The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles: Your Complete Guide
Looking for The Science of Getting Rich in Sri Lanka? This classic 1910 self-help book by Wallace D. Wattles is available with island-wide delivery at bookshopnearme.lk. It’s a short, practical guide that argues wealth follows clear, repeatable principles — not luck — and it went on to inspire modern bestsellers like The Secret. If you want a timeless money mindset book you can finish in an afternoon, this is one of the most influential titles ever written on the subject.
Key Takeaways
- The Science of Getting Rich is a personal-finance and self-help classic written by Wallace D. Wattles and first published in 1910.
- The book’s core claim is that getting rich follows a “science” — definite laws that anyone can apply, regardless of background or talent.
- It directly inspired Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret (2006), making it a foundational text in the law-of-attraction and abundance-mindset genre.
- At under 100 pages, it is one of the shortest and most quotable wealth-building books available.
- You can buy The Science of Getting Rich in Sri Lanka online with island-wide delivery from bookshopnearme.lk.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | The Science of Getting Rich |
| Author | Wallace D. Wattles |
| Genre | Self-Help / Personal Finance / Motivation |
| First Published | 1910 |
| Length | Approximately 80–100 pages |
| Format | Paperback |
| Availability in Sri Lanka | bookshopnearme.lk (island-wide delivery) |
What is “The Science of Getting Rich” about?
The Science of Getting Rich is a 1910 self-help book that argues wealth is the result of doing things in a “certain way” — following definite, repeatable principles rather than depending on luck, talent, or circumstance. Wallace D. Wattles opens with a bold promise: that there is an exact science to becoming rich, just as there is a science to algebra or arithmetic, and that anyone who follows its laws will get results.
The book is built around a few central ideas. First, Wattles insists that thinking in a “certain way” is the starting point of all wealth — you must hold a clear mental image of what you want. Second, he stresses gratitude as a practical force, arguing that being thankful keeps your mind connected to the source of supply. Third, he emphasises action: you must act on your vision in the present, using every day fully rather than waiting for the perfect moment.
Unlike modern finance books packed with spreadsheets and investment strategies, this is a philosophy of prosperity. Wattles focuses on mindset, purpose, and the psychology of creation rather than budgeting or stock tips. Chapters carry direct titles such as “The Right to Be Rich,” “Increasing Life,” and “The Certain Way of Thinking,” each running just a few pages.
Because it’s so concise, many readers finish it in a single sitting and then return to it repeatedly. It reads more like a set of instructions than a story, which is exactly why it has stayed in print for over a century. You can view the current edition and price on the product page here.
Who is Wallace D. Wattles?
Wallace D. Wattles (1860–1911) was an American author and pioneer of the New Thought movement, best known for writing The Science of Getting Rich, published in 1910, a year before his death. He spent much of his life studying philosophy and religious ideas, eventually developing a practical system of “success philosophy” aimed at ordinary people who wanted to improve their circumstances.
Wattles believed that his own ideas worked because he tested them in his own life. According to his daughter Florence, he “formed a clear mental picture” of what he wanted and then acted on it, and she credited the principles in the book with improving his family’s fortunes. This personal application is part of why the book feels direct and confident rather than theoretical.
His broader body of work includes companion titles such as The Science of Being Great and The Science of Being Well, forming a trilogy on prosperity, character, and health. Together these books positioned Wattles as one of the early voices in what we now call the self-improvement genre.
His influence stretches far beyond his own lifetime. Rhonda Byrne, author of The Secret, has publicly credited a worn copy of The Science of Getting Rich as the spark that launched her global phenomenon. That single connection introduced Wattles to millions of new readers around the world. You can explore more about his life and work on the dedicated Wallace D. Wattles author page.
What makes “The Science of Getting Rich” worth reading?
The Science of Getting Rich is worth reading because it distils wealth-building philosophy into a short, clear, and actionable format that has influenced the entire self-help industry for over 100 years. Its lasting relevance and brevity make it one of the most efficient books in its category.
Here’s what makes it stand out for Sri Lankan readers:
- It’s short and accessible. At under 100 pages, you can read it in one or two sittings — perfect for busy students, professionals, and entrepreneurs.
- It’s a foundational text. If you’ve read modern books like The Secret, Think and Grow Rich, or The Magic of Thinking Big, this is the source many of them draw from.
- It’s practical, not just theoretical. Each chapter ends with a clear principle you can apply immediately, from cultivating gratitude to acting on your goals daily.
- It’s affordable and reusable. Many readers keep it on their desk and re-read chapters as a mindset reset.
The book is not without criticism. Some readers find its confident tone dated, and it doesn’t offer concrete financial strategies like investing, saving, or budgeting. If you’re expecting a step-by-step money manual, you may be surprised — this is a philosophy of prosperity, not a technical guide.
That said, its value lies in perspective. It challenges you to think about wealth as something you create through clear vision, gratitude, and consistent action. For readers building a personal-development library, it’s an essential early chapter in the story of modern success writing. You can add it to your collection through bookshopnearme.lk.
Who should read this book?
The Science of Getting Rich is best suited for readers new to the self-help and prosperity genre, entrepreneurs seeking motivation, and anyone curious about the origins of the law-of-attraction philosophy. Its short length makes it especially friendly for first-time readers of non-fiction.
