Eight Pillars of Prosperity (Unabridged‪)‬

A philosopher and pioneer of the New Thought movement, James Allen (1864-1912) has become something of an icon in the self-help industry of today. Many life coaches and motivational mentors have drawn material liberally, if selectively, from his writings, and his suggestion of a straightforward path to an ideal life has made his works very popular. However, in Allen's view, a truly healthy and prosperous life is built on moral virtue. As he states in the first chapter: "Prosperity rests upon a moral foundation."

According to Allen, lasting success in life comes only from the observance of the highest principles, and any advantage gained by trickery, deception, or manipulation will prove to be temporary and unsatisfying. Allen's eight pillars relate to the development of an ideal personal character rather than to a grasp of economics or politics or individual astuteness: In Allen's view the smart man is not necessarily the wise man.

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