Law of Attraction: A Historical Digest
The phrase Law of Attraction has virtually exploded in the post-Y2K world! With the movie The Secret and more recently Oprah Winfrey’s mention of the law, this phrase has become almost common knowledge.
The history of the actual “Law of Attraction,” as we have come to call it, dates back centuries. The first reference to this idea can be found on the Emerald Tablet. The tablet is believed to be the first record of man’s conscious awareness of the power of positive thoughts.
It is difficult to define the Law in one phrase, but in layman’s terms the most basic explanation is that our thoughts manifest our reality. While the Law of Attraction connection can also be found in any religion, the most obvious ties are revealed in both Hinduism and Buddhism.
The Eastern Connection
This precept correlates deeply with the Hindu and Buddhist belief in Karma. The word karma comes from the Sanskrit language, the ceremonial language of the Hindu religion. By definition, karma means “actions.”
Buddha used the concept of karma to explain the inequalities in human lives — the result of actions, both past and present. Our actions are the final result of applying the Law of Attraction, whether consciously or unconsciously. They stem from our thoughts and feelings.
The Law of Attraction also draws parallels from the Buddhist Law of Vibration. Buddhists believe that everything in existence transmits vibrations — including our thoughts. Positive thoughts vibrate at a higher frequency, and nature (Dharma) returns that same frequency to us. Buddha taught that the Law of Dharma always prevails: hateful or angry feelings can only return misery.
The philosophy that man becomes what he thinks about most has appeared in different cultures and religions throughout history. If you look deep enough, you will find references related to the Law of Attraction in practically every culture known to man.
The Dawn of New Thought
The New Thought philosophy in the western world began to emerge in the nineteenth century. One of the founding authors was Prentice Mulford. His most influential book, Thoughts are Things (1889), became a mantra for many of today’s Law of Attraction teachers.
Robert Collier also made important contributions with The Secret of the Ages (1926) and The Secret Power. His famous quote — “The first principle of success is desire — knowing what you want. Desire is the planting of the seed” — remains foundational.
The specific term “Law of Attraction” was coined in the early twentieth century by William Walker Atkinson. In 1906 he published Dynamic Thought and Thought Vibration or the Law of Attraction in the Thought World.
Another hugely influential book was Wallace D. Wattles’ The Science of Getting Rich (1910), which expanded on the idea that our thoughts manifest in our daily lives.
In 1912, Charles Haanel published The Master Key System, built on concentration, positive thinking, and the creative power of thought. This work had a profound impact on the New Thought movement.
Haanel’s teachings directly influenced Napoleon Hill, who wrote to Haanel thanking him. Hill’s Think and Grow Rich (1928) remains one of the most iconic success books of all time. Its core message: with true intent, conscious belief, and the elimination of negative thought, anyone can achieve their goals.
Atkinson, Wattles, Haanel, and Hill are the fathers of the modern Law of Attraction movement. We still have much to learn from these great texts.