What is Law of Attraction?

The Law of Attraction is the principle that subjective tendencies set in motion are bound to attract corresponding experiences. It is often summarized as "like energy attracts like energy." Charles F. Haanel explicitly states this, writing: "The law of mental attraction is an exact parallel to the law of atomic affinity. Mental currents are as real as electric, magnetic or heat currents." Haanel also refers to this concept as "Mental Gravitation," extending the physics principle of gravitation into the mental realm. Just as physical bodies are drawn toward each other by an invisible force proportional to their mass, thoughts of a particular quality are drawn toward corresponding conditions, circumstances, and other thoughts of similar nature. Haanel connects this to a fundamental cohesive force, stating, "The law of attraction is the law of love." He insists that this mental gravitation operates with the same mathematical certainty as its physical counterpart, making the results of correct thinking as predictable as any scientific experiment.

The Law of Attraction stands as a foundational tenet within the New Thought movement, positing that an individual's thoughts, whether conscious or subconscious, directly influence their reality. This principle gained significant traction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly through figures like Phineas Quimby, Wallace D. Wattles, and Charles F. Haanel, who articulated its mechanics as a natural law governing the universe. Its significance lies in empowering individuals to take an active role in shaping their destiny, moving beyond fatalism to a paradigm of co-creation. Understanding the Law of Attraction is crucial for comprehending the New Thought emphasis on mental causation and its implications for personal development, well-being, and success.

The term "Law of Attraction" is a compound phrase, with "law" deriving from the Old English "lagu," referring to a rule or principle, and ultimately from the Proto-Germanic "*lagam," meaning to lay or place. "Attraction" originates from the Latin "attrahere," meaning "to draw to" or "to pull." While the concept of like attracting like has ancient philosophical roots, the specific phrasing "Law of Attraction" emerged within the New Thought lexicon to describe a universal, immutable principle governing the manifestation of desires through mental states.

Practitioners of the Law of Attraction engage in several techniques to align their thoughts and emotions with desired outcomes. Visualization is a primary method, where individuals vividly imagine themselves already possessing or experiencing their goals, engaging all senses to make the mental image as real as possible. Affirmations, positive statements repeated regularly, are also used to reprogram subconscious beliefs and reinforce desired mental patterns. Additionally, cultivating a strong sense of gratitude for current blessings and future manifestations is believed to raise one's vibrational frequency, thereby attracting more positive experiences.