfect for their current stage of development-like a half-finished building that appears chaotic but follows an intelligent plan. Even exploitative labor practices represent merely "the savage stage of industrial development"-not permanent conditions but temporary phases in humanity's evolution.
This perspective produces an "advancing and expanding mind" rather than a "descending and decreasing mind." Instead of seeing the world as a wrecked ship headed for destruction, we recognize it as a magnificent steamer with perfect machinery-we're simply learning to steer properly. This optimistic outlook allows us to work constructively toward completion rather than desperately attempting patchwork reforms.
The same principle applies to individuals. There are no "bad" or "evil" people-only those who are "off the track" like a good engine derailed. Everything incomplete may appear evil but is actually perfect in its current developmental stage. With this understanding, we lose all desire to judge or condemn others, instead working "as those who are among the angels."
This evolutionary viewpoint extends to understanding God's purpose. From single-celled organisms to complex human societies, life has been driven by "the insistent urge of Spirit" toward greater expression. What appears as evil represents necessary developmental stages as cruder aspects of humanity emerged first. God's ultimate aim is not perfecting a few specimens but glorifying the entire race, leading to a world where suffering ceases.
By adopting this perspective, we free ourselves from the mental burden of perceiving life as fundamentally flawed. We see ourselves as perfect beings advancing toward completion-a mindset essential for accessing our full potential.
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The Metaphysical Foundation of Greatness
Wattles presents a comprehensive metaphysical framework that underpins his entire philosophy of success and achievement. At its core, he describes a "Cosmic Intelligence" existing in and through all things as the one real substance-what he calls "Intelligent Substance" or "Mind Stuff"-from which everything in the universe proceeds. This Original Spirit Substance (God) permeates all nature, knowing all things from the beginning, acting as both the source and sustainer of all creation.
While human experience is inherently limited by time, space, and individual perspective, God's experience encompasses everything since the dawn of creation. This all-knowing Intelligence surrounds us completely, constituting our very being and essence. Wattles draws deeply from spiritual traditions, particularly interpreting Jesus's teaching "My Father and I are one" as the ultimate recognition of this fundamental unity with universal intelligence. This limitless reservoir of wisdom becomes available to anyone who learns to become one with it through conscious alignment and spiritual practice.
The practical implications of this metaphysical framework are profound and far-reaching. By aligning ourselves with this universal intelligence, we gain access to wisdom that helps us perceive the right ends to seek and the most effective means to use, thereby securing the power to achieve our deepest desires. This alignment comes through the profound recognition that the Principle of Power within us is God himself. Wattles emphasizes that this isn't mere presumption or spiritual arrogance but rather an acknowledgment of an existing fact-we are already one with God and need only become consciously aware of this eternal truth.
As Wattles explains in detail, "There is only one Conscious Substance, and man is this substance embodied in physical form." Though our individual consciousness may be limited, we can deliberately unite our mind with the infinite Mind that knows all things past, present and future. Through conscious recognition and regular affirmation-"There is only one and that one is everywhere. I am one with infinite consciousness"-we begin to identify ourselves with all the power there is in the universe.
This metaphysical understanding serves as the foundational bedrock for all the practical methods Wattles prescribes throughout his work. By recognizing and actively cultivating our unity with universal intelligence, we gain access to wisdom far beyond our personal experience and power beyond our individual capabilities. This connection becomes the source of inspiration, guidance, and the creative force necessary for achieving any worthy goal.
The practical application of this principle involves regular meditation, affirmation, and conscious alignment with this universal intelligence. Wattles suggests specific practices like daily contemplation of this unity, maintaining an attitude of gratitude for this connection, and making decisions from a place of alignment with this higher wisdom. He emphasizes that this isn't merely a philosophical concept but a living truth that, when fully embraced, transforms every aspect of one's life and work.
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The Creative Power of Thought
As "thinking centers" in original substance, our thoughts possess extraordinary creative power. A thought held firmly becomes a "thought-form"-a real thing in thinking substance that eventually materializes in physical form. This creative process begins with idealization-forming a clear, detailed mental image of what we desire to become. Just as an architect must first envision a building before it can be constructed, we must carefully craft the blueprint of our desired reality in our minds.