You’ll likely enjoy this book if you are:
- A student or young professional in Sri Lanka looking for a quick, motivating read to build a positive money mindset early.
- An entrepreneur or small-business owner who wants a mental reset and a reminder to act with clarity and purpose.
- A fan of modern self-help who wants to read the original text that inspired The Secret and much of today’s abundance literature.
- A gift buyer searching for an affordable, meaningful present for a graduate, colleague, or aspiring businessperson.
- A book collector building a shelf of classic personal-development titles.
Who might want to skip it? If you’re looking for detailed, numbers-based financial advice — how to invest, budget, or manage a business — this book won’t give you those tools. It’s a mindset book first and foremost, and it works best when paired with practical financial planning from other sources.
For readers aged 15 to 65 who want inspiration in a format they can actually finish, it’s a strong choice. Its message — that clear thinking and grateful action shape your future — is one that resonates across generations. Reserve your copy on the product page today.
Books similar to “The Science of Getting Rich”
If you enjoyed The Science of Getting Rich, you’ll appreciate other books that blend inspiration, personal growth, and rich storytelling. While Wattles wrote in the self-help space, many readers who love reflective, life-changing books also branch into powerful fiction and epic narratives that explore human values, resilience, and purpose.
Here are some titles worth exploring from our collection:
- For epic wisdom and timeless values: If you’re drawn to the philosophical side of Wattles, try Mahabharata: Stories of Valor and Virtue. It offers ancient lessons on duty, ambition, and right action that pair beautifully with a wealth-mindset read.
- For a lighter, feel-good change of pace: Love on the Brain is a warm, witty romance perfect for unwinding after a focused non-fiction session.
- For emotional depth and resilience: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a moving historical novel about courage and survival — ideal if you love stories about people who overcome the odds.
- For character-driven inspiration: The Many Lives and Secret Sorrows of Josephine B. is a rich, immersive read for those who enjoy exploring how people shape their own destinies.
Within the self-help genre itself, natural next reads include Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, and As a Man Thinketh by James Allen — all descendants of the ideas Wattles introduced. Building a small shelf of these classics gives you a complete picture of the prosperity-mindset tradition.
Where can I buy “The Science of Getting Rich” in Sri Lanka?
You can buy The Science of Getting Rich in Sri Lanka online at bookshopnearme.lk, with convenient island-wide delivery to all districts. Ordering is simple, and the book is available at an affordable price point that makes it easy to add to your cart alongside other titles.
Here’s why readers across Sri Lanka choose bookshopnearme.lk for this title:
- Island-wide delivery — from Colombo and Kandy to Jaffna, Galle, and beyond.
- Easy online ordering — browse, add to cart, and check out in minutes.
- Genuine copies — receive an authentic paperback edition.
- Bundle-friendly — pair it with related self-help or fiction titles in a single order.
To order, simply visit the product page, select your quantity, and complete checkout. If you’d like to explore more of the author’s philosophy, the Wallace D. Wattles author page is a great place to start. Whether you’re buying for yourself or as a gift, it’s one of the most accessible entry points into the world of prosperity thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Science of Getting Rich worth reading today?
Yes. Despite being published in 1910, The Science of Getting Rich remains relevant because its core message — that clear thinking, gratitude, and consistent action shape your success — is timeless. It’s also very short, so it’s a low-commitment read that continues to influence modern self-help.
How long does it take to read The Science of Getting Rich?
Most readers finish The Science of Getting Rich in one to two hours, as it runs under 100 pages across short, focused chapters. This makes it one of the quickest reads in the personal-development genre.
Did The Science of Getting Rich inspire The Secret?
Yes. Rhonda Byrne, author of the global bestseller The Secret (2006), has credited Wallace D. Wattles’ The Science of Getting Rich as the book that inspired her to create it. This connection introduced Wattles’ 1910 work to millions of new readers.
Is The Science of Getting Rich a religious book?
No, it is not a religious book, though it uses spiritual and philosophical language. Wattles refers to a universal “formless substance” or source, but the book’s practical focus is on mindset, gratitude, and action rather than any specific religion.
Where can I buy The Science of Getting Rich in Sri Lanka?
You can buy The Science of Getting Rich in Sri Lanka at bookshopnearme.lk, which offers island-wide delivery. Simply visit the product page, place your order online, and have it delivered to your address anywhere in the country.
What other books should I read after The Science of Getting Rich?
After The Science of Getting Rich, popular follow-up reads include Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, As a Man Thinketh by James Allen, and The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. For a change of pace, fiction like The Nightingale or Mahabharata: Stories of Valor and Virtue explores similar themes of purpose and resilience.
Final Thoughts
The Science of Getting Rich has stayed in print for more than a century for good reason: it delivers a clear, motivating philosophy of prosperity in a format anyone can finish and apply. It won’t hand you a financial spreadsheet, but it will reshape how you think about wealth, gratitude, and purposeful action — which is exactly why it inspired an entire generation of self-help writers.
If you’re ready to read the book that started it all, order The Science of Getting Rich today from bookshopnearme.lk and enjoy fast, island-wide delivery across Sri Lanka. Happy reading — and here’s to building a richer mindset, one page at a time.