It is purported that Joseph Murphy is a contemporary of Neville Goddard and studied under the same Rabbi Abdullah. The similarities of thought processes, concepts, and even linguistics are evidence of such a connection. While Neville is recognized as the true father of the Law of Assumption, I found The Power of the Subconscious Mind to be a better read overall.

“If you think good, good will follow; if you think evil, evil will follow. This is the way your mind works.”

Joseph Murphy breaks down the human condition into two distinct parts: the conscious mind and the subconscious mind. If you think of yourself as a ship, the conscious mind (your waking thoughts) is the captain, and you’re giving directions to the subconscious mind – the engine. This subconscious mind does not argue. It takes you straight to your destination based on your thoughts, and it does so in unbelievable, even magical ways. It works behind the scenes, sending out energy and connecting to things around you on an undetectable level to create your own reality.

In other words, what Murphy calls the subconscious mind, Neville would call the “I AM” of your being.

Controlling your thoughts is of the utmost importance, and Murphy believes that by communicating your desire to have positive, loving, and grateful thoughts each night before sleep, you will gradually enter a more positive vibration in general. Your subconscious mind will react to your desire to live a more positive life. And in doing so, more abundance will flow to you freely as you learn to negate negative thinking.

“If you have indulged in fear, worry, and other destructive forms of thinking, the remedy is to recognize the omnipotence of your subconscious mind and decree freedom, happiness, and perfect health. Your subconscious mind, being creative and one with your divine source, will proceed to create the freedom and happiness, which you have earnestly decreed.”

Just as positive thoughts have the ability to manifest an abundant life, negative thoughts harm you. When you have negative thoughts about someone, whether or not they harmed you, you are only hurting yourself. It hurts you mentally, and oftentimes it manifests in the form of sickness of the body.

Murphy goes on to discuss using your subconscious mind to attract money, financial freedom, prestige, good health, jobs, harmonious relationships, and, of course, love. He gives plenty of real-world examples from people he has helped, and shows both sides of the coin. For example, if you want to be wealthy but at the same time you are jealous or resentful of someone who has money, you are blocking your own abundance.

“You are the sum total of your thoughts. You can keep from entertaining negative thought and imagery. The way to get rid of darkness is with light; the way to overcome cold is with heat; the way to overcome the negative thought is to substitute the good thought. Affirm the good, and the bad will vanish.”

The Power of Your Subconscious Mind is highly recommended and a must-read for all LoA enthusiasts.