The Magic of Believing

The Science of Setting Your Goal and Then Reaching It

Fireside, 1991

15 min read

10 take-aways

Text available

What's inside?

Classic pep talk: How to accomplish anything by putting your subconscious mind to work.

We currently cannot offer you an audio version of this summary.

Editorial Rating

Qualities

Innovative
Applicable

Recommendation

The subconscious mind is a colossal dynamo. Throughout history, great rulers, warriors, statesmen, inventors, writers, artists, poets and religious leaders have used it to attain their objectives. You, too, can put your mind’s remarkable force to work. In this enduringly popular, updated 1948 classic, Claude M. Bristol asserts that if you firmly believe that you can be successful, and remind yourself of this belief, over and over, you will succeed. His book is filled with colorful stories and anecdotes about people throughout history who used the power of belief to get what they wanted. He is a true believer that thinking about something the right way will make it happen. Many of Bristol’s tales are intriguing, though some of his advice may seem a bit farfetched. For example, when guests overstay their welcome, try getting them to leave quickly by thinking, “Go home now, go home now, go home now.” According to Bristol, if you formulate this thought when the conversation lulls and you can barely contain your yawns, “The results will astonish you.” Whether or not this particular mind-control technique works, getAbstract recognizes the lasting popularity of Bristol’s inspirational book. For nearly 60 years, he has told people worldwide how to achieve their goals with the power of thought and attitude. Read it to learn his ideas on putting belief, imagination and suggestion to work for you.

Summary

“The Power of Belief”

A truly remarkable power resides within your subconscious mind. You can use several time-tested methods to tap this potential force, including the power of suggestion. If you repeatedly tell yourself that you will be successful, you will be. Invariably, you can achieve your goals if you believe that you can. Belief is the prime requirement. Set a clear goal, firmly believe that you will reach it and you will. The world’s most successful people have used this simple, dependable formula throughout the ages. It will work for you.

Shamans, priests, ministers, monks and evangelists have employed the power of the subconscious for thousands of years. Mind power represents the bedrock of numerous belief systems, including voodoo, magic, theosophy, yoga, Christian Science and others. Time and again, faith healers have demonstrated that if people believe they will be cured, even if they have horrible infirmities and illnesses, they can be. Belief is their salvation. Indeed, no force on earth can match mind power. It is creative thinking at its most superior. The term “mind-stuff,” though inelegant, is an all-encompassing label for this power and the subjects...

About the Author

Journalist and author Claude M. Bristol fought in World War I. He wrote often about spiritual issues and the power of the mind. This book, first published in 1948, has sold more than a million copies. It is a true “prosperity” classic. Bristol died in 1951.

Comment on this summary

Sign in to share your opinion
J. D. 5 years ago

Creating a board where you pin images of what you want really helps-a dream board. It helped me achieve my dream of living in Paris. On the board were pictures of what my life would be. Today it is.
H. B. 1 decade ago

frankly, this book is one of the most agreable books i've ever red and i recommended it for all my colleauges in my company

Claude M. Bristol