Wattles instructs us to form a conception of ourselves in perfect health rather than sickness, in prosperity rather than poverty. We must create a thought-form of ourselves as we desire to be, setting our ideal near perfection. Whether lawyer, musician, actor, farmer or mechanic, we must fix upon our ideal and make our own choice about who we wish to become. A musician, for instance, should envision themselves performing masterfully before appreciative audiences. A farmer should see abundant crops and thriving fields. "Do not let other people decide what you are to be," Wattles emphasizes, for external influences can dilute the power of our own vision.
The central idea we hold about ourselves arranges all our facts and relationships, acting like a magnetic force that attracts corresponding circumstances. Change this central idea and everything changes - our relationships improve, opportunities multiply, and our capabilities expand. Our habitual thought, not occasional affirmations, determines our destiny. No amount of prayer helps if we still habitually regard ourselves as small or limited. We must repeat the thought of our own power until it becomes our only way of thinking about ourselves, much like an athlete visualizing victory until it becomes second nature.
Greatness comes only through thinking great thoughts. We develop mentally not by what we read but by what we think about what we read. Reading about success without contemplating its application is like watching others exercise - no benefit accrues without personal engagement. Thinking creates growth and personality. Our first thoughts may be crude, but continued thinking develops new faculties, just as a muscle strengthens through repeated use. All outward action expresses inward thinking, making our external behaviors mere reflections of our internal dialogue.
This explains why environment arranges itself around our self-concept with mathematical precision. The material world reflects our habitual thought patterns like a mirror. By changing our central idea about ourselves-thinking of ourselves as great now, not someday-we initiate a transformation that eventually manifests in our external reality. This isn't mere positive thinking; it's a fundamental law of mental creation. When we consistently hold thoughts of capability and abundance, our actions naturally align with these thoughts, creating a self-fulfilling cycle of achievement and growth.
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The Path of Service: Jesus' Idea of Greatness
Wattles contrasts two fundamentally different concepts of greatness. The common view equates greatness with dominion over others-from savage chieftains to modern business titans, the struggle for control has been constant. Jesus presents the opposite view: "He that will be great among you let him serve."
Lincoln exemplifies true greatness through service, while Napoleon, though brilliant, lacked greatness due to his cold selfishness. As we advance spiritually, we face the temptation to patronize or direct others-the principle of the Pharisee who loves recognition and status. Swedenborg identified this "love of ruling for self" as the root of all sin.
Yet Wattles warns against complete self-sacrifice, which can be as far from greatness as selfishness. True service means making the most of yourself so God may live through you to the utmost of your possibilities. Like a pianist whose music cannot find expression through untrained hands, the Spirit seeks to do great things with us once we prepare ourselves.
This understanding resolves the apparent conflict between self-development and service to others. The highest service to God and humanity comes through fully developing your potential. Each generation becomes more Godlike than the last, with expanding consciousness creating "divine discontent" that drives progress. When you make the most of yourself, you participate in this evolutionary advancement of humanity.
The practical application is straightforward: begin serving where you are, with the people around you, dealing with small things in a great way. Lincoln was as great as a backwoods lawyer as when he was President-he did common things in a great way, which made him President. Start at home with perfect poise and kindness, being the one your family relies on without becoming enslaved to others' demands.
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The Daily Practice of Greatness
Wattles provides specific practices for developing greatness, beginning with a foundational daily mental exercise. For 20-30 minutes in complete physical relaxation, preferably lying flat on one's back without tension, one should systematically and mindfully travel through the body, affirming perfect functioning of all systems - from vital organs to circulation, digestion, and nerve functions. This meditation extends beyond physical wellness to affirming freedom from negative emotions like fear, worry, and anger, while strengthening commitment to right action in all circumstances.
