William Walker Atkinson: The Law of Attraction in the Thought World - HQ Full Book. William Walker Atkinson, a key figure in the New Thought movement, was instrumental in popularizing the concept of the law of attraction. His 1906 work, *Thought Vibration: The Law of Attraction in the Thought World*, stands as one of the most profound early articulations of this philosophy. At its core, Atkinson’s teaching posits that thoughts are vibrational forces, and these vibrations have the power to influence the material world. The law of attraction, according to Atkinson, is a universal principle that governs the interplay between thought and reality: like attracts like. Positive thoughts attract positive outcomes, while negative thoughts draw in undesirable circumstances.The Law of Attraction as a Universal PrincipleAtkinson’s presentation of the law of attraction is grounded in the idea that thoughts are not passive, internal experiences but active forces that shape the external world. He suggests that thoughts are energy, vibrating at specific frequencies. These thought vibrations radiate outward and interact with other vibrations in the universe, attracting similar frequencies back to the individual. In essence, the law of attraction reflects a universal truth: what we think, we attract.In *Thought Vibration*, Atkinson likens this process to the principles governing natural laws, such as gravity or magnetism. Just as a magnet attracts metal based on its inherent properties, so too does the mind attract experiences, people, and opportunities based on its habitual thoughts. For Atkinson, this is not a matter of mere wishful thinking but a law of nature that operates consistently, whether or not we are consciously aware of it.Thought as a Creative ForceCentral to Atkinson's view of the law of attraction is the concept of thought as a creative force. He argues that everything in the universe, including material objects, begins as a thought. In this framework, our minds are powerful tools capable of shaping reality. By directing our thoughts deliberately, we can essentially “create” our desired future.Atkinson emphasizes that this creative power of thought is constantly at work, whether we intend it or not. Many people, he suggests, unconsciously attract negative experiences because they allow their minds to dwell on fear, doubt, or lack. This is a critical point in Atkinson’s philosophy: the law of attraction does not discriminate between positive and negative energy—it simply reflects back whatever we consistently focus on. Therefore, individuals must take conscious control of their thinking to avoid attracting unwanted outcomes.The ability to harness this creative force is, for Atkinson, the key to personal mastery and success. By learning to focus on what we want—whether it is success, health, happiness, or love—we can actively participate in the manifestation of our desires. The law of attraction, as Atkinson presents it, is a method for consciously shaping our destinies through the directed use of thought.Vibrations and the Attraction of Like EnergyThe idea of vibrational energy lies at the heart of Atkinson's explanation of the law of attraction. He postulates that every thought carries a specific vibrational frequency, and these vibrations move outward into the universe. The principle of "like attracts like" means that thoughts vibrating at similar frequencies are naturally drawn toward each other. This forms the basis of attraction—positive vibrations attract positive experiences, while negative vibrations pull in negative circumstances.In practical terms, Atkinson advises that individuals must align their thoughts with the outcomes they wish to manifest. If someone desires success, they must vibrate at the frequency of success by focusing on thoughts of achievement, wealth, and prosperity. Conversely, if a person is filled with worry or fear, their mind emits lower-frequency vibrations that attract failure, setbacks, and challenges. In this way, the law of attraction becomes a powerful tool for either improving one’s life or unintentionally sabotaging it.Control and Mastery of ThoughtAtkinson places great emphasis on the need to control and master one’s thoughts to effectively use the law of attraction. He contends that many people live in a state of mental disorder, allowing their thoughts to drift aimlessly between fear, doubt, and fleeting desires. This lack of focus leads to mixed and often undesirable results. To use the law of attraction effectively, Atkinson teaches that we must develop a habit of disciplined thinking. The mind, like any muscle, must be trained through conscious effort. This involves consistently focusing on positive, empowering thoughts and avoiding mental patterns of negativity or defeat. Atkinson’s view is that control of thought is not only essential for attracting favorable circumstances but also for achieving inner peace and mental clarity.The ...
