Wealth and the Science of Getting Rich

Wealth can be represented in many forms.
Although we are most accustomed to associating wealth with money, we can also become rich in other arguably more important realms like Health, Happiness, Love, Friends, Gratitude…

Here’s a great summary of one persons philosophy for achieving wealth.
His book, written in 1910, has been inspiration for many well recieved subsequents like The Secret and The Attractor Factor.
The whole book can be read at
It is an easy read in a couple of sittings.

The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattle

There is a thinking stuff from which all things are made, and which, in its original state, permeates, penetrates, and fills the interspaces of the universe.

A thought in this substance produces the thing that is imaged by the thought.

A person can form things in his thought, and by impressing his thought upon formless substance can cause the thing he thinks about to be created.

In order to do this, a person must pass from the competitive to the creative mind. Otherwise he cannot be in harmony with formless intelligence, which is always creative and never competitive in spirit.

A person may come into full harmony with the formless substance by entertaining a lively and sincere gratitude for the blessings it bestows upon him. Gratitude unifies the mind of man with the intelligence of substance, so that man’s thoughts are received by the formless. A person can remain upon the creative plane only by uniting himself with the formless intelligence through a deep and continuous feeling of gratitude.

A person must form a clear and definite mental image of the things he wishes to have, to do, or to become, and he must hold this mental image in his thoughts, while being deeply grateful to the supreme that all his desires are granted to him. The person who wishes to get rich must spend his leisure hours in contemplating his vision, and in earnest thanksgiving that the reality is being given to him. Too much stress cannot be laid on the importance of frequent contemplation of the mental image, coupled with unwavering faith and devout g ratitude. This is the process by which the impression is given to the formless and the creative forces set in motion.

The creative energy works through the established channels of natural growth, and of the industrial and social order. All that is included in his mental image will surely be brought to the person who follows the instructions given above, and whose faith does not waver. What he wants will come to him through the ways of established trade and commerce.

In order to receive his own when it is ready to come to him, a person must be in action in a way that causes him to more than fill his present place. He must keep in mind the purpose to get rich through realization of his mental image. And he must do, every day, all that can be done that day, taking care to do each act in a successful manner. He must give to every person a use value in excess of the cash value he receives, so that each transaction makes for more life, and he must hold the advancing thought so that the impression of increase will be communicated to all with whom he comes into contact.

The men and women who practice the foregoing instructions will certainly get rich, and the riches they receive will be in exact proportion to the definiteness of their vision, the fixity of their purpose, the steadiness of their faith, and the depth of their gratitude.

 

Inspired eco-design by Apple

 

We’ve all watched Apple over the past decade turn into a powerhouse in the consumer electronic world with the introduction of the iPod.  Known for their outstanding user interface, aesthetically pleasing form factor and designs, and innovative marketing, Apple has heavily influenced business and society.

With the long overdue rise of environmental concern in CE manufacturing, it is exciting to see Apple turn their immense intellectual power toward creating more environmentally friendly MacBook.  Thinner, more energy efficient, cutting out most of the highly toxic chemicals found in most computers and low-volume packaging, the MacBook will likely pave the path for more consumer electronic companies to get off their addiction to toxic materials and overpackaging.   Kudo’s to Apple.

As always, it is the consumer and their dollar who will stimulate the continued growth in ‘green’ technology.  The next time you go to purchase a desktop computer, monitor or laptop, make sure it is certified by Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT).   The provide ratings on computers and monitors as their reduction in toxic materials.

The more EPEAT “Silver” and “Gold” products you buy, the more will be created!

 

Eco – “Rich Dad, Poor Dad?”

 

Cross posted at Wiser Earth.

About five years ago, I read Robert Kiyosaki’s wildly popular book, “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” (www.richdad.com) At the time, I was looking to re-evaluate my relationship with money given my desire to own a house, have kids and really understand my financial future.

At the time, I was still knee deep into environmental and social organizing in Santa Barbara County and realized that I was going to have a difficult time living in Santa Barbara on this non-profit income.

“Rich Dad, Poor Dad” was an amazing read and really affected me. It took a long time negative issue for my liberal mind and helped me understand the power of understanding how money and business work. For years, I had spoken to students at UCSB counseling them that we did not need more ‘activists’ simply dedicated to pounding the pavement. We needed people who understood the business world, finances, trade, manufacturing etc. For all that counsel I gave years ago, this was my own first step to following my own advice.