The exercise continues with five key affirmations, each serving a distinct purpose in consciousness development. The first focuses on viewpoint ("All is right with the world"), training the mind to see perfection and possibility rather than problems. The second involves consecration - a deep commitment to following one's highest self and ethical principles. The third addresses identification, acknowledging and embracing unity with Pure Spirit or universal consciousness. The fourth component, idealization, requires holding a detailed mental picture of your ideal self, including personality, capabilities, and achievements. The final element, realization, involves fully accepting and appropriating the power to become what you envision. These thoughts shouldn't be confined to formal exercise periods but should be woven into everyday consciousness until they become automatic mental patterns.
Beyond formal exercises, Wattles emphasizes practical application in daily life through what he calls "great way living." This means infusing even mundane tasks with excellence and conscious attention - whether writing a letter, preparing a meal, or having a conversation. We must act in a great way even in small things, putting the full power of our developing consciousness into every act. While we cannot immediately do great things in the world, as trust and recognition must be earned, we can "begin to do small things in a great way," gradually building a reputation for excellence and wisdom.
This practice requires unwavering faith in our own perceptions of truth and inner guidance. While hasty action is discouraged, when we feel clear inner direction, we must follow it confidently even when facing opposition or skepticism from others. Wattles teaches that by consistently trusting our inner light and acting from this place of certainty, others will naturally begin to recognize our wisdom and seek our counsel.
The maintenance of proper mental states becomes paramount in this practice. Hurry and anxiety are manifestations of fear that disconnect us from universal mind and creative power. The calm, centered mind is the strong mind; the hurried, scattered mind is weak and ineffective. We must deliberately form the habit of thinking of ourselves as beings of limitless power and potential, repeating and embodying this truth until it becomes our default way of perceiving ourselves and moving through the world. This requires constant vigilance over our thought patterns and emotional states, always choosing to align with our highest understanding.
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The Fulfillment of Human Potential
When these principles are fully applied, the results transform every aspect of life. The person who achieves the right viewpoint, makes full consecration, idealizes themselves as great, and expresses this ideal in every act has already attained greatness. They will receive knowledge by inspiration, gaining insights and solutions that seem to arise spontaneously. Material wealth flows naturally as their enhanced capabilities create value for others. They develop an remarkable ability to handle any circumstances with wisdom and grace, while experiencing continuous personal and professional growth. Great works and opportunities actively seek them out, drawn by their magnetic presence and capability, and all who encounter them recognize and honor their authentic greatness.
Wallace Wattles' own life journey powerfully demonstrates these principles in action. After losing his position at a Methodist Church for what they deemed "heresy" - his unconventional views about human potential and universal intelligence - he endured nearly a decade of financial hardship and social criticism. Yet through these challenging years, he maintained unwavering faith in what he called "the power of the master Intelligence to right every wrong." Rather than becoming bitter or defeated, he deliberately formed and held a clear mental picture of himself as "a successful writer, a personality of power, an advancing man" and worked steadily toward this vision. His persistence paid off dramatically in his final three years, when he achieved significant financial success and restored health despite his previous physical frailty. His transformation became living proof of his teachings.
The Science of Being Great offers a comprehensive system for fulfilling human potential that integrates philosophical wisdom with practical application. It begins with recognizing the unlimited Principle of Power within - the same force that drives evolution and human progress. This foundation leads to adopting an evolutionary perspective that sees all things as perfect though incomplete, always moving toward greater expression. The system teaches practitioners to consciously align with universal intelligence through disciplined right thought and purposeful action. Crucially, it emphasizes expressing greatness through service rather than dominion, focusing on contribution rather than control.
The essence of this teaching lies in the profound realization that greatness comes not from external circumstances but from within - through consistently thinking great thoughts and expressing them in dedicated action. As Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote in the passage Wattles frequently quotes: "Great men are they who see that spirituality is stronger than any material force; that thoughts rule the world." This principle suggests that mental mastery precedes external mastery. By systematically applying these principles, anyone can access what Emerson called the "Oversoul, with which every man's particular being is contained and made one with all other." This connection enables individuals to fulfill their highest potential while simultaneously contributing to humanity's collective evolution and advancement.
Through this process, practitioners develop not just success in conventional terms, but a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from expressing their innate greatness in service to others. The approach integrates personal achievement with universal advancement, creating sustainable success that benefits both individual and community.
