ATTRACT PROSPERITY - 16. GOOD CHEER AND PROSPERITY - Orison Swett Marden

PROSPERITY – How to Attract It - Chapter 16. GOOD CHEER AND PROSPERITY - Orison Swett Marden - HQ Full Book.In Chapter 16: Good Cheer and Prosperity, Orison Swett Marden delivers a radiant philosophy that positions cheerfulness as a central force not just for personal happiness, but as a magnet for prosperity and success in life. The chapter is an expansive meditation on the transformative power of good cheer—how it lubricates the machinery of daily existence, empowers resilience in hardship, and serves as an invisible yet compelling force in attracting wealth, opportunity, and goodwill. Marden begins with the powerful metaphor that “smiles attract dollars as they attract everything that is good and wholesome.” From the outset, he asserts that cheerfulness is not a frivolous or superficial quality but a deep, generative principle of life. It is the oil that allows the engine of the human spirit to run smoothly, especially through life’s inevitable jolts and setbacks. To walk through life with a sunny disposition, he argues, is to tap into one of humanity’s most potent success tools. A major theme of the chapter is the choice of attitude. Marden draws a stark contrast between those who face life with optimism and those who are weighed down by gloom. The cheerful man, according to Marden, is not only happier but more useful, more efficient, and more likely to succeed. He notes that cheerful people tend to take broader views of situations, solve problems more creatively, and win the confidence and cooperation of others. In business, relationships, and personal endeavors, the person who remains hopeful and buoyant has a decisive advantage. Marden boldly states that if he had to name one thing that would most benefit humanity, it would be “more cheerfulness.” He suggests that it leads to a chain of positives: more energy, character, health, and a larger future. This cheerfulness is not about denying the reality of hardship, but about interpreting hardship through a constructive lens. He describes how good cheer can transmute what seem like misfortunes into blessings, giving individuals the strength to press forward when others might succumb to despair. One of the most compelling sections of the chapter is a parable of a little girl growing a flower in a narrow alley. Despite her challenging environment, she moved the flower into the narrow shafts of sunlight that reached her window. Her perseverance and cheerful attitude allowed beauty to bloom in the darkest of places. Marden uses this to illustrate how, even with very little, one can find joy and cultivate goodness if one keeps facing the light.Cheerfulness is also deeply tied to gratitude in Marden’s philosophy. He observes that most people overlook their blessings while fixating on what they lack. A cheerful attitude, he argues, trains the mind to appreciate the everyday marvels of life—sunshine, flowers, music, nature—and in doing so, aligns one with the deeper rhythm of abundance in the universe. In other words, to be cheerful is to be in tune with divine provision. The chapter also challenges the cultural notion that money and material wealth are prerequisites for happiness. Marden points out that many wealthy individuals are not truly happy, while some of the poorest individuals he has known are rich in joy, humor, and spirit. He uses historical figures like Epictetus and Andrew Carnegie to illustrate that cheerfulness, more than material possessions, is the true indicator of richness in life. In Carnegie’s case, laughter was part of his success strategy, as he famously said, “My young partners do the work and I do the laughing.” Another key idea is that cheerfulness is both infectious and magnetic. A cheerful person uplifts others, enriches environments, and wins trust and affection naturally. Marden’s vivid statement—“No smiles, no business”—captures this notion succinctly. He recounts how gloomy faces repel and discourage others, while smiles build bridges, sell products, and inspire cooperation. Marden goes even further to declare that cheerfulness is a kind of moral and spiritual duty. To go about the world radiating gloom, he says, is a form of mental poison. It demoralizes others and weakens the fabric of society. Cheerfulness, by contrast, is a healing force—a “balm of Gilead.” He points to scientific and spiritual evidence that happiness promotes health, sharpens the mind, and invigorates the body. The habit of cheerfulness, he concludes, is as vital as habits of honesty or hard work. In addition, he stresses the importance of nurturing joy in the home. Fun, laughter, and play are not luxuries or distractions but essential to a well-balanced, spiritually aligned life. He criticizes the stifling atmospheres of some homes where children are discouraged from expressing joy, noting that such repression creates adults who struggle to connect, adapt, and thrive socially. A profound ...