What is New Thought?

New Thought is a spiritual-philosophical movement that originated in 19th-century America, primarily through the work of Phineas P. Quimby, who focused on mental healing. It posits that God is omnipresent and that human beings are divine, possessing the inherent capacity to create their reality through thought and intention. Key tenets include the power of positive thinking, the law of attraction, and the belief that illness and poverty are often the result of negative mental states. Major branches and associated figures include Science of Mind, founded by Ernest Holmes; Unity, established by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore; and Divine Science, co-founded by Nona Brooks. Other influential figures include Thomas Troward, known for his lectures on mental science; Emma Curtis Hopkins, often called the "Teacher of Teachers" for her influence on many New Thought leaders; and Ralph Waldo Emerson, whose Transcendentalist ideas laid some philosophical groundwork for the movement. While Mary Baker Eddy, founder of Christian Science, was influenced by Quimby, Christian Science is generally considered a distinct movement, though it shares some conceptual similarities with New Thought.

New Thought is a spiritual and philosophical movement that emerged in the 19th century, fundamentally reshaping Western perspectives on consciousness, healing, and personal agency. It represents a significant departure from traditional religious dogma, emphasizing an immanent divinity and the creative power of the human mind. This movement's historical importance lies in its pioneering articulation of concepts like the law of attraction and the mind-body connection, which have profoundly influenced subsequent self-help, spiritual, and psychological paradigms. Its enduring relevance stems from its practical framework for personal transformation, offering individuals tools to consciously shape their experiences and manifest desired realities.

The term "New Thought" is a compound of the English words "new" and "thought." "New" derives from the Proto-Germanic niwjaz, meaning fresh or recent, while "thought" comes from the Old English þoht, referring to the act or product of thinking. The phrase itself arose in the late 19th century to describe a collection of burgeoning metaphysical and spiritual ideas that were distinct from older, established religious and philosophical systems, emphasizing a "new" way of understanding reality and human potential.

Practitioners of New Thought actively engage in mental and spiritual practices to align their consciousness with desired outcomes. This often involves daily affirmations, where specific positive statements are repeated to reprogram subconscious beliefs and intentions. Visualization is another core technique, where individuals vividly imagine their goals as already achieved, thereby impressing these images upon the subconscious mind and attracting corresponding experiences. Furthermore, regular meditation and prayer are utilized not as supplication, but as means to connect with the omnipresent divine intelligence and to cultivate a mindset of abundance and well-being, fostering a proactive approach to life's challenges.