About the Author
Claude M. Bristol (1891-1951), as a boy was interested in wireless telegraphy, X-ray, high- frequency apparatus, and similar manifestations of electricity. He read every book on these subjects that he could find. Bristol was a journalist for several years, including periods as a police reporter and church editor of a large city newspaper. In this post he met people from every denomination and sect, and later read thousands of books on psychology, religion, science, metaphysics, ancient magic, unity, truth, new thought, and Coueism many others dealing with what he called “Mind Stuff.” He also read the philosophies and teachings of the great masters of the past. Gradually, Bristol saw the ‘golden thread’ that runs through all religions and esoteric teachings: that belief itself has amazing powers.
Bristol served as a soldier in World War I (WWI) in France and Germany, and worked on the army newspaper, Stars and Stripes until 1919. Later, he became an investment banker, lecturer, author, and a popular speaker in clubs, business organizations and to salespeople. His best known book, The Magic of Believing, was published in 1948 when he was in his 50s and followed the success of a small book he published in 1932, entitled T.N.T – It Rocks The Earth.
Summary
Is there a force, a power, a factor or a science – call it what you will – which a few persons are fully aware of, understand, and use to overcome their difficulties and achieve outstanding wealth, success and fulfillment? Writing in The Magic of Believing, Claude M. Bristol states that “I firmly believe that there is, and it is my purpose in this book, to attempt to explain it so that you may use it if you desire.” This bestseller was written for ex-service men and women who would have to adjust to civilian life and try to prosper in it post WWI. This book was written to help develop individual thinking, believing and doing. It is widely regarded as a classic on wealth and prosperity.
In this all time-bestseller, Bristol presents a proven secret for creating and achieving your heart’s desires. This writing is motivated by Mark (9:23): “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” Belief is the same element or factor, which causes people to be cured through mental healing, enable others to climb high the ladder of success, and get phenomenal results for those who sincerely accept and apply it. Our beliefs constitute a large part of our knowledge of the world. We have beliefs about objects, culture, the past and the future. We use our beliefs to create, most of the times unconsciously, our reality.
Belief is the motivating force that enables us to achieve our dreams, goals and aspirations. It is the belief, acceptance or the basic confidence within us that transforms our desires into physical reality. Bristol had learned the truth of William James, philosopher, and one of the leading thinkers of the late 19th century statement that, “We need only in cold blood act as if the thing in question was real, and keep acting as if it was real, and it will infallibly end by growing into such a connection with our life that it will become real.” In essence, belief creates its verification in fact.
The author provides invaluable insights into the power of thoughts and belief in the achievement of wealth, health, success, all great discoveries, inventions, and significant progress in humanity.Creative thinking, desire, and firm belief in your ability to execute your ideas have been highlighted as key factors in achieving your desires. Bristol asserts that the power of believing sets in motion the inner forces by which desires are transformed into physical reality.
Several experiences are presented from Bristol own life to give you a better understanding of the entire science of thought, mind and belief, and to demonstrate that there is magic in believing, and, more importantly, that it works. Several experiments conducted by famous scientists are also presented in support of the power of the mind, our patterns of thinking, and having a firm belief in creating and achieving our desires, dreams and goals. Bristol discusses the unlimited power of the subconscious mind and the key factors of human imagination, visualization, concentration, and a firm belief in harnessing the magnetic forces of the subconscious mind.