Robert breaks down his own interpretation of the philosophy behind those who embrace money and those who have a negative relationship with it in the form of his ‘rich dad’ who is a business man and his ‘poor dad’ who is a teacher. He also challenges you to understand issues like passive income, assets and liabilities. This is a compelling read and I would recommend it to anyone.

After reading the book with my environmental and social sensibilities, I was left wanting to learn more about understanding and making money in a socially responsible fashion. Rich Dad, Poor Dad is completely devoid of such a discussion and they don’t claim to offer such information.

So who is the eco-finance guru out there? Who is going to write the book that teaches environmentally/socially minded individuals the power of the dollar, how to understand finances and business?

I’m sure there are authors out there already. I know Paul Hawken’s “Ecology of Commerce” was a step in the right direction. Who else is out there?

 

Wiser Earth

Good morning good people!

Another lovely day here in Santa Barbara, thankfully we have some rain on the way.

After hearing about Wiser Earth through a number of channels, I finally got around to joining up with this valuable group.

Wiser Earth:

WiserEarth . . .serves the people who are transforming the world. It is a community directory and networking forum that maps and connects non-governmental organizations and individuals addressing the central issues of our day: climate change, poverty, the environment, peace, water, hunger, social justice, conservation, human rights and more. Content is created and edited by people like you.

Wiser Earth brings together wildly popular social networking, activists, progressive ideals, and the world wide web under one banner.

The site is really well designed and intuitive…kudos to the Wiser Earth team for investing in this design, it will be critical for its popularity and usefulness.

I’ve set up a Sustainable Business Project Group on Wiser Earth whose goal:

The Sustainable Business Project’s goal is to create an on-line business incubator and networking group for businesses/entrepreneurs seeking to find the most ecologically and socially progressive methods to run a profitable business.

We are seeking existing business owners and professionals who can answer questions, mentor and otherwise share experiences. We are seeking entrepreneurs seeking to start a business utilizing ecologically and socially progressive business practices who are willing to learn and share.

Together, we will create a dynamic and interactive community that will help create a new generation of highly successful businesses with an ecological and socially progressive business foundation.

Ultimately, we will help create new business models that promote personal, societal and planetary health.

Please consider joining, share your knowledge, ask your questions, share your experiences, get inspired and change the world…one business at a time.

I’m looking forward to the interaction with the participants at Wiser Earth. For that matter, I want this blog to function similarly in finding Sustainable Business models. So whether I catch you over at Wiser Earth or we chat right here, let’s connect and change the world one business at a time.

 

Book Review: Small Giants by Bo Burlingham

Small Giants: Companies that Choose to be Great instead of Big

I had a chance to read this book a little while back and I’ve been singing its praises since.

Bo’s book follow the path of a handful of highly successful companies (eg. Righteous Babe Records, Clif Bar, Anchor Steam Brewery etc.) and illustrates how these companies had the potential to go ‘big’ and rake in more cash yet made intentional decisions to be great, model companies from a more holistic viewpoint.

These companies chose to plow money into their communities, into their employees, into environmentally friendly practices and into supporting a lifestyle of their choice.   They kept their quirkiness, their spirit, and their integrity while still remaining highly successful.

This was an inspiring read for me.

This book helped make something very clear to me that is affecting my choices now.  I want to be part of business that supports my lifestyle, not just my bank account.  For instance, my top priority is to be able to spend my time as wisely as possible. Time with my family, time by myself, time surrounded by inspirational people, time to play, and time to work my butt off are are central to my happiness.

For that matter, I achieve to earn a healthy income and become financially independent.  I have no desire to stop ‘working’ until I am physically unable but I do have an acute aversion to wasting time.

As someone who spent many years advocating for social justice, environmental protection and good government, I found it refreshing to find models in Small Giants that would allow you to use the power of the dollar for GOOD!  Models that allowed for financially successful business that promoted loyal customers, employees and community members because the businesses cared about the big picture, not just the small (bottom line).

To be honest, ‘progressive’ businesses like these are the future as far as I’m concerned.  Focusing the entrepreneurial spirit on business models that make environmental protection, a just society and exciting human advances possible is where our business schools and leaders should focus their time.

Speaking from experience with my effort to launch two businesses, I can speak that this isn’t easy, but it is required.  The old model where Wall Street and government aid, abet and reward traditional business models has been an ongoing disaster in so many ways.

The rise of intentional, sustainable business models is long overdue and one of the more exciting trends the future holds.

Please do take some time to check out this book, it is an inspirational read.