The New Thought movement, which emerged in the late 19th century, is a spiritual and philosophical movement that emphasizes the power of the mind and positive thinking. Grounded in the belief that our thoughts can shape our reality, it draws from various traditions, including Christianity, Eastern philosophies, and metaphysics. Here are ten key figures who have significantly influenced the New Thought movement.

1. Phineas Quimby (1802-1866)

Often regarded as the father of the New Thought movement, Phineas Parkhurst Quimby was a mesmerist and healer whose ideas laid the groundwork for later thinkers. Quimby believed that physical ailments could be cured through mental practices and that illness was often a result of negative thinking. He developed a system known as “mental healing,” which combined his fascination with mesmerism and his philosophical insights. Quimby’s work inspired many future leaders in the New Thought movement, including Mary Baker Eddy and Ernest Holmes.

2. Mary Baker Eddy (1821-1910)

Mary Baker Eddy was the founder of Christian Science, a religious movement that drew heavily from New Thought principles. Her book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, is considered one of the foundational texts of both Christian Science and New Thought. Eddy emphasized the power of prayer and spiritual understanding to achieve healing and advocated for a departure from traditional medicine. Her influence expanded beyond her own movement, as her ideas on the relationship between spirituality and health resonated widely.

3. Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

A transcendentalist philosopher and essayist, Ralph Waldo Emerson’s ideas greatly contributed to the intellectual climate that gave rise to New Thought. Emerson advocated for self-reliance, individualism, and the importance of intuition over empirical evidence. His writings encouraged people to explore their inner selves and recognize their inherent potential—principles that align closely with New Thought beliefs. Although not strictly a part of the New Thought movement, his influence on its development is undeniable.

4. Emma Curtis Hopkins (1849-1925)

Known as the “teacher of teachers,” Emma Curtis Hopkins was one of the most influential figures in spreading New Thought principles across America. She established several schools where she trained numerous ministers who would go on to promote New Thought teachings across various churches and organizations. Hopkins wrote several influential works, including Scientific Christian Mental Practice, which elaborates on mental healing techniques and affirmations. Her emphasis on practical spirituality helped to solidify New Thought as an accessible philosophy.

5. Ernest Holmes (1887-1960)

Ernest Holmes was a key figure in modernizing New Thought through his founding of Religious Science, part of what is commonly known today as Science of Mind. His seminal work, The Science of Mind, synthesized various philosophical ideas into a comprehensive teaching about spirituality, healing, and personal empowerment. Holmes emphasized that individuals could access divine intelligence through their consciousness and harness it for personal transformation. His legacy continues through numerous organizations worldwide committed to his teachings.

6. Charles Fillmore (1854-1948)

Charles Fillmore co-founded Unity Church with his wife Myrtle Fillmore in 1889. Unity emphasizes affirmative prayer and positive thinking, key components of New Thought philosophy. Fillmore’s writings often explored metaphysical interpretations of biblical texts, advocating for an understanding of scripture that aligns with personal empowerment and divine potential within every individual. His contributions to literature on spiritual healing have been crucial for those seeking practical applications of New Thought principles.

7. Myrtle Fillmore (1845-1931)

Myrtle Fillmore played an essential role in establishing Unity Church alongside her husband Charles Fillmore. She is widely recognized for her emphasis on self-healing through spiritual means. Myrtle’s notable work includes writing about her own healing journey from illness through prayer and meditation, inspiring countless individuals to explore their capacity for self-healing through spiritual practices. Her teachings reinforced the idea that health is a state of mind closely tied to one’s thoughts and beliefs.

8. Florence Scovel Shinn (1871-1940)

Florence Scovel Shinn was an influential author and teacher whose works focused on affirmations and visualization techniques as tools for manifesting desires. Her most famous book, The Game of Life and How to Play It, emphasizes how individuals can harness their thoughts to create positive outcomes in their lives—core tenets of New Thought philosophy. Shinn’s simple yet profound insights helped popularize New Thought concepts among broader audiences, making them accessible to everyday people seeking personal empowerment.

9. Wallace D. Wattles (1860-1911)

Wallace D. Wattles is best known for his book The Science of Getting Rich, which provides a practical guide for achieving success by aligning one’s thoughts with universal laws of abundance. His ideas contributed significantly to what would later become known as the Law of Attraction—an essential component in modern interpretations of New Thought principles. Wattles’ focus on abundance rather than scarcity resonated with many readers during his time and continues to inspire those looking to improve their financial situations through mental discipline.

10. Charles Haanel (1866-1960)

Charles Haanel was an early proponent of personal development who wrote The Master Key System, published in 1912. This book serves as a guide for understanding how thoughts shape experiences and includes practical exercises designed to develop mental faculties necessary for personal growth and success. Haanel’s philosophy aligns closely with New Thought principles by emphasizing conscious thought management as a necessary component for achieving desired outcomes in life.

Conclusion

The New Thought movement has evolved significantly since its inception but continues to impact countless lives worldwide today. Each figure highlighted here has contributed uniquely to this vibrant tapestry of thought that encourages self-reflection, empowerment, and holistic living through spiritual understanding.

As we delve deeper into our understanding of these influential figures, we recognize that their teachings remain relevant in today’s quest for personal growth and wellness—a testament to the enduring power of thought in transforming lives across generations.

Whether you’re seeking healing, abundance, or simply a more fulfilling life experience, exploring these foundational thinkers can provide valuable insights into how your mind can shape your reality in profound ways.